We’re going to DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT on Father’s Day – Will You?

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Author and longtime media consultant Phil Cooke is encouraging  parents everywhere to disconnect from technology – phones, Facebook, Twitter, email, TV – and spend quality time with their kids for 24 hours this Father's Day.  And my family is going to be participating. 

Why?  Because I think it’s an important challenge, and an area in my life that I’ve been struggling with for awhile now.  Cell phones aren’t my problem (in fact, as humorous as it may be to some people, we aren’t really “up” in the cell phone age – we still use Tracphones and we’re ok with that!)  But, with my job being computer-based, I find myself tied to it way more than I would like to be some days.  I’m a perfectionist and want my work to be done to the best of my ability; but am always looking for that balance between work, homeschool, and family.  It’s hard to find.

So the challenge to Disconnect to Reconnect on Father’s Day really appeals to me and I hope it will to YOU and your family also.  Read more about Phil’s thoughts on this challenge and the importance of it below.  Then, at the end of this post, find out how you can win a copy of Phil’s new book - - -

Father’s Day: Want to Reconnect? Disconnect
Media expert, author challenges dads;
Can YOU disconnect for 24 hours?

The research has been conducted and the verdict is in (though we hardly needed it to tell us) - we’re hopelessly addicted to our digital devices.  So much so, in fact, that some psychologists are pushing to have “Internet Addiction” broadly classified as a clinical disorder. 

But isn’t it really affirmation that we can’t get enough of?  We want people to acknowledge us, interact with us, consider our opinions, laugh at our jokes, and take part in our conversations.  And these are all legitimate, natural wants and needs, mind you.  Although we may seek the approval and affirmation of acquaintances, colleagues and classmates less if we received it from our families more.

*65% of North Americans spend more time with their computer than with their spouse. 
**45% of workers say they can’t go more than 15 minutes without an interruption.
**50% of people leave their mobile phones on when they go to bed.
**Workers report that they leave their mobile phones on during movies, church & even sex.

Mobile devices, computers and social media are wonderful things, indeed.  They’ve transformed our lives and our world in countless positive ways.  But make no mistake, while we’re more connected than ever (and maybe because we’re more “connected” than ever), we’re more disconnected than ever from our families.   

Ever texted your child in his or her room to tell them that dinner is ready?  Are instant messages replacing conversations at the dinner table?  Are you talking to your kids about their “status”? Or, reading about it on Facebook? 

Because I’m sure this rings true to more of us than it should, I’m issuing a challenge today to dads across the country.

Disconnect. 

That’s right.  On June 19^th, Father’s Day, disconnect your digital device for 24 hours and reconnect with your family. 

You’ll survive.  I promise. 

In fact, I suspect you’ll be shocked at how much that quality time with your family can jolt those dormant relationships.  At how much you can download in a short time.  At how much you’ve been missed.

Here are two simple things you can do to make it happen:

1.  Before going to bed the night before Father’s Day, check your e-mail one final time, turn off your mobile device and put it in another room. You may get the shakes, but you’ll get over it.

2.  Plan the day well.  Alcoholics are very susceptible during periods of boredom and it’s no different with an internet junkie.  Plan a day of special activities with your family, so you’ll be less inclined/tempted to check email or go online.  And, if the family takes you out, leave the mobile device at home!   (You may be shocked, but yes – there was a time in ancient days when we actually left the house without a phone).

Remember - your kids watch your behavior more than they listen to your words.  And when they see you unable to disconnect from email, text messages and Twitter?  You’re telling them that what’s on your phone is more important to you than they are. 

So, think about how much time you spend online versus how much time you spend face-to-face with the people you love you the most.  And, at the very least, for 24 hours on Father’s Day, think about which connection is the most important to you – the one to the world?

Or, the one to your family?

#disconnect2reconnect

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Phil Cooke is a filmmaker, media consultant, and author of the new book “Jolt!: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing.”  Find out more at philcooke.com

*The Tyranny of Email, author John Freeman
** William Powers, author of Hamlet’s Blackberry

CONTEST!!!
I have 3 copies of Jolt!: Get the Jump on a World That’s Constantly Changing by Phil Cooke to give away. 

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment telling me what you think of the Disconnect to Reconnect challenge.  Will you be participating this Father’s Day?  Why or why not?

Additional Ways to Win (leave a separate comment for each one that you do):

• Follow my blog
• Follow my blog on FB (you can use the link in my sidebar)
• Follow me on Twitter (again, there’s a button in my sidebar)
• Visit Phil’s website and tell me something that you learned there
• Like Phil on FB
• Follow Phil on Twitter
• Use the button at the top of this post to share on FB
• Use the button at the top of this post to retweet
• Post about your commitment to Disconnect to Reconnect on your blog with a link back to this post (3 entries)

I will leave this contest open for 2 weeks and will draw the winners (randomly) on Monday, June 20th at noon (est).  If you are not a follower of Reviews & Reflections, please be sure to leave an e-mail address in your comment.  GOOD LUCK!