Simple hacks to break free from digital overload as parents

Let’s be real – being a parent today can feel like a never-ending cycle of notifications, messages, and digital demands. According to a 2021 study, 80% of parents say they feel “always on” even after working hours, and more than half report struggling to fully disconnect, even during family time. If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone – but let’s take a step back to see how it compares to generations before us.

Decades ago, parents could genuinely leave work at the office. Without smartphones, email, or social media, “off-the-clock” time was truly that. Work-related interruptions were rare after hours, and home was a place where you could be fully present without constant interruptions. Back then, only about 20% of parents felt any sort of after-hours intrusion from work. Uninterrupted family time was the norm – an idea that seems almost luxurious today.

Today, however, we’re caught in a 24/7 loop where screens and pings keep pulling us back in, making it hard to disconnect and recharge. Social media, work emails, and even digital parenting communities are all part of our daily landscape, blurring the boundaries between work, home, and social life. It’s no wonder so many parents feel stretched thin, struggling to find a balance between their digital worlds and their family lives.

So, how do you disconnect?

While going fully “off-grid” may be a dream, creating small pockets of disconnected time can still work wonders. Here are a few strategies to help you carve out that precious family time – and maybe even bring back some of that “off-the-clock” feeling.

1. Set “Digital Curfews” at Home
   Decide on a time (maybe right after dinner) when all screens go off, and everyone’s attention is on each other. Studies show that setting digital boundaries can improve parent-child connection by 20%, bringing some of that old-school “tech-free family time” back into your daily routine.
2. Create Device-Free Zones
   Pick a couple of spots in your home where devices simply aren’t allowed. This could be the dining table, the play area, or even your bedroom. Parents who establish device-free zones report feeling 25% more connected to their family, recapturing that feeling of undistracted presence that our own parents may have taken for granted.
3. Embrace the Art of Small Breaks
   We often wait for hours-long stretches to catch a break, but a five-minute breather can be just as refreshing. A recent study found that taking three 5-minute breaks in a day can improve parental patience and lower stress levels by 30%. It’s a way to steal back moments of calm that our parents’ generation may not have needed to “schedule in.”

But who are we to talk?

Hey, we get it. We’re not just offering tips from afar – we’re parents, too. The ilo team was created by parents, for parents. We’ve been there, feeling the “always on” digital burnout ourselves, and we understand the value of those tiny windows of time to just… be. In fact, this is why ilo was created. This isn’t advice from the past; it’s what we know you face every day and we know that implementing those tips is easier said than done.

Disconnecting with a family-friendly Retreats

That’s why at ilo retreats, we believe in helping you disconnect from the digital world to reconnect with yourself and your family. Studies show that just a week away from screens can reduce anxiety by 50% and enhance emotional well-being. Our Moroccan retreat, for instance, has what some guests called its “best feature” – spotty wifi! Yes, you read that right. The wifi didn’t reach every room, which meant nobody had to rely on willpower to unplug. And yes, we know a week isn’t enough, but it is a pocket of time that helps you reset.

In today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world, the chance to truly unwind as a parent can feel rare, but it’s possible. With beautiful nature around you, delicious meals to enjoy together, and our intentional no-screens policy, ilo creates the chance to soak in each moment without digital distractions. You may not be able to turn back the clock, but a little intentional disconnecting can go a long way – and we’re here to help you get there, one spotty wifi connection at a time!