Time is Precious, so Spend It with Your Kids, Not on Your Phone
By Barbara Grassley
January 11, 2026
Des Moines Register

Over the holidays, Chuck and I were blessed to spend time with our children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Seeing our farmhouse crawling with kids fills this grandmother’s heart to the brim.

This time of year is one for reflection. With decades of parenting experience, Chuck and I have reflected on childrearing issues that we encountered and observe today.

Chuck often says I was mom and dad to the kids because of his demanding work schedule. We are partners in every sense of the word, but I sure did my fair share of child rearing — and then some. We admire the younger generations in our family for how active they are in parenting —attending every game and concert, helping with homework and ferrying their kids to every practice, birthday party and church commitment in their busy schedules. There’s nothing more important for a parent than to be present for their kids.

One new challenge that sticks out in my mind is smart phone usage. It’s hard to believe the number of noses hidden behind iPhones at restaurants, sporting events or even walking down the street. It’s alarming. I don’t know how people keep themselves safe even while crossing the street. Just think how being glued to your phone impacts your relationship with your children.

Kids need attention, support and love. They don’t need a distracted parent. We hear a lot about the dangers of distracted driving. Distracted parenting ought to raise red flags in society. As the saying goes, it’s a good day if you don’t wither. Well, I worry the conversation about kids being constantly online is falling short.

The same goes for the hours of screen time occupying the eyeballs of parents and grandparents. Don’t wither behind your phones, time is precious. Spend time intentionally with your kids and grandkids. Young parents will soon learn the truth behind another saying: The days are long, but the years are short. You and your children will appreciate quality time spent together more than you can ever imagine when you get to the point in life where I am.

To be sure, looking back on my life, I'm beaming with pride in joyful gratitude for the family Chuck and I parented together.

Barbara Grassley lives in New Hartford.

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