SAHM living abroad and addicted to my phone...

[Zurisee]

I literally spend hours upon hours every day on my phone. Mainly chatting on Facebook groups, browsing, reading news, chatting on Messenger etc.

I've tried cutting down and giving up social media etc but because I live abroad and my husband works away all week, I find life so lonely without it. It's my connection to the outside world and grown-up conversation.

Does anyone else have this problem? I feel like I need to get more of a balance but if I try and just sit and play with my children I find it really difficult, my mind wanders and I just want to get back on my phone to chat to adults.

My kids are age 2 and 5 but the 5 year old is only at school part-time as they start full-time education later here.

I find the forest app quite helpful for making me leave my phone alone. Although there is definitely an irony in using a phone app to control phone use! But I know exactly what you mean about talking to adults - I do work but mostly from home quite independently so I also miss that adult connection. It's worse if I'm tired or stressed I find. Also having classical music in the background I find can provide something for me to tune into. I also have very low amount of data so can't use the internet out and about.

I’m in the same boat OP. I have 2 dc under 5 and also live abroad. I moved here with DH after we got married (moved here as my DH is from here) and I honestly hate it. I’m bored, I’m isolated and with the additional language barrier I’ve struggled to make friends. My confidence has taken a big hit.

I’m also glued to my phone especially during the evenings (I try not to use it much around my kids) I find that it allows me to stay connected to the outside world. It has helped to alleviate my loneliness.

Sorry I’ve not got any advice for you OP

I deleted F.B 6 years ago. I dont have Twitter or Whatsapp.

I wait until DD is in bed, then spend a few hours reading the news and on MN.

When I did used to look at it in the day, I found my house was messier and I became very lazy, followed by guilt. Its not worth it.

Also I think of my life ticking away & I would rather see my child in front of my eyes than a screen.

I can do all that when Im older & bored in a nursing home, but whilst I have health & energy now, Im going to make the most of it.

I have this exact same issue. On my days at home I can't help but be glued to my phone all the time. Glad I'm not alone but not sure of the solution

Try reading "How to break up with your phone". It was recommended on another thread here and I found it very helpful- although I haven't given it up completely!

I deal with this too and also live in a foreign country. I try to limit phone use to less than two hours per day. It’s just me forcing myself really. I definitely understand this problem though.

I’m exactly the same. I get my screen time reports at the end of each week and feel ashamed. Each day I think I’ll get up and interact and play games with my little boy today but then I end up constantly checking my phone, and he’s always asking for his iPad! Phones have as you say contact to the outside world, banking, shopping, calendars. You name it, it can be on your phone. I almost wish I was that little bit older so I could have had my son back in 2003 when we were in much simpler times before the iPhone!