Find the seven differences between the two pictures.

silence your work notifications. Wait to check the news until the kids are outside playing.

3Understand the power of the interruption (for good and bad).

In a 2017 experiment, infant language development expert Kathy Hirsh-Pasek had two groups of parents try to teach their 2-year-olds words. The parents in one group were interrupted by a phone call while teaching, and the parents in the other group were not. The toddlers in the interrupted group didn’t learn the words, while the ones whose parents were not interrupted did. Disruptions to the flow of communication between parents and kids have detrimental effects.

On the other hand, what do you do when your kids interrupt you while you’re looking at a screen? Sometimes you have to ask them to wait a moment, but most of the time, their bids for attention are a chance to send a clear message. By putting the device down, you’re telling them they’re more important than whatever you’re looking at. Don’t make your kids wonder if you value your phone more than them.

Try this: Next time you’re watching a reel on Instagram and your daughter says, “Hey, Mom!” instead of replying with a half-attentive “hmm?” or an annoyed “I’m kind of in the middle of something,” set your phone down, screen sidedown, turn your body to her, and say, “What’s up? You have my attention.”

How do you fight technoference in your family? k

Family First is a non-profit organization that provides parenting, marriage, and relationship resources through All Pro Dad, IMom and Family Minute programs, that help people love their family well, and gives them greater hope for the future. For more information visit www.familyfirst.net

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