You might think you know me. You may have spotted me at the park, the mom sitting on a bench, glued to her phone while my kids zoom around the monkey bars. Perhaps you’ve glimpsed me in the grocery store, scrolling through my screen as my little ones tug at my sleeve for attention. I’m that mom, the one you might judge for appearing more invested in her device than in her children.
You may wonder what kind of parent prioritizes their phone over quality time with their kids. You might assume I’m disconnected and more interested in my screen than in the giggles and activities happening right in front of me. But here’s the truth you might not see.
When you spot me at the park, that’s actually my time to recharge. We homeschool, which means I’m engaged with my kids all day long—teaching, playing, and interacting in various ways. The park is a rare opportunity where I can let my kids enjoy themselves while I catch up with friends or handle work tasks.
Oh, did I mention I work from home? I’m a writer, a job I adore that allows me to stay home and educate my kids. But this means I occasionally have to sneak in some proofreading while they play at the park or respond to emails while they plead for snacks I’ve already denied them. Sometimes, I even get an idea for an article during my child’s karate class, so yes, I might jot down a note on my phone while my kid is in the spotlight.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Balancing homeschooling and remote work makes it tricky to find adult interaction. So when you see me on my phone, I might be reconnecting with friends on Facebook because nurturing relationships is vital. I could be texting my partner since my marriage is just as important as my role as a mom. I might be planning a visit to my 90-year-old grandmother, cherishing those moments together while I still can. Or maybe I’m just sharing a funny Bitmoji with my bestie because those lighthearted exchanges help me unwind amidst the chaos of my life.
This life I’ve embraced also demands a fair bit of organization. So while at the park, I might be researching time management hacks or finding quick and healthy recipes while at the grocery store. When dining out, I could be checking my calendar to schedule special one-on-one time with my kids. Even though we’re together every day, those moments of undivided attention are rare.
Some days, I’m reviewing our finances or scouting fun field trip spots. Other times, I might be indulging in a book on my Kindle app, a little luxury I allow myself while my kids are occupied.
In essence, my phone is a tool that allows me to juggle being present for my children without losing my sanity or financial stability. If I resolved to never use my phone while they’re around, I’d hardly ever get to use it, which would complicate this beautiful, albeit hectic, homeschooling and remote work balance I cherish.
So the next time you spot me on my phone, remember not to judge my parenting. It’s all under control. I’m not a detached mom, and my kids are far from neglected. In fact, they probably appreciate the moments when I can step back and take a breather just as much as I do.
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In summary, the next time you see a mom on her phone, remember that it could be her way of balancing the demands of parenting with a little much-needed self-care and organization. There’s more to the story than meets the eye.