Unlocking Family Success: A Journey of Values, Digital Detox, and Resilience
By Kelly Mitchell, CRC, CC, ACC-ICF, BCO
In a cozy home surrounded by tall pines, a family faced the modern challenge of balancing their lives amidst the ever-present screens and busy schedules. They realized something had to change when they felt more disconnected despite living together. The constant pull of technology and the pressures of everyday life seemed to create a barrier between them.
One evening, after a particularly stressful day, the parents sat down to talk. They were worried about how much time their children spent on their devices and couldn’t ignore their own struggles with managing work emails and social media. A plan began to take shape: focusing on core values, taking a break from screens, and building resilience together as a family.
Rediscovering Family Values
The next morning, they gathered the children to discuss what values were important to their family. Each member contributed to the discussion, expressing their thoughts on kindness, responsibility, respect, and resilience. They agreed to make these values a central part of their daily lives and wrote them down on a big poster, which they hung in the living room as a constant reminder.
Over the following weeks, the family made a conscious effort to embody these values. The parents showed kindness by helping neighbors, the children practiced responsibility by doing their homework without reminders, and everyone worked on respecting each other’s opinions and staying calm during stressful situations. These values gradually began to shape their interactions and strengthen their family bonds.
Embracing a Digital Detox
With their values set, the family decided to tackle their screen time next. They started small, designating tech-free times during meals and an hour before bed. Instead of reaching for their devices, they played board games, read books, and shared stories from their day.
At first, it was difficult. The children missed chatting with friends, and the parents found it hard to stay away from work emails. But soon, they discovered the joys of spending uninterrupted time together. They laughed more, shared more, and felt more connected than ever. Family dinners, once silent with everyone engrossed in their screens, turned into lively conversations filled with laughter and meaningful discussions.
Building Family Resilience
One evening, a sudden storm knocked out the power in their home. In the past, this would have caused panic, but this time, the family saw it as an opportunity to test their resilience. They gathered candles and blankets and sat together in the living room. The parents suggested they share stories of times they had overcome challenges.
The children talked about their fears and how they learned to overcome them, while the parents recounted tough projects at work and personal challenges. Sharing these stories helped them see their own strengths and the power of supporting each other.
The storm passed, and the power returned, but the family continued their new traditions. They regularly held meetings to discuss their values, maintained their digital detox routines, and celebrated their resilience. Their home was filled with the warmth of shared values, the joy of meaningful interactions, and the strength of resilience.
A Transformed Family
Months later, the family was transformed. Their home was now a place where values guided their actions, where screens didn’t dominate their interactions, and where resilience was a shared strength. They learned that true connection doesn’t come from screens but from being present with each other, supporting one another, and living by their values.
Your Turn
Are you ready to transform your family life? By focusing on core values, embracing a digital detox, and building resilience, you can create a supportive, connected, and thriving family environment.
Reach out for personalized support and strategies to make these positive changes happen. Together, we can unlock your family's full potential.
Learn more and contact Kelly at www.resilientlife.ca or kelly@resilientlife.ca