• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
onecreativemommy.com
  • DIY/Crafts
    • DIY for the Home
    • DIY for the Garden
    • Crafts for Kids
    • Sewing Projects
    • Felt Food Tutorials
  • Parties/Gifts
    • All Party Ideas
      • Frozen Party
      • Harry Potter Party
      • Spy Party
      • Un-Slumber Party
      • Minion Party Ideas
      • Art Party
      • Princess Party
    • All Gift Ideas
  • Holidays
    • Valentine's Day
    • Halloween
    • Christmas and Winter
    • Thanksgiving and Fall
    • Fourth of July
    • New Year
    • Easter and Spring
    • St. Patrick's Day
    • Mother's Day
    • Father's Day
  • Recipes
    • Gluten Free
  • Tips & Tricks
    • Organization Tips
    • Cleaning Tips
    • Parenting Tips
    • Back to School
    • Cooking Tips
    • Gardening Tips
  • Printables
    • Bingo Games
    • Lunchbox Printables
    • Educational Games
    • LDS Printables and Lesson Ideas
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • DIY & Crafts
  • Parties & Gifts
  • Holidays
  • Recipes
  • Tips & Tricks
  • Printables
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Blog

    The surprising secret to getting your family's attention -- instantly!

    Published: Jan 29, 2021 by Heidi. This post may contain affiliate links 34 Comments

    What's the most frustrating thing for you as a parent? The never-ending laundry? The constant nagging? For me, it's being ignored -- when the family communication lines are officially down! I hate it when I call the family to dinner and then wait while dinner gets cold. I hate it when I ask someone a question or suggest that they do something and get crickets in response.

    The surprising secret to getting your family's attention -- IMMEDIATELY! The answer will shock you! {OneCreativeMommy.com} #sponsored

    The Secret to Better Family Communication

    It's not like the kids (and sometimes my husband) are purposely thinking, "I am going to ignore Mom right now." It's that they don't even hear me. They are so tuned into technology that they are oblivious to the rest of the world. Sound familiar? Ready to stop the madness?

    It's easy. Just pause the internet. What? Pause the internet? Is that possible? Yep. Let me tell you how!

    Pause the Internet with Circle

    RELATED: Positive Reinforcement Ideas for Frustrated Parents, The Best Technology Token System, Time Management Tips for Teens

    *I was given a device to try in exchange for an honest Circle review. All opinions are my own. I only share products I think my readers will love!

    disney-circle-review

    The solution is called Circle, and it's made by Disney. This device is more than just a great internet filter. It actually allows you to pause the internet with just the touch of a button. If my daughter is playing games on the computer instead of coming when I call her, I just push a button in the Circle app, and suddenly she emerges back into the real world. If my kids are battling each other on Minecraft and ignoring my calls to dinner, I push a button, and, "Bam!" they're back!

    Fortunately, when I pause the internet with circle, it looks like this:

    Pause the internet with Circle by Disney

    And not like this:

    Have you seen that little Dino? Don't let your kids see it. They'll play it forever!

    Guess what? Pausing the internet works on any device that hooks up to the internet. (That includes your TV!) If your kids are binge watching Netflix and ignoring you, you can pause their show. With any device, if the kids are watching a video, it won't pause instantly. As much of the video that is already downloaded will continue to play. Once the show has to rebuffer or they try to turn on a new one, they will be paused. I've been testing it on my TV, and it takes about 1-2 minutes to pause.

    Now that you can get your family's attention, and the family communication lines are back open, check out the other great features from Circle.

    Keep Kids Safe Online

    The surprising secret to getting your family's attention -- INSTANTLY! The answer will shock you! {OneCreativeMommy.com}

    Circle is first and foremost an internet filter. When you set up Circle, the software detects all the devices in your home and adds them to the app. Within the Circle app, you set up a profile for each family member. You then assign each child's devices to their profile and set up appropriate filter levels for their age. (The filter levels include Pre-K, Kid, Teen, Adult, and None.) Within each filter level, give or deny access to specific platflorms (like Hulu, Netflix, Face Time, etc.) Block specific categories on the web and control privacy and safety by restricting ads, enabling Google Safe Search, and restricting YouTube.

    Here's an example of what the kid level filters out by default: Social media, explicit content, mature content, gambling, dating, and malicious content. The teen level filters the same, but it allows social media unless you choose to filter it out (which I do).

    We've actually taken the internet off of all the kids' devices because we don't feel that kids really need that access or temptation. These filters are mainly used for our family computer and laptop. If you think your kid won't accidentally stumble onto something dangerous on the internet without a filter, then you're wrong.


     

    Set Online Time Limits and Bedtimes

    The surprising secret to getting your family's attention -- INSTANTLY! The answer will shock you! {OneCreativeMommy.com}

    Another cool feature of Circle is the ability to set time limits. Within each profile, you can set a time limit for the platforms you want to limit. If your kid lives for Minecraft, you can set their time to 1 hour a day (or whatever you want, within 15-min increments), and Circle will automatically cut the game off when the time is up. No nagging to turn off the game.  It just stops. No trying to add up their time throughout the day. Circle adds it up for you.

    Want your kids' devices to have a bedtime? Circle can help with that, too! It's just another cool setting. (On a side note -- I'm a firm believer that no kid should have the internet in his or her bedroom. All devices are plugged in to charge in Mom and Dad's room at night. Check out my post on Setting Technology Limits for Kids for more details.)

    Reward Your Kids for Good Behavior

    Finally, Circle's newest feature is rewards. Now you can use the app to reward your kids for good behavior. You can choose to extend the daily time limit for the day, remove the off times for the day, or cancel the app's bedtime for the day.

    The surprising secret to getting your family's attention -- INSTANTLY! The answer will shock you! {OneCreativeMommy.com}

    Pretty cool, don't you think? But don't take my word for it, check it out yourself!

    Thanks for stopping by today.

    Click on the images below to see more great parenting posts. (Images are linked to posts.)

    Have manners gone out the window in our modern world? Just in time for the holidays, here are the top 15 manners every kid should know! {OneCreativeMommy.com}

    Top Parenting Tips of 2014: What will you change for next year to make your home a happier place? Check out great ideas for motivating kids and becoming a happier family. {OneCreativeMommy.com}

    10+ Fun Ways to Motivate Kids {OneCreativeMommy.com}

    Heidi

    MORE IDEAS FOR YOU

    • Recipes
    • DIY & Crafts
    • Holidays
    • Parties & Gifts
    • Printables
    • Tips & Tricks

    Reader Interactions

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    About Heidi

    Hi! I’m Heidi, the sometimes scatterbrained, but always creative mind behind One Creative Mommy. I'm a retired teacher, wife, and mom of three beautiful teenage girls and one adorable fur baby. In my spare time, I love to share my ideas (mistakes and all) with anyone who will listen.

    Learn more about me →

    Comments

    1. Chrissy

      December 23, 2016 at 4:15 pm

      Oh this is a great device an idea, I'll be looking into this!

      Reply
      • Heidi

        December 24, 2016 at 7:29 am

        Thanks, Chrissy. Pausing the internet is pretty cool!

        Reply
    2. Fatima Torres

      December 23, 2016 at 4:32 pm

      I didn't know this device existed I've heard about different apps with similar functionalities. I'd love to try this with my husband's nieces. They are addicted to their mobile devices.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        December 24, 2016 at 7:30 am

        I didn't know it existed either, Fatima, until I saw an ad for it on Facebook.

        Reply
    3. Elizabeth O.

      December 23, 2016 at 7:18 pm

      This is definitely going to make a lot of parents happy, especially when it comes to bringing everyone together this Christmas. It's nice and it's easy to use!

      Reply
      • Heidi

        December 24, 2016 at 7:30 am

        Definitely, Elizabeth! I'm hoping my kids will put down their devices for a good long time! (Well, I am the parent, so I guess I can make that happen!)

        Reply
    4. Wren

      December 23, 2016 at 10:13 pm

      That sounds like a nice tool to be able to pause the internet. I already have some crazy parental controls for my kids, but nice to see other options. The pausing of the internet would be more for my husband, as soon as I mention food my kids are at the table... husband decides that is when it has to do some work. Lol

      Reply
      • Heidi

        December 24, 2016 at 7:32 am

        Exactly! When it comes to getting to the table for dinner, sometimes my hubby is the biggest offender, too! Is my cooking that bad? LOL!

        Reply
    5. Anne

      December 23, 2016 at 11:18 pm

      These are amazing tips! Pausing internet can help a lot.
      Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        December 24, 2016 at 7:32 am

        Thanks, Anne. It sure does come in handy when no one wants to listen!

        Reply
    6. Jess

      December 24, 2016 at 4:31 am

      Wow, I didnt know the disney app! That is so great and smart. Great post and love your blog.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        December 24, 2016 at 7:33 am

        Thanks, Jess. My kids don't love the app, but I sure do! (Actually, I think they secretly love boundaries.)

        Reply
    7. Cait Weingartner

      December 24, 2016 at 9:05 am

      This app is sheer genius! I'm sure it's much more effective than "Screaming" which was, generally MY Mom's go-to attention, getting tool. :-)

      Reply
      • Heidi

        December 24, 2016 at 9:26 am

        LOL! I've tried the screaming method, too. This is definitely more effective, and lot easier on the voice!

        Reply
    8. Carol Cassara

      December 25, 2016 at 7:35 pm

      That's awesome! I've never heard of it before but it's a great way to get some time with your kids instead of seeing them drown in their gadgets and games! I love the concept.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 11, 2017 at 11:30 am

        Thanks, Carol. It does help a lot to be able to pause the internet. I love it!

        Reply
    9. Carol Cassara

      December 25, 2016 at 7:39 pm

      My husband and I travel often and it would more practical to have this instead of subscribing to cable. We don't often watch tv and this will definitely save us money!

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 11, 2017 at 11:31 am

        I'm not sure if you understood this service, right, Carol. This isn't a video streaming service. It's an internet filter. Thanks for visiting and taking the time to comment.

        Reply
    10. Bill Gates

      December 26, 2016 at 9:02 am

      Wow, this sounds like a great idea. I experience such frustration when the kids are hooked on a game and it is time for tea or to go to swim lessons....

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 11, 2017 at 11:32 am

        Thanks, Bill. It helps a lot! You should try the OurPact app, too. It allows you to turn off all the games on your kids phones.

        Reply
    11. Vera Sweeney

      December 26, 2016 at 12:40 pm

      How have I never heard of this before!!! What a great way to get the family together quickly, I know it would do wonder on my kids!

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 11, 2017 at 11:33 am

        It is pretty cool, Vera. I'll admit that the kids don't love it, but I think that they secretly enjoy having limits.

        Reply
    12. Jennifer

      December 27, 2016 at 5:33 am

      That is an awesome idea. I love that they took the approach of using technology to our advantage instead of fighting against it.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 11, 2017 at 11:35 am

        Me, too, Jennifer. That's a great way of looking at it. Might as well use technology to our advantage!

        Reply
    13. Marysa

      December 27, 2016 at 4:10 pm

      What an awesome idea! Technology and media has a way of taking over everything. It is so important to keep things in control and also to 'detox' sometimes! I will have to check this out as my kids get a little obsessed and don't want to put down their devices.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 11, 2017 at 11:36 am

        Thanks, Marysa. I advise checking out the OurPact app, too. I use it to turn off all the games and other things that are not controlled by the internet on my kids phones. Works like a charm!

        Reply
    14. Travel Blogger

      December 28, 2016 at 10:39 am

      Tech has a way of taking everything over. Detox is a good thing :)

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 11, 2017 at 11:37 am

        Definitely, Travel Blogger! It's nice to be able to step back from technology and spend some tech free family time.

        Reply
    15. Debra

      December 28, 2016 at 10:13 pm

      I love everything about Circle! In fact, I'm happy to report I know one of the founders!!

      Reply
      • Heidi

        January 11, 2017 at 11:38 am

        That's so cool, Debra! I just wish it could turn off everything on the kids' phones. I guess that's a little too much control, though!

        Reply
    16. Mehndi

      December 28, 2016 at 10:59 pm

      Sounds like a good idea :)!

      Reply
    17. Sapana V

      February 19, 2017 at 7:55 am

      I completely agree with your suggestions. We need to limit the online time to take out quality time for family. Good tips.

      Reply
      • Heidi

        April 24, 2017 at 11:11 am

        Thanks, Sapana. The internet can be such a scary place for kids. They definitely need limits!

        Reply
    18. Diana

      December 11, 2020 at 8:18 am

      HI!
      Please update post on Circle. Read recent reviews on Amazon. (They're not good) Features have been Greatly diluted. Customer support is evaporating. Compatibility problems with newer routers. Network configuration issues, etc. Think this device might actually be discontinued in the future. Too good to be true. :-(

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi! I’m Heidi, the sometimes scatterbrained, but always creative mind behind One Creative Mommy. I'm a retired teacher, wife, and mom of three beautiful teenage girls and one adorable fur baby. In my spare time, I love to share my ideas (mistakes and all) with anyone who will listen.

    More about me →

    Subscribe

    Popular

    • Olaf Sock Snowman Tutorial
    • Frozen Olaf Valentines {Free Printable}
    • Make your own storage lockers! {Perfect for kids}
    • 27 Creative Classroom Door Decorations for Valentine's Day

    Save Money

    Footer

    Privacy Policy

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Printables Terms of Use

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 OneCreativeMommy

    »
    «