After my daughter Lucy was born, I found myself constantly distracted by my phone despite vowing to be fully present with her and my wife. During sleepless nights caring for a newborn, I'd mindlessly scroll through mundane forums rather than embracing this precious time.
Before Lucy's arrival, my wife Jenny and I cringed at families ignoring each other to stare at screens. We made pacts about putting down our devices to play with Lucy, have real conversations, and remain in the moment.
However, the reality of early parenthood tested those ideals. My phone became an addiction, providing an escape from dirty diapers and feeds at all hours. Hours vanished as I dove into articles or nostalgic YouTube holes.
Meanwhile, Lucy grew and changed by the day right under my nose, and I feared missing it. I beat myself up while sneaking glances during tummy time or her first babbles. Jenny gently suggested we rethink our family's relationship with technology.
I hesitated at restricting my digital life so drastically. But seeing chunks of Lucy's infancy lost to my compulsive scrolling shook me. So we debated options, finally deciding on a four-month trial with no WiFi at home.
It felt extreme. Cold turkey with work deadlines looming? Yet after boxing up the router, a sense of relief washed over me. The real world suddenly became HD, my to-do list now playing out in 3D people, places, and chores before me.
Sure, transporting Lucy's newfound mobility outside for phone calls was cumbersome. But her delight bumbling after butterflies or yanking up tiny fistfuls of grass fueled me with patience. The little things captivated her that I'd been missing, like sunlight dancing through wind chimes or crinkly fall leaves.
My family felt present with me again as well. Candlelit dinners led to lingering conversations until Lucy's bedtime when we'd cuddle reading stories, absorbing her unconditional affection. I savored days in their deliberate rhythm without digital distractions tugging me elsewhere.
When we reconnected the WiFi, clearer priorities stuck with me. I still regress sometimes when fatigue sets in, but quickly recenter thanks to new habits. Honestly, I welcome chances now to intentionally unplug. It turns out everything I need is already right here at home. My daughter showed me that.