What Winter Break Without Social Media Taught Me

To share what I’ve learned, let’s rewind to August, when we moved my dad to San Diego. My dad, who I love deeply, has aphasia—a condition that makes communication a bit like playing Charades every day. He understands everything but often loses the words he wants to say, so I step in to fill the gaps. He moved here to be closer to his grandkids, his daughter (hi, that’s me!), and my wonderful husband.

By September, it became clear my dad hadn’t been taking care of himself. So, I went all in—four doctor appointments a week, tackling everything from his overall health to his cataracts. He went from nearly blind in one eye and unable to drive for months to having near-perfect vision. Watching him regain his independence was worth every moment of effort, but in the process, I forgot something important: me.

This is the reality of being part of the sandwich generation. You’re raising your own children while caring for an aging parent, trying to give your best to everyone you love, and often leaving little for yourself. It’s a role filled with love, but it’s also exhausting, emotionally and physically.

The warning signs came quietly—my hair started falling out. Stress, they said. So, I hit pause and put myself first, consulting a dermatologist and starting a hair care regimen. The tests all came back normal, but the consensus from every woman I spoke to? Stress was the culprit.

Then came my birthday, and my husband surprised me with a lifeline: a six-night trip to Hawaii. It was just us, with my amazing in-laws holding down the fort at home. The first few days felt odd—after months of caregiving for my dad and wrangling three little ones, I was alone. If you’ve ever been a parent, you know that “alone” is both thrilling and disorienting. What do I do with myself? But this trip was the start of something I’d been neglecting: self-care.

Hawaii reminded me how to choose me. I unplugged, took in the beauty around me, and let go of the constant need to check in. Social media? Barely a thought. I called my kids every day, of course, but beyond that, I gave myself the gift of peace.

When I got back, with a few weeks of school left for the kids, the stress started creeping in again. That’s when I realized one big source: the endless social media scroll. It was a time suck that left me feeling inadequate and overwhelmed. The algorithm was whispering lies about what I needed to buy, do, or become to measure up. My brain was cluttered, my peace was gone, and I was ready for a change.

So, with winter break approaching, I decided: enough. I deleted the social apps from my phone. I wanted to be present, really present, for my kids and myself.

And here’s what I’ve learned:

• I have so much more time when I’m not glued to my phone.
• I’m more patient with my kids and less tired without the endless scroll.
• We’re having fun.

We’re one week into our break, and it’s been a blast—baking cookies, playing games, and just enjoying each other. The kids have even started choosing card games like Uno and War over screens. My oldest and I played Uno for 90 minutes one night, and it’s easily one of my favorite memories from this break.

Most importantly, I’ve learned that protecting my peace and putting myself first isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. When I care for myself, I can truly show up for my family and create the kind of home life we all thrive in.

When I started this business, I knew social media would be part of it, but I dreaded the constant marketing and “look at me” vibe. Helping parents find peace in their homes is my true passion—not keeping up with an algorithm. I’m not saying I’ll never go back to social media, but I’ve loved this quiet without the noise. My house feels uncluttered, and my brain feels the same.

Now, I have a new goal: breaking the phone habit for good. Did you know your phone can track how often you pick it up in a day? Mine’s been living in a bowl on a bookshelf as a gentle reminder to stay present in this one precious life.

Other things I’m loving right now:

• Scheduling one-on-one dates with my kids.
• Not over-scheduling our family—sometimes we all need a break.
• Decluttering and deep-cleaning with the kids before the holidays (thanks to a little nudge from our elf, who reminded them, “You have to give to get!”).
• Walking more with our pup while listening to Let Them by Mel Robbins. It’s been eye-opening, and I’m already planning to implement some of her strategies.

This winter break has reminded me of what really matters: connection, simplicity, and showing up for the people I love—including myself.

Now I want to hear from you—what’s one small thing you could do to bring more peace into your life this week?

Here’s my challenge for you: take a break from the noise. Whether it’s putting your phone in another room, setting a timer for a 30-minute social media detox, or saying no to an overly packed schedule, find one way to reclaim your time and presence. Start small, and see how it feels. You might be surprised by what a difference it makes.

Let me know how it goes—I’d love to hear your stories!