Jo Frost, also known as Supernanny, has shared some key parenting advice on social media as she urged people to ‘put down’ one device when spending time with their kids
Parents have been urged to stop using this item at the dinner table.
We all know how easy it is to get distracted by the world around us, but a leading childcare expert has urged parents to do one thing to help them remain “in the moment” when spending time with their kids – whether it’s at dinner time or when they’re playing.
Jo Frost, who rose to prominence on the TV series Supernanny, shared an Instagram post in which she highlighted the importance of putting down your phone when you’re spending time with your children.
She explained that keeping all distractions away when playing with your kids can help them feel “loved and considered.”
In her video, she said: “Having your phone on the dining table is to have the intent to pick it up, even face down. Having your phone in your hand during a conversation is to have the intent to speak. Having your phone in plain sight when in company is to have the intent to be distracted.
“Now imagine what that does to your toddler when wanting to play. Put your phone away or on a charging dock. Have some respect for the company you are keeping. Have some manners, please.”
Jo explained in the caption of her video that the idea should really apply to everyone and not just parents of young children. She said distraction is a “huge problem” for people in today’s world, but with parents especially, it’s vital that you stay connected to your child and don’t let your phone “control your life”.
She added: “If you’re holding company, or you are a guest, stop looking at your phone. Guests will feel like you want to be there, present. If you’re out for dinner put it away, not on the table, if you are playing with your children, or reading a story, or having a conversation with your teen, remove the distraction, so they will feel loved and considered.
For relatable parenting tales, tips and offers to help you and your family, sign up for our free Lemon-Aid newsletter here.
“Distraction is a huge problem our society faces daily; staying on task to the connections you yearn for with your partner, teens, and friends requires a personal discipline many do not want to entertain.”
Commenters on the post thanked Jo for her wise words, with many admitting it had been a “wake-up call” they had desperately needed to hear to help them focus on what’s important in their lives.
One person said: “Needed this wake-up call. I use my phone way too much I need to be in the moment more.”
Another added: “If I am speaking to someone and they start looking at their phone I stop speaking immediately. It’s scary how long some people take to realise you have disengaged.”
While a third wrote: “I’m putting my phone down to play with my kids now! Thanks!”