Digital Detox for Executives

Welcome to the first installment of Boardroom to Playroom. We created this newsletter with one simple goal in mind: to help busy professionals like you connect more deeply with your kids through meaningful moments.

You’re busy, so let’s get right to it…

One afternoon, I was driving my daughter around for some errands, and we started talking about the color of our dream car. I mentioned how I'd want mine to be teal blue, my favorite color since I was a kid. Then it hit me – I had no idea what her favorite color was. Was it pink? Maybe purple? We had talked about it before, but I couldn’t remember.

I felt a wave of embarrassment and sadness. How had I missed this? What else didn’t I know about her interests?

This moment made me realize how distractions can impact our connection with our kids. I had to make some changes, or else our relationship was at stake.

This Week's Deep Dive: Disconnect to Reconnect

Technology is likely the top culprit for robbing us of our ability to be present. Our phones hang around in our pockets and make it seem like they are our #1 priority.

Here are 4 tips I’ve found helpful to unplug and reconnect:

• Limit Phone Usage: Automatically set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" during key family hours, like dinner time and bedtime. Inform your closest colleagues to set expectations about your availability.

• Limit Specific Apps: Use app limit settings to curb your social media scrolling. Set a timer for 15 minutes a day, and stick to it. No more getting lost in the black hole of golf videos or couple jokes.

• Tech-Free Zones: Establish tech-free zones in your home, like the dining room or living room. No phones, tablets, or even smartwatches. Just good old-fashioned face-to-face conversations. It might feel forced at first, but you’ll get used to it.

• Create a Charging Station: In our house, we’ve dedicated a corner to charge everyone’s devices overnight. This ensures no one is doom scrolling before bed and that we don’t check email first thing in the morning.

Reflect: What specific times of the day could be designated as "Do Not Disturb" times? Is there a specific app that distracts you the most, and can you delete it from your phone?

Weekly Connection Moment

Your weekly suggestion to have a meaningful connection with your kiddo

• Ages 4-7 — Craft a Father's Day Card: Spend some time together creating a handmade Father's Day card for a grandfather, neighbor, or other dad-figure in your lives. Use materials you have at home and let your child’s creativity shine.

• Ages 8-12 — BBQ Cookout: Teach your kiddo how to cook your favorite BBQ dish. Teach them how to marinate, about grill safety, and enjoy your creation together.

We're Just Getting Started

We’re just getting started, and your feedback is invaluable. I personally read every email, so feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, or just say hi!

Thank you for being a Proud Parint. Together, let’s make every moment extraordinary!

Stay tuned for next week’s newsletter on how to infuse old-school summer vibes into your summer…