Dec 18, 2018

Is Freeschoolin' Smart?

We don't have cell/smart phones!

Now, this wasn't a conscious choice at first. Finances forced this way of life for us, but we are REALLY glad it did! Admittedly it was a little lonely not being able to text when it's so universal and sometimes it's been a problem, like getting on to Instagram. But what we've gained, I don't know that we would have had the will power to achieve if our family became attached to smart phones 24/7 like many are.

Disadvantages No emergency phone. Solution: We carry emergency items in our car and are always prepared to ask/find help to contact CAA (Canadian Auto Association).

No way to contact people we have plans with. Solution: We make plans in advance and connect just prior to events with attendees.

No texting or Instagram. Solution: Computer type to text programs and a computer program to access Instagram. (Bluestacks)

No computer at the tip of our fingers while out. Solution: We rely on memory to recall facts and look to clocks for the time. We gather all the info we need on our computer at home and retain it out in the world. Advantages Memory. We can't look up anything, anytime, so we have to remember things we want to share when with friends or access the things we've learned while out in the world. Time. We never had the opportunity to form the habit of hand held devices eating up so much hidden time so we don't have to spend the time breaking it, on top of avoiding the smart phone time drain itself. Money. No monthly bill, no replacement phones, not a dime spent on mobile devices in the ten years Freeschoolin' Daddy and I have been together. Eco-Friendly. Though it was not our choice to begin a smart phone free life, seeing the effects on the environment and communities from the smart phone and computer industry has surely sealed the deal on our decision. We're not going computer-less anytime soon, but we CAN avoid an ENTIRE INDUSTRY by keeping on with our smart phone free life. She's Watching/A Good Example. Hope has not only grown up smart phone free but she's watched us live the life with her. She sees how it can be easily done and how important the planet is to protect. She does not crave a phone but likes to use them when the opportunity arises with friends. And she's not sheltered either; all her favorite Youtubers talk of phones and how they use them. Her peers don't have phones yet but all our friends do. Just wanted to share what we've learned as a smart phone free family.

Thanks so much for reading and being along on this amazing life journey! Judgement Free Zone. We do us. You do you. And we live together happily ever after in a loving and respectful community!