Dear Mom with the Phone,
I see you at the playground, phone in hand, while your kids run around, laughing and calling out, “Mommy, look at me!” They dash down the slide, shouting, “Mommy, watch this!” Then it’s “Mommy, look! MOMMY!!!”
But you’re not watching every moment. Instead, you’re scrolling through Facebook, checking emails, or pinning ideas on Pinterest. And that’s okay. You’ve already spent hours observing every little thing they did before arriving here.
You watched as your little one turned his breakfast into a car race with his waffles. You saw him try to eat with his fork upside down, declaring, “Mommy, look at this!” And then, of course, there was the napkin hat. You were there for all of it.
You also witnessed your daughter’s fashion choices today—only the monkey shirt would do. You cheered her on as she wrestled with her socks, determined to put them on herself. You saw her twirl in her room, play with her stuffed animals, and attempt to put her toys away, taking breaks along the way to play. You were present for these moments, too.
From their toothbrush battles to messy Play-Doh creations, you’ve been there through it all. You’ve danced, sung, and played with them all day long. Now, at the park, you’re taking a moment for yourself while they enjoy their freedom.
Maybe you’re juggling work from home and checking emails, responding to clients, or drafting proposals while they play. Or perhaps you’re reaching out to a friend who’s unwell, coordinating dinner drop-offs, or seeking updates about your health tests. You might be sending supportive messages on social media or gathering ideas on how to help your kids cope with a recent family change, like their dad’s deployment.
While being a parent is undoubtedly a significant and fulfilling role, it’s just one of many hats we wear. Perhaps you have older children in school and need to address a teacher’s email about a concern. Or maybe you recognize that it’s perfectly acceptable to take a few moments to yourself, even if it means not watching every hop and skip.
So here’s my message to you, fellow mom with the iPhone: I’m not judging. I don’t know your story, and I’m not here to judge your choices. I know you don’t need to be glued to your kids every second to be a fantastic mom. It’s essential to strike a balance and make time for all aspects of your life, including the demands outside of parenting. After all, we’re all trying to juggle responsibilities, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed sometimes.
It’s actually beneficial for your children to understand that they aren’t the center of your universe every minute. Learning to play independently fosters their growth and teaches them that some actions are rewarding in and of themselves, not just for applause or recognition.
So, embrace your various roles—be a mom, a friend, a daughter, a professional—and don’t hesitate to take some time for yourself, even if it’s just checking your phone while they play at the park. If you’re curious about more parenting tips, you can check out this helpful resource here. For those interested in home insemination, BabyMaker offers great information on the subject, and CCRM IVF has excellent resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, you’re doing just fine. Your best is what matters most.