Moms Unplugged (Don't Waste Time Online)

Photo by Nicolas Chang

The stereotype of the 1980's at-home mother featured bathrobe, slippers, and soap operas. Most of us would agree that's a pretty outdated image. But I fear it's been replaced with one that is just as damaging - a mom stuck behind a computer screen.

The internet is an amazing research tool for busy mothers. Opportunities for social networking also abound - like forums, blogs, Facebook, and MySpace. But for many women (working inside or outside the home), healthy boundaries have been crossed and the computer threatens to become a significant time-waster.

I speak from experience on this issue. I remember when we bought our first home computer ( several years ago, pre-kids). I stayed up late roaming the halls of cyberspace, and slowly entered the brain fog that emerges from too much screen time. When I finally logged off and got ready for bed, I realized I'd been wearing my contact lenses and my glasses at the same time! That should have been a warning sign.

Since I started blogging, the pressures to waste time online are even greater. I've discovered so many fantastic resources on the web. And sometimes the screen is a welcome diversion from the challenges of the day. I recently read about women who follow between 100-200 blogs regularly! I completely understand that temptation, but boundaries are key.

Here are three ways to moderate computer usage:

1. Use a timer.

Photo by Pascal

When I sit down to go online, I set a timer for a reasonable period (typically 10-30 minutes). Sometimes I think I'll just check my watch instead, but this hardly ever works. I need that beeping signal that time is up. Internet tracking services, like TimeTracker on Firefox, also serve as a glaring reminder of your usage.

2. Find your tribe - don't settle for less.

I only follow about twenty blogs, and I have one homeschooling forum I check regularly. I only subscribe to blogs that inspire me and are significantly related to this season in my life. If I find as time goes by that a site isn't quite what I expected, I unsubscribe. You should do the same. (Yes, even if it means Steady Mom doesn't make your cut!)

3. Take the hint when your children interrupt.

Photo by Edwart Visser

If you have little ones, you won't be online for long before you hear a voice calling, "I need you, Mom!" For this reason we have our computer upstairs, far away from our living area. I can't be online long before someone wants my help. It is good accountability. We can view these interruptions as annoyances (and sometimes I do!), but maybe our children are doing us a favor.

After all, do we really want our kids remembering long days spent with Mom behind a computer screen, escaping reality? I don't.

So I better wrap up this post and head outside to chase and tickle three little people I love.

How much time do you usually spend online each day? How do you keep your computer usage in balance?

(For more Works for Me Wednesday tips, visit We Are THAT Family.)