After several days on vacation with only Facebook access from my phone (and poor coverage so I really wasn't on much)... And with a long list of stuff to do the following week... And some much needed family time as we grew to a family of five...
I decided it was time for a break from Facebook...
It wasn't a complete break, just a serious cutback.
When I am home, it is SO easy to have Facebook up on the laptop. But then I find myself lacking in self control and wasting countless hours on there. This is one major reason I REFUSE to get on Pinterest... For me, it's just another way to waste time!
So, I had to have some accountability and semi-drastic measures.
Our Wi-Fi has very good internet security and parental controls (Open DNS- research it and give it a try- it's FREE!). We have 2 teenagers, so internet security is a MUST! I don't know if it's growing up in NY or having an LEO husband, but I'm over cautious when it comes to the internet. That's why I don't post my husband or kids' names on my blog and why my Facebook page is tightly secure (or so I hope...). My kids don't have Facebook and neither does my husband. Sure, some might see that as being a "helicopter" parent, but I see it as keeping them from a lot of stuff they don't need to see quite yet. Before they leave the house, they can have Facebook, but not when they're 14 and 16. I don't care if your teens have a Facebook page, just PLEASE make sure their page is secure! I can't tell you the teens that I am not friends with but I can see everything on their page! If I can, then the pervert can too! Protect your kids on the internet!
But back to the point....
I asked my husband to block Facebook on our Wi-Fi for the last week of June and he did. Because my smartphone internet access runs off of Wi-Fi when we're home (to save my data plan), I didn't have Facebook access from my phone unless I turned Wi-Fi off. Yes, I did that sometimes and I checked Facebook while I was out of the house, but I can tell you the time I spent on it was much reduced.
And I have to say I survived and enjoyed it too!
So, my husband and I have a deal...
When he's off of work, he'll block Facebook in Wi-Fi...
When he's working, I'll pick 1 or 2 days/nights that he will unblock it.
I'll still have limited access on my phone.
This plan will help me with the amount of time I spend on Facebook and the computer in general, and during a time when I need to focus my time elsewhere.
Hopefully I'll learn some self control on my own, but until then, I like this plan!
Yes, we will all survive with out FB. Since being on vacation as well and only having limited access its been great! Wonder if I should do the same????
ReplyDeletei think it's helpful during school days Amber:) those days when you have so much to do.I have been around people who are literally glued to their phone and on FB on it and texting when they're with OTHER people! My motto is "be with those you're with" and if it's an emergency, they can call! People are more important than FB or a text. They should be treated as such. Good post Susan...good advice...I'm sure you'll see fruit in this as you continue to put it into practice! :)
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