Fatherhood in the Age of Screens

The other day, my son looked up at me while I was scrolling through my phone and asked, "Daddy, are you working or playing?" I froze. The question wasn't accusatory, just curious, but it cut through every rationalization I had been making about my screen time.

Fatherhood in the digital age presents a peculiar paradox. We're constantly connected yet perpetually distracted. We document our children's lives obsessively while sometimes missing the actual moments we're trying to capture. I've caught myself photographing my son's first attempts at riding a bike instead of simply being there.

The challenge isn't about abandoning technology entirely. That's neither practical nor desirable. My work requires connectivity, and I genuinely believe technology can enrich our lives when used mindfully. The real question is about intentionality. Am I using my devices with purpose?

I've started implementing small rituals, or at least trying to. The phone goes face-down during dinner. Weekend mornings are screen-free. When my kids are talking to me, I make it a point to put everything down and actually listen, not just hear them while my mind wanders to other things.

It is impressive how children absorb everything. They don't learn from our words about healthy tech habits, but from watching us struggle with our own devices. When I catch myself reaching for my phone out of habit rather than necessity, I think about what I'm teaching them about presence, about valuing real-world connections over digital dopamine hits.

The irony isn't lost on me that I'll probably share these thoughts online. But perhaps that's the balance we're all seeking: using technology to connect and reflect, while ensuring it never replaces the irreplaceable moments happening right in front of us.