You may think you know me. Perhaps you’ve spotted me at the playground—sitting on a bench, engrossed in my phone while my kids are off climbing on the monkey bars. Or maybe you’ve seen me waiting in line at the grocery store, tapping away on my device while my children plead for my attention. I’m that mom, often labeled as “the one on her phone” during family outings.
You might be judging me, wondering how a parent could prioritize their screen over spending time with their children. It’s easy to assume I’m detached, distracted, and too caught up in my digital world to engage with my kids. But let me share a different perspective.
When you see me at the park, that’s actually my downtime. My family homeschools, which means I spend the entire day interacting with my children, guiding their learning, and playing alongside them. The park offers a rare chance for me to relax knowing they are happily engaged. It’s a moment for me to catch up with friends or address work-related tasks.
Ah, yes, work. In addition to homeschooling, I also work remotely as a writer, a career I adore because it allows me to balance both my professional passions and family life. However, the nature of my job means I sometimes need to proofread while my kids are enjoying the playground. I may have to respond to emails while in the grocery line, tuning out their requests for snacks I’ve already declined. And if inspiration strikes during my child’s karate class, you can bet I’ll take a moment to jot down notes on my phone.
Moreover, as any parent knows, finding quality adult time can be challenging. When my phone is in hand, I might be catching up with old friends on social media because maintaining those connections is vital. I could be texting my partner, planning our next date night, or making arrangements to visit my grandmother, who is 90 years old. Sometimes, I’m simply having a lighthearted Bitmoji chat with my best friend to relieve stress.
This hectic life also requires organization. I could be using that park time to look up efficient time management strategies or searching for quick and healthy dinner recipes at the grocery store. During family meals, I might be scheduling one-on-one outings with each of my kids, recognizing the importance of dedicated time, even amidst our daily togetherness.
On any given day, I might be reviewing our finances, scouting potential field trip locations, or even indulging in a book on my Kindle app while my kids are happily occupied.
Essentially, my phone is a tool that enables me to maintain a fulfilling and balanced life without sacrificing my sanity or finances. If I were to create a strict rule against using my phone around my kids, I’d hardly ever be able to use it, which would hinder my ability to embrace this beautiful yet chaotic life I love.
So, the next time you see me on my phone, please reserve your judgment. You might not realize that I’ve just spent hours engaging with my kids or that I’m fulfilling my responsibilities to support our family. That moment of distraction might just be my way of ensuring that I can continue to be present for my children.
After all, those brief breaks are often appreciated by both my kids and me.
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Summary
This article sheds light on the realities of being a homeschooling parent who works from home. It emphasizes that moments spent on the phone are often necessary for managing responsibilities and maintaining personal relationships, rather than indicating detachment from one’s children.
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