I see you at the playground, your phone in hand. Your little ones are running around, shouting “Mommy, look at me!” as they dash down the slide, giggling with joy and clamoring for your attention. “Mommy, watch me!” they call, climbing the jungle gym and showing off their newest tricks. Yet, instead of watching every moment unfold, you’re focused on your screen, scrolling through social media, checking emails, or browsing Pinterest.
But here’s the thing—you’ve already witnessed so much today. You saw your son savor his breakfast, turning his waffles into imaginary vehicles. You watched him use his fork in the most creative ways, all while proudly announcing, “Mommy, now check this out!” And then there was your daughter, who insisted on wearing her favorite monkey shirt, struggling with her socks but determined to do it herself. You were right there, encouraging her independence while guiding her through little challenges.
You’ve been present as they brushed their teeth, played with blocks, and even had a dance party in the living room. You joined in, because you cherish those joyful moments. You’ve seen them through all their little adventures—splashing water while washing hands, rushing around with wet fingers, and even needing your help with their bathroom routines. You’ve devoted your day to watching, playing, and singing with them. And now, at the park, you’re simply taking a moment for yourself.
Perhaps you’re working remotely, juggling emails, responding to clients, or drafting proposals while your kids enjoy outdoor playtime. They’re making friends, burning off energy, and soaking up the sun—all while you multitask. Or maybe you’re checking in on a loved one who is unwell, coordinating dinner drop-offs, or reviewing important health updates. You might even be looking for ideas on Pinterest to help your kids cope with their father’s deployment or planning a welcome home celebration.
Parenting is undoubtedly our most significant and fulfilling role, but it’s not our only one. You may have an older child whose teacher reached out about a behavior issue that needs your attention. So, in those rare moments of peace while your younger kids play, you respond to those messages.
It’s perfectly okay to step back and realize that you don’t need to be glued to your children every second of the day. Taking a breather to check your phone at the park doesn’t make you a bad mom; it’s actually beneficial for your children to understand that they aren’t the center of your universe 24/7. Allowing them to play independently fosters their growth and confidence. They can learn that joy can come from simply engaging with their surroundings without needing constant praise.
So, to you, dear Mom with the iPhone, I want to say this: I’m not here to judge you. I don’t know your journey or the challenges you face. What matters is that you’re doing your best to balance it all. We’re all striving for that elusive equilibrium between parenting and our personal lives, and most of us feel like we’re falling short. But you’re managing, and that’s what counts.
It’s crucial to embrace the many roles you play—whether as a mom, friend, sister, or employee. Sometimes, that means taking a moment for yourself, even if it’s just to scroll through social media while your kids enjoy their time at the park.
Sincerely,
A Fellow Mom on Her iPhone Who Totally Gets It
If you’re interested in more insights about parenting dynamics, check out our related blog post.
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