How I Got a Watch and Became a Better Parent

I haven’t worn a watch in over a decade. With my cell phone always within arms reach and clocks in every room, my watch became redundant.

Recently, however, I’ve needed to know the time without wanting to keep my phone with me at all times, especially in the morning when I’m struggling to get out the door with the kids.

It started when we noticed a dramatic difference in our daughter’s behavior when we stopped keeping our cell phones near us. Conversations were no longer interrupted by beeps or blinking lights. We became more present, with our focus on the people right in front of us. (What could be more important than that?)

When I reach for my phone to check the time, I invariably get distracted. I read an email. I respond to a status update on Facebook. I text a friend back. Those actions only take moments, but they add up. And they take time away from my children.

Instead of getting back to people throughout the day, I can write back everyone at once when the kids are asleep (or occasionally during the day when our daughter is off reading or playing while I breastfeed the baby). When the kids aren’t around, I’m less distracted too; my responses take less time.

And so I found myself wanting to wear a watch again.

For months (okay, maybe closer to a year) I have been lusting over these extravagant Kate Spade goodies:

I simply cannot justify the price, especially since we really can’t afford them right now and I’m on a shopping diet.

And so I bought this affordable beauty instead:

(My favorite part is the pink second hand.)

It’s more casual, lighter, and water-resistant than those fancy watches. I won’t have to worry about scratching it. I can wear it all day, every day. In wearing a watch, I will be more present with my kids and get the whole family out the door on time. (Ha!)

Well, we’ll see about that last bit. After all, it’s not a magic watch. I don’t think.