In mid-August, our dishwasher stopped working right before we left for a trip to Toronto. We took it apart and put it back together, thinking we had found the problem. We put a load in and left it until we returned from our trip to find dishes were still dirty and hadn’t done their job. We took it apart again and have since left it as we wait for someone to come and look at it.
So, I have been doing the dishes for our household multiple times a day. At first I found it an inconvenience and was not thrilled with it. With a bit of time I now take the time that I do the dishes as a gift. It is time that I get to be thankful for the fact that we have food on our table, we are able to share in meals daily as a family and for the fact that I have two sons that are slowly learning that using the same cup more than once is an okay thing to do.
This is also time that I am away from my phone or computer. I start the dishes as the rest of the family is finishing up dinner. We are able to visit while I do this and although we do this during the meal sometimes this is where I get more out of my boys.
It takes me back to being at the lake which is one of my favorite places and all the memories of doing dishes there and the dishtowel fights my siblings and I would have. It was a simpler time and one that I would like to get back to. I am not saying that I do not want the use of machines or technology but I know that I need to be aware of the amount of time that I am interacting with these rather than the people in my life. Relationships are so important and can easily be broken when we do not make time for them.
Are there machines in your household that you do not feel that you could live without? Have you ever taken a technology break? What benefits did you find when you did this?
Whenever I buy dishes I often check that they are dishwasher safe so, I am probably pretty lazy. However, doing the dishes by hand can be cathartic and reflective for me so I don’t mind it once and awhile.
Of all the technology in my home, the washing machine is the one piece I couldn’t live without. I have been an avid tech user for half of my life but lately, technology means work and being away from the computer or phone is a vacation.
Dustin, I agree that my washing machine is one I would have a very difficult time living without. I had to live without a dryer for a bit in the middle of winter and was taking loads of laundry over to my in-laws. I felt like I had to spend the entire day there as my laundry was being done as I didn’t want them seeing my underwear.
I didn’t have my own cell phone until I got married and that was at 23 just about 24. I know that for the first bit I wasn’t so attached to my cell phone but when I became the administrator of the school I know have it with me pretty much all the time. I have now told myself that in the summer and during holidays I get one day where I can check work emails otherwise they can wait. It allows me the time to be present with my family.
I agree take the time to be away from your technology so that you have a chance to have a break it isn’t healthy for anyone to work all the time.
It sounds like doing the dishes has really become quite the blessing and great bonding family time for you!
This reminds me of one weekend when I lost my phone – I knew it was somewhere in the house, but it was dead and even if it was on, it was on silent. I searched for a while but had other priorities that day and had to leave. It was quite possibly the most relaxed and just in the moment day I have had. Since then I try to make Sundays my “phone free day”. I set it to silent with the exception of it ringing for a few contacts only, and my Sundays have become more productive. I don’t feel as tied down to something – even just the tiny device, but also don’t create the “Sunday Scaries” for the next morning.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Kathleen, I really like your idea of having a day where you do not use your cell phone. I think that I am going to integrate this into my weekly routine. I know that I have had a few times where we are headed to the city and we get part way there and I realize my phone is on the charger and I just tell myself that if anyone really needs to contact me they will also try my husband and if not they can leave a message.
It is the ability to get away from technology that makes the cabin one of my favorite places in the world no matter the season. I feel that I am able to become re-grounded and get back to a good state of mind.
Andrea, thank you for sharing your experience! I have a similar feeling as we have a cabin at the lake with no dishwasher. That kitchen sink is where some of the best conversations and laughs have occurred. There is something truly magical about unplugging and being intentional with the people you love.
I can relate so well to this. My 3-year-old daughter loves helping with the dishes: she rinses while I wash. This quality time together not only strengthens our bond but also instills important moral and ethical values in her. We are reflections of our kids, and the more time we spend with them, rather than being absorbed by technology, the more we impart values that will guide them. Spending quality time with them helps them develop a strong foundation of values that will be applicable by them in the digital world.
Hi Andrea, I agree that taking breaks from technology is very important to enable us to keep up with relationships in our lives and get us physically engaged in activities that can help us value life in a more positive way. And I thinl this is very important for these Genzee kids that we are having. They are so accustomed to machines that they find it difficult to do basic house chores.
Hello Andrea! I really enjoyed reading your post. For some people, not being able to use their dishwasher is a problem, but you have seen this in a different perspective, where you are enlightened by the fact there are a lot of things you or should I say “we” should be thankful for no matter what were going through.
In terms of technology break, I cannot say that I had a total break from it as it is an integral part of my life as a mother (and an educator). However, right after I gave birth to my daughter four years ago, I did not use my phone or watch on our tv for two weeks. This is because there is an elderly belief in our society that during child birth, every part of a mother’s body had gone through a lot of stress , thereby watching tv or using mobile phone might affect her vision. At first I was frustrated because I do not know what’s happening on social media and cannot buy stuffs online, but after several days, it made me feel better. I think that it was a form of detox for me as it had lessen my anxiety, and most off all, I was able to save money.
Anna, I think that every now and then we all need a little bit of a technology detox. I like that idea. It is not giving it up totally just putting a little space between. Thanks for your insight!
I can relate so well to this. My 3-year-old daughter loves helping with the dishes; she rinses while I wash. The time together enables us to have some great time where she sings her nursery rhymes and share what she has learnt in school. These little things helps to build some life long relationships with our kids while instilling morals and ethical values in them. We are reflections of our kids, and the more time we spend with them, rather than being absorbed by technology, the more we impart values that will guide them even in the digital world.