Dads, are you up for an important challenge?

Earlier this year we looked at the LUST project (Look Up Stop Texting) – it certainly made me pause and think about my use of various electronic devices. So we’re at you again – this time we’re suggesting that dads give the Disconnect to Reconnect Campaign a go this Father’s Day.

US author and dad Phil Cooke challenged American dads to “disconnect your digital devices for 24 hours and reconnect with your family” for Father’s Day (in the US, Father’s Day is in June). Are Australian dads up to the challenge when Father’s Day rolls around here in September!

Let’s be clear. ‘Disconnect’ means no television, no email, no computer games, no mobile phone (and no complaints!). I hope you’re still reading this and haven’t passed out. Cooke’s post will give you lots to think about.

“Mobile devices, computers and social media are wonderful things, indeed. They’ve transformed our lives and our world in countless positive ways. But make no mistake, while we’re more connected than ever (and maybe because we’re more “connected” than ever), we’re more disconnected than ever from our families.”

Cooke provides some strategies for disconnecting so that you can ‘reconnect’. Primarily, make sure you plan your disconnected day well – line up some special activities with your family, stay busy and you’ll be less inclined to check emails, fiddle with the latest app or idly surf the Web.

And if you’re not convinced, one final reminder from Cooke.

“Remember – your kids watch your behaviour more than they listen to your words. And when they see you unable to disconnect from email, text messages and Twitter? You’re telling them that what’s on your phone is more important to you than they are….on Father’s Day, think about which connection is the most important to you: The one to the world? Or the one to your family?”

So guys, on 4 September, 2011, disconnect to reconnect! We’d love to hear from dads who are taking up this challenge and then how they fared (after the event of course!).

(via Geek Dad)