Earlier this year, I opined, “Phones, and screens in general, are kryptonite when it comes to active listening and being fully engaged with our families. For better or worse, they’re part of modern life, but every family needs to find ways to manage these pesky attention-stealers.”
While researching the Daily Dad article, I came across some compelling information. Yahoo Finance reported in 2023:
Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, names synonymous with the technological revolution, made an unexpected choice when it came to their own children’s interaction with the products they helped create. Despite championing the digital age, both Gates and Jobs chose to restrict their kids’ access to technology.
During a joint press conference with then-Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Microsoft Corp. co-founder Bill Gates made a statement that caught the attention of the press. Gates and his then-wife Melinda took a decisive step by limiting screen time to 45 minutes for games, with an additional hour allowed on weekends. This was in addition to the time required for homework.
“My kids get limited computer time,” he said. “Just because you’re the daughter of Bill Gates does not mean you get to play on your computer all day long.” Gates, who also held off on providing his kids with cell (mobile) phones until they turned 14, said he also set a time that his kids had to stop using computers to help them get to sleep at a reasonable hour.
The late Steve Jobs, Apple Inc.’s co-founder, echoed Gates’ reservations about technology’s impact on his own family. In a 2011 interview with The New York Times shortly before he passed away, Jobs said he banned his kids from using the newly released iPad.
“We don’t allow the iPad in the home. We think it’s too dangerous for them in effect,” he said when asked whether his kids love the iPad.
Despite touting the iPad as a game-changer for education, web browsing, video consumption and social interaction the year before, Jobs recognised the device’s addictive nature. He understood that once the iPad became a constant presence, resisting its allure would be a challenge.
Think about that for a second. Gates and Jobs, the billionaire co-founders of corporations that literally make the technology many of us are addicted to, shielded their children from screens.
What’s a regular, everyday dad in 2024 to do‽
Step 1: Turn the screens off and get outside with your kids! It could be as simple as kicking a ball in the backyard or a visit to your local park. Resist the temptation to make it elaborate or expensive – the simpler, the better! Contrary to modern misguided opinions, your kids are mostly more interested in spending time with you than spending your money.
Step 2: If you live near the New South Wales South Coast, plan to be at the Dads4Kids Fun Camp on 1-2 November 2024. If you live somewhere else, gather some dads and kids together and plan your own fun camp. The 9-minute documentary from our 2023 Dads4Kids Fun Camp offers some great ideas.
As my friend Armen Vartazarian explains in the video, the effort we put into our families resonates and has impacts that we ourselves don’t see.
My girls and I look forward to the Dads4Kids Fun Camp every year, and it’s a wonderful opportunity to get outside and create some memories with your kids.
If you need more encouragement, check out this Daily Dad article on 5 Scientifically Proven Reasons to Get Outside.
This year’s Dads4Kids Fun Camp is coming up soon on the 1-2 November 2024 at Coolendel Camp, located on the beautiful Shoalhaven River three hours south of Sydney. Craig Shipway, a great Dads4Kids friend and father of 6, is helping organise it. Find all the details and book in here! Please contact Craig on 0418 241 457 or via email if you need more information.
Lovework
If you’re near the NSW South Coast, plan to be at the Dads4Kids Fun Camp 1-2 November 2024 – spread the word or better still, bring a friend! If you can’t be there, plan your own family adventure. Remember, it doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. Work towards making memories with your kids – you won’t regret it.
Yours for Getting Outside,
Nathaniel Marsh
P.S. Thanks to the generous support of our amazing donors, we’re able to send you this Free Email Newsletter. If you enjoy receiving weekly inspiration and encouragement from Dads4Kids, please consider supporting Dads4Kids on a monthly basis.
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Republished with thanks to Dads4Kids. Image courtesy of Adobe.
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