How To Limit Distractions As A Mom: The One Small Yet Huge Solution

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How do you limit distractions as a mom? The answer is simple, yet has a tremendous impact. It is to get rid of your social media accounts!

Now, before you stop reading, either because you’ve heard that before, you don’t want to, or you feel like you can’t, try thinking about how many distractions social media has caused you just today alone.

You see I was that same person, I didn’t think I needed to give up social media, I didn’t want to, and I didn’t realize how badly I needed to! That was until one day I finally realized how distracted it made me, even with limits and boundaries.

Social media is intended to suck us in and it works. It causes us to be disconnected from those around us and only leaves us feeling gross about ourselves after. The temporary fix or high it brings us is ultimately not satisfying or fulfilling. I know you’ve experienced it before!

I’ve been without social media for several months now and the positive impact on my life is too great not to share! You can be a more present mom when you get off social media today!

Let’s discuss it further…

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Our Children Deserve (And Need) A Present Mom

My oldest had just turned three and kept asking me what I was doing on my phone. While I was limiting my social media time, especially when she was awake, I still found myself being distracted by it during the day.

Honestly, one day I just didn’t want to tell her I was on Instagram and then have her ask what that was. She didn’t need to know.

I knew that I wasn’t feeding my soul and I could be a better example for her. I kept her away from screens, why didn’t I have the self-control to do the same? That conviction is what caused me to delete social media that night.

My children constantly need me to be present and alert to them. Yes, other things distract me during the day like a text message, a crying baby, or the dinner cooking on the stove, but they don’t completely shift my attention as social media does.

Social media would suck me in, always feeling the need for more, as it’s designed to do. Not to mention how the advertisements were affecting my thoughts throughout the day. I was constantly thinking about what I needed to consume next instead of being grateful for the blessing right in front of me.

What About The Smartphone?

Some people have chosen an even more direct approach and eliminated their smartphones. I considered this approach but ultimately decided against it.

I still desire apps like my bank account, grocery pickup, marco polo messaging, and my email on my phone. Plus, the maps app and camera feature are just too convenient. They are things I enjoy accessing weekly and don’t find them a hindrance to my daily life with my family.

But, if you find that you need even more time away from your phone, consider switching over to an old-school flip phone. It will certainly be a learning curve and frustrating at times, but not impossible.

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How It’s Possible

I can’t tell you how much relief I have experienced since being on social media. And, I truly had no idea until committing to eliminating it indefinitely. I’ve done several social media detoxes in the past, but always with the intention of returning.

This time I had no intention and I’m not sure I will ever return. My accounts are still active and I use Newsfeed Eradicator to access them if need be without seeing anything on my feed. Some local events, FB marketplace, and specific business-related messages are important for our homestead. I’m glad I can still access them on a computer nearby without ever being tempted to scroll again!

I never keep any social media apps on my phone and use the Minimalist Phone to keep me off my phone even less.

However, I would encourage you to delete the accounts permanently if you never plan on using these things and do not need access to them. My alternative has been to sign up for newsletters from companies I previously kept up with on social media. I also make more effort to text and call friends and family for updates now!

The Benefits Are Amazing

When I limit distractions as a mom I experience so much joy. I have more time to stay present with my children and husband, but I also have more time to be in God’s word. Ultimately, those relationships are all that matter in this world, so why wouldn’t I give them my full attention?

The first month was the hardest when it came to breaking habits. But now I realize I have no anxious feeling about checking in on Instagram or seeing what that notification is on Facebook. (I’ve never used TikTok and use YouTube occasionally as it is where I prefer to listen to podcasts.)

I truly feel like I am soaking in each day with my family, leaning into everything my kids are experiencing, and believe without a doubt that I will never regret not being fully present in their childhood and missing out on something.

It’s hard for me to put into words the blessing it has been to be without social media which is why I can only encourage you to experience it for yourself. I choose to lean into the hard instead, not avoid it or push my child away. I choose to keep my priorities in line with this boundary.

Have you tried to limit distractions as a mom? Was it successful? Would you consider giving up social media indefinitely? Let me know in the comments below!

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Kelsey at GoodPointGrandma

Hey there, I'm Kelsey! I'm so glad you are here. I'm a 20-something helping you live your most fulfilling life. I hope you'll join me in this old-fashioned & simple lifestyle!