My son Lincoln's friend was over, and they were lost in a world of mindless scrolling on their screens. Meanwhile, Charlie, another one of my sons, approached me. "Want to shoot some hoops, Dad?" he asked.
I couldn't refuse - I'd been trying to get my kids to make their own choices about spending time outside.
As we stepped onto the court, Charlie's words struck a chord: "While they're getting better at video games, I'm getting better at basketball."
"Yes!" I said. "That's what I'm talking about!"
It was more than just a kid's observation – it was a wake-up call about how we spend our time. Screen time might be the most challenging parenting battle of our generation. (Maybe James Clear should write "Atomic Habits for Kids" – we could all use a framework for building better digital boundaries.)
While some perfect their virtual jump shots, others are out there developing real ones. The question isn't just about screen time versus outdoor play; it's about what we could master if we redirected our daily habits. For Charlie, it's basketball. For me, it might be sales calls, exercise, learning a new language, or any skill that moves me forward.
The most powerful growth often happens when we recognize what isn't serving us and choose something better. When the present fails to captivate, we have a choice: we can scroll mindlessly, or we can embrace the opportunity for personal advancement.
And sometimes, all it takes is a child's wisdom to remind us of that choice.
