In this latest episode of our podcast, TalkDoc, Meredith, and Teighlor tackle the intricate dance between mothers and their smartphone habits. With Mother's Day as our backdrop, we embark on a heartfelt exploration of personal anecdotes, unveiling the layers of guilt that often accompany excessive phone use, particularly when it interferes with meaningful moments with our children.

Our conversation is a poignant reflection of the ongoing struggle to strike a harmonious balance between fulfilling digital responsibilities and being fully present for our kids, shedding light on the phenomenon known as “technoference” and its impact on maternal contentment.

Delving into the research, we dissect studies that illuminate the effects of maternal smartphone engagement on children's emotional states and cognitive synchronization during face-to-face interactions. These insights serve as a sobering reminder of the need to navigate our digital lives mindfully, cultivating strategies to mitigate guilt and foster healthier coping mechanisms. We don’t just stop at analysis; we share actionable tips and techniques aimed at improving this dynamic.

From establishing designated "phone-free" hours to prioritizing self-care for mental and relationship well-being, our episode serves as a beacon of support for mothers navigating the intricate web of modern-day connectivity and parenting. Join us as we navigate this nuanced terrain with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to nurturing stronger, more present relationships.

Music by epidemic sound.

SHOW NOTES:

Experts :  Wolfers, Wendt, Becker, and Utz (2023), Pew Research Center, McDaniel & Radesky 

Technoference is defined as “everyday interruptions in interpersonal interactions or time spent together that occur due to the digital and mobile technology devices” (McDaniel & Radesky, 2018, p. 100.

Resources : 

Wolfers, Wendt, Becker, and Utz (2023) article: “Do you love your phone more than your child? The consequences of norms and guilt around maternal smartphone use”

https://academic.oup.com/hcr/article/49/3/285/7010694

Cartoon by Michael Leunig (2019):

https://www.leunig.com.au/curly-world/opinion-september-2020/35-news/recent-cartoons-images/988-mummy-was-busy

Research on Parental Burnout by Zhang, Hu, and Mao (2023):

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/01430343231201863

Pew Research on Teens and Parents Approach to Screen Time:

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2024/03/11/how-teens-and-parents-approach-screen-time/

Research on Still Face and Babies:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3289403/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32857440/

Research on Reading and Phone Interruptions:

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/358408603_Reduced_mother-child_brain-to-brain_synchrony_during_joint_storytelling_interaction_interrupted_by_a_media_usage

Links :

AFAF Episode #015: What the Phub!

https://pod.link/afafwithtalkdoc/episode/49181892af68bd3170e025ea77a58de5