Reclaiming Family Time: Nathan Crockett, PhD on Controlling Your Cell Phone

In a recent LinkedIn post, Nathan Crockett, PhD discusses the pervasive challenge of smartphone distraction and offers a personal strategy for reclaiming focused time with loved ones. He emphasizes the critical need for individuals to control their devices rather than allowing their devices to control them.

Nathan Crockett, PhD opens by stating the profound impact this advice can have, suggesting it could be life-changing. He clarifies that the goal is not to abandon technology but to manage its use effectively.

“Control it. Cell phones are immensely helpful. But . . . You need to control your cell phone. Don’t let it control you.”

The Struggle for Digital Balance

Crockett, PhD admits to his own ongoing battle with smartphone overuse, describing how he finds himself drifting back to his device without conscious thought. He illustrates this with a list of common distractions:

• Sending texts related to his businesses
• Checking commercial real estate listings
• Monitoring stock performance
• Looking up sports scores
• Reading emails
• Browsing LinkedIn

This constant engagement, he explains, leads to mental disengagement from the present moment and the people around him. As Nathan Crockett, PhD articulates, the consequence is clear: “All of a sudden, I’m checked out mentally. I’m no longer really with my wife or my kids.”

A Practical Strategy for Re-engagement

To combat this, Nathan Crockett, PhD shares a personal tactic he has been implementing: placing his cell phone on its charger upon returning home from the office and making a conscious effort not to touch it until his five children are in bed. He acknowledges that this approach isn’t always perfect but expresses optimism about his progress.

“Lately, I’ve been putting my cell phone on it’s charger when I get home from the office. And trying not to touch it until all 5 kids are in bed.”

This strategy highlights a deliberate effort to create boundaries between work-related digital stimuli and family time. According to Nathan Crockett, PhD, the underlying goal is a fundamental shift in control.

The Importance of Intentionality

Crockett, PhD frames his post as a work in progress, underscoring the universal nature of this digital challenge. He solicits advice from his network, asking, “What advice do you have? Share in the comments below.” This interactive element invites a community response, positioning the discussion not just as a personal reflection but as a shared exploration of solutions.

“I want to know how to control my phone and not let it control me.”

By sharing his vulnerability and practical steps, Nathan Crockett, PhD encourages others to reflect on their own digital habits and consider implementing similar strategies to foster deeper connections with their families and friends. His insights serve as a timely reminder of the importance of intentionality in managing technology’s role in our lives.