Conversation guide
Set phone boundaries without fights
Structure the conversation so it feels safe, not accusatory.
relationshipscommunicationboundaries
The mistake to avoid
Most phone-boundary talks start with blame (“you are always on your phone”). That triggers defensiveness. Start with needs, not accusations.
A 4-step script
Use this format:
- 1) Observation: “I notice we’re both on our phones at dinner.”
- 2) Feeling: “I feel disconnected.”
- 3) Need: “I need more presence.”
- 4) Request: “Can we do phone-free dinner 3 nights/week?”
Turn boundaries into rituals
A boundary says “don’t.” A ritual says “do.” Rituals are easier to keep.
- 10-minute evening walk
- 2-minute check‑in prompt (Mom&Dad Tracker)
- Weekend “first hour phone-light”
How Social Pause helps
Social Pause supports the micro-moment: the reflex to open. Your relationship plan fails if the reflex wins 30 times a day.
Quick checklist
- Pick one phone-free moment (dinner / bedtime / first 30 min at home).
- Use the 4-step script once this week.
- Choose one replacement ritual.
- Use Social Pause to interrupt opens during your phone-free moment.
Make boundaries feel like connection
Use Social Pause for the reflex. Use Mom&Dad Tracker for structured check‑ins and repair conversations when it’s hard.