ONE YEAR Without Smartphones. Are we going back?

[@safiyyab]

Is there another video coming with your mom? I benefited so much from her videos as a stay at home, homeschooling mom.

[@AN-jw2oe]

Me too, I miss seeing Big Ski Family video content! But I sure am glad that they have kept their old videos available still, so encouraging and edifying. :)

[@cbbaby2012]

Why have they not been posting? Their examples are greatly needed!

[@jacquelyn9018]

We went smart phone free this summer and love it! We use a "Lightphone II." They are so simple, and the way I describe it to people is that it's an intentional way of living. There are so many things I love about being free from a smart phone. And I really love having my kids see me NOT on my phone all day. We are choosing to set the example that they can live in this world without a smartphone.... because my husband and I will never give them one. Therefore we need to practice what we believe. Thank you for your words of encouragement! Keep it up!

[@andrewbowman5601]

Do you still have your light phone when you keep jumping back and forth from dumb phone to smartphone just curious if other people have the same problem

[@catgeel264]

We kind of found a middle ground that works well for us. We still use our smartphones, but have deleted all apps that make us use it in a consuming way. So no browser, no social media, no time sucking apps. We do keep our messaging apps as we don't have good replacements and are not willing to give up on that line of communication, and practical apps like route planners, public transort and our banking (which we need a smartphone for anyways as there is no desktop-only option). However, because we cut out on all distractions, we use our phones only a few times a day so even the messaging apps are not distracting during in-person contact at all.

[@hannahl1092]

I agree to all this. Working at a small town with no signal for 4 months showed me how much life is nicer and more personal without smartphones. If I needed to login in on the shared library computer it needed to be very intentional. I would love to live somewhere with no signal long term, unfortunately living in a place where majority are on screens makes it hard to find others who like "doing things" and not being on their phone or TV for all hangouts. We live as screen free family most of the time, and I am struggling as a mum to find others to form friendship with when they just want to have kids on TV or tablets. Finding a like-minded community is really becoming a stronger focus for me, lovely to find you's on KZbin today and see inspiration. Information & documentary style videos are still great, just being mindful of how much we all watch is the balance we are all learning to navigate in these modern times.

[@dashanovokreshchenov8836]

My husband and I recently found y’all and my husband is so inspired to go screen free!

[@homeschoolmom779]

You've inspired me so much. 3 days ago I deactivated Instagram, tik tok, snap chat and fb. I keep messenger for work group and KZbin but I don't watch any TV. I am ordering the little house series and lots more books to start reading to my family instead. Can't wait to get started. Thank you 😊

[@nowthatimamother]

No way! This is so amazing to hear! Way to go!!!

[@homeschoolmom779]

@mirela I completely understand. It's not easy. I'm just gonna try to stay as busy as possible. It's during idle time that I struggle the most. I work part time and homeschool my three boys so I definitely have alot to do. I'm also reading through the Bible again and that helps some during idle time.

[@danief929]

Now, this is motivation.

[@danief929]

@mirela same, it's like I'm going in circles

[@selinee13]

Same! I homeschool my boys and have a baby girl as well as work, so I try to keep busy and delete by social media. Only have messenger and on KZbin sometimes for gardening and learning purposes.

[@3ate4]

For anyone that wants to keep their smartphone, but hates the fact that apps and Google has so much access to you and your information, you can go into your settings on your phone and disable certain permissions. I had to do that with my Google account too. You can make your account so disabled that you don't allow google or any apps to access your personal info (or camera! Dont use siri!). obviously some apps need certain permissions to work properly but you can at least disable some things. It's in Google account settings, your email settings, and phone settings. In your phone settings, go to permissions and it will list the apps you have and you should be able to disable some permissions there. Also, don't accept cookies on websites. Every website has them now. Most websites will give you the option to click on "preferences" when the cookies notice pops up and you can disable marketing and sale of personal info there... Most of the time. I avoid websites that don't give me that option to disable sale of my personal info. Hope that helps!

[@hartleyfamily5451]

We use Gabb phones in our home, they work like a Smart phone with no internet or social media. After breaking up with the iPhone I used a flip phone for several years but had to replace it 1-2 times a year (breakage, reduction in hearing, voice quality, etc.). We also bought a GPS system for a car :)

[@jessicacarlson347]

The Lord is definitely using y’alls content. I have felt called to have an online presence but have been hesitant because of the the exact issues you’ve listed. Thank you for outlining how it CAN be done in a much more God glorifying way. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@jessicablakely6802]

Thank you for your wholesome content. As someone who is 26 and very excited to be a mom and homemaker, your videos inspire me SO MUCH. I have so much joy looking forward to cultivating a healthy and connected family. Thank you for sharing the wisdom that your mom gave you, and you have gained from motherhood!

[@amyguzman1525]

When I had my first child in 2011 I decided to delete Facebook and go social media free.. it has been a wonderful journey. I find myself talking to people more when I'm out and intentionality meeting new people..I remember the days when people used to talk to one another more in waiting rooms..I miss the good old days before smart phones and social media

[@Marianchiki]

Hello and thank you both x super inspiring!

[@ashley.hulsey]

Wow! I am all about restricting certain apps and limiting screen time with set time limits. I commend you all for sure! With kids in tons of activities that all use apps (not email) for games practices, etc., apps that result in efficiency (mobile order, grocery orders, etc.) that require check ins like Kroger and Target, and always listening to podcasts/audiobooks while driving/doing chores/etc. would make this more cumbersome for me. But, I think this is great that you all have been able to do this!

[@SDWits]

You two are admirable (and a gorgeous couple). While I have been using my smart phone less lately, I wouldn't have the will power to go without a smartphone.

[@camibohn1017]

Hi!! So curious, what phone provider and phone do you guys use? Did you get them directly from them provider? Thanks!! That's what keep holding me back.

[@tibby24]

Love this guys!

[@elizathies6303]

All those hoping to switch to a dumphone should check out the WisePhone. It's a "smart phone" that only has text, calls, camera, and GPS. All of the necessities without any of the temptations!

[@michaelwiebe4282]

Love your channel! May God bless You!

[@yola6139]

as a 20year old whos lived half a year without instagram or tiktok I have to say that there is no negative side to it that even comes a little close to the benifits... that you miss out on something valuable is not true and its just not the platform to be beneficial for educational purposes

[@veronicaandrde3693]

Hi there guys, my husband and I just found you a few weeks ago and have been loving your videos. It is so encouraging and refreshing to see the male and female Godly perspective on a lot of your topics and so we wanted to request a video on how you guys talk to your boys about purity. The fact that your kids being so YOUNG were able to open up to you guys about how they either looked away quickly or looked for a little longer when they saw those girls with little clothes was just so beautiful to us. We would love to hear how you guys plant that seed on them and present those subjects to them in this time where promiscuity is found EVERYWHERE! We would love to hear how your husband specifically is able to relate to them in that sense as well as how you play a role as their mother on relating to them afar from displaying modesty in your own home.

[@lisapitts9518]

We have never had a smart phone. We live in Florida, my daughter lives in Seattle, when we went out there for her wedding we used Mapquest and printed everything we needed. No need for a smart phone in our home.

[@erinc9672]

Thanks so much for sharing!! This is inspiring!!

[@brittneyrussell1766]

For years I've wanted to get rid of my smart phone. The problem is we don't have internet where we live so I have to have my phone for homeschool, banking, gps, recipes, etc. I am thankful to hear how y'all manage things without one. Maybe one day.

[@S_1490]

Any plans for an in-depth homeschool video please? In a previous video you said your style is a mix of Charlotte mason and classical. I would absolutely love to know how you implement that/ curriculum used/ routines especially with little ones. Thank you ❤

[@TheTexasBoys]

Maybe the happy medium for some people could be to have a smart phone only for traveling or for people who do need a smart phone only for home internet...use it only for that and have a dumb phone as you daily user. Keep the smart phone locked away in a closet🥳👍

[@hannahl1092]

That's right, to treat it like a mini laptop/gps and not a daily device to check all the time.

[@theswampstead559]

​@@hannahl1092that seems expensive to treat a phone bill like a lap top. And then also have another line. And you would have 2 phone numbers?

[@hannahl1092]

​@@theswampstead559 You could just swap the sim into the other smart phone only when needed. Or just use wifi with smartphone at a public library when you take kids to library and make it a planned event like when I was doing primary school. Planned my internet research and email checking around trips to the library, thus it was used as a resource/tool and not become as addicting as it is now. Reading a book like the "Anxious Generation" and seeing the research on how companies have literally tapped into the dopamine cycles of our brains to get us hooked on checking notifications is eye opening. Smart phones are addictive. Period. So finding an alternative in this day in age will put you a step ahead of getting caught in the business plans of all the stores, apps, social media businesses, etc...

[@westdellarosecreations9827]

I was just talking to my mom this morning about how yall have inspired be to finally pull the plug and go screen free on all forms. My husband is stuck to his phone 24/7, or the TV with ungodly stuff.. so any advice for that I'd love!

[@juliequates9529]

Are yall involved in a church? This seems like a great thing that he could discuss with an elder or have other good influences.

[@darrahochoa]

loveeeeee thissss. Love seeing people go against the grain

[@madamekrista]

Thank you! You answered all my questions about going to a dumb phone :)

[@BBunch9]

Our biggest struggle is the bank app. We keep all our money in a separate account without a card assigned to it and move the money to our debit card after shopping (we calculate the cost as we go through the store) to pay right away.

[@jaydenicole4063]

In this world, especially as a woman. I feel you should always have a phone! But I do want to say that Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook, Snapchat are just TOXIC! Social media really consumes people for years and some don’t even see it.

[@BarbaraAnnB-yi5ew]

I didn't have a smart phone until 2019 and I miss my flip phone. I'm in my mid 30s and hate these stupid phones.

[@suestephan3255]

That is something to be in your mid 30’s and 3 yers ago got a smart phone.

[@brookenicoley90]

I went smart phone free for a couple years and just last month went back to a smart phone and I kept complaining of a sore neck and thought it was my pillow then realized it's from looking down at my (smart) phone!!!

[@juliequates9529]

Why did you go back to a smart?

[@brookenicoley90]

@@juliequates9529 I think mostly just to see if I could not be distracted by having it, but also I missed taking pictures and the convenience of having one - GPS, looking things up while out and about, being able to scan things on my phone etc. But to be honest, the hassle of not having a smart phone is worth the extra presence to my family. I will probably go back to a basic phone - I am not as distracted as I use to be but it's still pretty distracting.

[@juliequates9529]

@@brookenicoley90 thanks so much. I use my phone for so much. Photos, banking,GPS, bible study, podcasts etc. I want to start moving some of those tasks off my phone and slowly start stepping back. Thanks for the reply!

[@brookenicoley90]

@@juliequates9529 you should! With each little step, you'll see a blessing unfold. You don't have to do anything extreme! I am sure the Lord will guide you for what fits right for you and your family :)

[@lovingsunshine3515]

For me smartphones are not exactly the problem. It’s how we use it. I’ve never had Instagram and just deactivated Facebook. I find it very useful especially when we’re travelling and we want to find out what restaurants and hotels are around the area that we’re passing through. I also work at the school and we use a certain app for quick communication with the parents and one just for the school staff if there’s changes or something that has come up.

[@theswampstead559]

How do you keep up with bills? It's so quick and effortless to use my smartphone but I definitely don't like the random distractions that pop up, like you mentioned.

[@livingthefruitfullife654]

good info, but how do you deal with all the apps you're present on... instagram, fb, youtube etc. answering folks or reading comments etc. even posting your work, recording your work? interesting...and i loved that you posted your evening routine. my husband and i did the same. so thankful. wishing for more of a routine back now that they are older... it's hard to keep the patterns!

[@kendratai]

When we were in college, we faced some financial hard times and had to cut expenses. We had flip phones and paid cash for them. We still pay a monthly plan but own our phones. I would totally go back to flip phone, I'm not sure my husband would lol

[@REBEC65]

Bonjour de France - HAving been educated in India with blessed parents I feel blessed to watch your videos. Have pulled out from everything myself and it’s’ that much more time for reading Gods word and going for mass and looking out for the old aged with Little Bros of the poor in France. I like the idea of enjoying the sharing without taking into account what we get back . Stay blessed and welcome to Paris anytime🎉

[@haleyjmorris]

Yes! Def feel like a victim in some sense. Like I wouldn't have even had certain thoughts or signed up for certain things if I wouldn't have been on social media! I'm ready to go smart phone free and just use my laptop and wifi. What kind of phones do you have?

[@TwiFiveGirls101]

Would you be able to make a poster with visuals or how you replaced certain systems in your life away from apps/smartphones. I would like to still listen to audiobooks and podcasts. Is there away to do that on the go or around the house without smartphones?

[@Ptly]

How do you mange your feeling around the KZbin analytics?

[@sb-rb4ti]

Why did you get rid of the Light phone? Thanks for sharing your smartphone-free journey!

[@laurenrasmussen7997]

Where do you even get a dumb phone and what providers work?

[@hartleyfamily5451]

We had Consumer Cellular (which we loved!) and purchased compatible phones at Target. We now have Gabb phones which have no internet or social media; they are not expensive with a low monthly fee. Call your carrier and they will let know where to purchase compatible phones :)

[@hannahmcmillan5712]

For the last few months, I've been subscribing to a physical newspaper, the Epoch Times (I highly recommend this publication! They are very investigative on world events.). I wanted my kids to see me off of my phone more, but I still wanted to know what is going on in the world. It has actually provided more discussion with them about world events and gives us opportunities to discuss them from a Biblical standpoint while they are still young. I still read the news on my phone sometimes, but it's like eating fast food as opposed to the 5 course meal that I get from reading the physical newspaper. It costs more, but I'm trying to set and example, and know about topics more deeply.

[@Dreaming0fSunshine]

literally been contemplating doing this since your podcast about it but it’s so hard to take the jump . did you guys keep a smart phone just for the apps on wifi for work or do you only use a desktop now?

[@samanthaborlaug8854]

I was going g to say for maps the light phone has a map option, the light phone is a great alternative to get rid of a smartphone but have a few blessings of having some connection

[@jennifer61122]

Hi, Can you listen to podcasts on it?

[@samanthaborlaug8854]

You can download music, don't know about podcasts though

[@bethany3914]

One of the issues that I have is how to connect with other homeschool local families... All local groups are either on Facebook or WhatsApp. It's exhausting to have to keep up but because all the info is on there, I struggle to see an alternative.

[@juliequates9529]

You can use your laptop for Facebook use?

[@momoflittleladies]

Why do you use a laptop when you could use a tablet/iPad? Are you against them to? Would seem easier when traveling, especially if it had Wi-Fi already. My husband has a smart phone and keeps apps off it, you can even turn safari off on an iPhone. He doesn’t use it much, even when I need him 😂

[@modelingmotherhood]

Did they mention what phone they use ? Thanks !

[@Dom-jb3pi]

Hi there, I can’t seem to find your video on infant sleep training.

[@rorydiane6728]

My husband came to me with the conviction of getting rid of our smartphones and going to dumb phones not too long ago. Since then we've switched over, and life has been so much better honestly. We are more intentional together, more social, we spend our time together more wisely, we spend more time in the Word of God... there are almost no cons that can't be solved with a little ingenuity. The "cons" are also almost always related to conveniences that come with smart phones

[@jmljasmine]

I appreciate not having Instagram exclusive content. I don't want Instagram but so many KZbinrs really try to force it.

[@samanthab5006]

KZbin is the only app on my phone where I've found myself wasting time. We haven't used Facebook, Instagram, tictok, etc since we started dating almost 8 years ago. I'm currently pregnant with our first and thinking of just removing the app from my phone. I have a laptop and we have one smart TV that I can use but these are things I already do not use often. I've deleted it from my phone in the past and find after a day or so I don't pick up my phone much during the day. I just need to make it stick this time.

[@justbeemama697]

I would love to know what systems you have created to help it go easier. We are having a hard time adjusting as well.

[@cirelo1896]

I was smartphone free for a while and I had a trac phone i would just buy a small amount of data for when i traveled in order to have that convenience.

[@laurenrasmussen7997]

I want to do this!!!! But I love using Instacart for grocery pick up.....

[@bunny_0288]

You can use Instacart on a computer!

[@emilygracephotographer]

PLEASE!! I neeeed to know what kind of flip phones you have!!

[@SimplyLivingInFaith]

Not to be nosy, but do you guys live on the west coast ? I would love to live there ❤.

[@nowthatimamother]

We used to! A couple years ago we moved to Idaho. :)

[@SimplyLivingInFaith]

@@nowthatimamother ooh that's so awesome !

[@bethany3885]

I have been looking into going without a smart phone when I tried switching to a dumb phone 2 years ago the slow texting was too annoying for me. I am looking into Gabb wireless right now it looks like a smart phone but has no internet or social media have you guys heard of that before? If it had gps that would be a bonus for me but not a necessity. Like Elisha was saying I would love to use my free alone time praying or meditating on the Lords word without the temptation to fill the time with podcasts or even Christian KZbin I spend more time hearing about the Lord then intentionally spending time with Him!

[@elizathies6303]

Check out the WisePhone! Has text, call, GPS, and camera. All the essentials without any of the temptations :)

[@bethany3885]

@@elizathies6303 Thank you so much!!

[@cbbaby2012]

What about banking or paying something online? I guess just use a computer. I guess I get caught up with thinking no smart phone with no computer at all but I guess that’s not the case it’s just taking away the instant gratification/action ,impulse, if you will aspect of technology and more of an intentional mindset.

[@rachelsnyder2427]

Just switched to a flip phone. I get group messages to my email now... can I respond to everyone in the group message with my email? I'm having trouble figuring that part out.

[@SamanthaH]

What type of smartphone do you have?,

[@meganarcher4886]

Can you still use WhatsApp online? All our family/church/school chats are on WhatsApp so we’d struggle to communicate with people. Any tips as I hate having a smartphone!

[@rachellanden729]

I’d love to know if you miss Google maps?

[@saintamerican6105]

Most ppl i know are possessed by their phones, including me, thank you for this video!

[@AN-jw2oe]

Really great concept! What if you keep a smart phone just for the utilitarian purposes (like google maps or checking flight info and Uber and camera), but then just delete all social media, podcast/media and even email apps? Could that be a good balance?

[@catgeel264]

Yeah, that's what we did and it works pretty good for us! We need one for banking (two-factor authorization) anyway. We also kept messaging apps. I find that I'm now using my phone for about 1 hour a day, including phonecalls (which have become way more frequent and I love that!). I also find that I'm grabbing my phone only a couple of times a day, mostly when the kids are in bed, so it's no longer a distraction. Yay!

[@AN-jw2oe]

@@catgeel264 Wow, great to hear-thanks for sharing!!

[@mattandcatherine5302]

What phone do y’all have and do they work with any plan? Probably a dumb question;)

[@CatladyActionFigure]

They have lite phone. Gabb phones r apparently simular. They posted info below title. Good luck🙂🍀👍

[@aletteanne1]

I think I'd just keep an old iPhone just for travelling by plane

[@turquoisemama33]

Going without a smart phone is a very beneficial trial and tribulation. What other trial and tribulations are you dealing with, beside being a spouse, parent and living with one car?

[@melindabiddy7165]

Do you have books or a video on how to improve your marriage?

[@elizabethbrink476]

If I get rid of my smart phone…how will I watch your content? 🤔 we don’t have a computer. This will be interesting….

[@EyreEver]

Smart tv has a KZbin app etc.

[@katietsykal4053]

Haha back to 2010!

[@RS-ck5md]

Don't most people watch KZbin from their mobile phones now? Kind of ironic (or maybe even a bit hypocritical) that you are touting a smart-phone free lifestyle when you depend on people watching your videos and engaging with your content from their smart phones. It would be interesting if you made a video where you share the analytics report from your channel so your subscribers can see just how many of your views come from mobile phones and then discuss how you feel about that as an anti-smartphone couple.

[@TwiFiveGirls101]

KZbin existed before smartphones. I used to watch the majority of KZbin on the family computer as a kid. They never said others should ne smartphone free. Its just for their _household._

[@steveguffey6481]

Go back to 2024 may

[@thesmiths629]

Look into Gabbwireless. I intend to do the gps device for my teen son next year to accompany his Gabbwireless (internet free phone). But I love gabb