Dear Mom on the iPhone,
I see you at the playground, phone in hand, while your little ones dash around, squealing for your attention. “Mommy, look at me!” they shout as they slide down and climb back up, their excitement palpable. Yet, you’re focused on your screen, scrolling through social media, emails, or maybe even Pinterest.
But here’s the thing—you’ve already spent countless hours observing every little detail of their day. You watched as they savored their breakfast, turning waffles into toy cars on their plates, or as they struggled to put on their socks, determined to master the task themselves. You cheered them on while they danced in their rooms and played with their toys, capturing every joyful moment.
You’ve seen it all—the toothbrushing battles, the creative Play-Doh sculptures, and the spontaneous dance parties. You’ve participated in their antics, cherishing these moments of connection. And now, at the park, you’re allowing yourself a brief break, a moment to check in on the outside world.
Perhaps you’re managing work responsibilities while your kids enjoy the fresh air, or maybe you’re sending supportive messages to a friend dealing with illness. You could be researching tips for helping your children cope with a family situation or simply unwinding with some light reading on social media. The truth is, you don’t need to monitor their every move to be a good mother.
As moms, we wear many hats, balancing parenting with other commitments. It’s okay to take a moment for yourself, even if that means glancing at your phone while your kids play nearby. In fact, it’s healthy for them to learn independence and realize they aren’t the center of your universe all the time. They’ll discover joy in their activities for the sake of enjoyment, not just for praise.
So, to you, dear Mom on the iPhone, I want to say this: I’m not judging you. I don’t know your journey, but I do know that finding balance is crucial. Parenting is undoubtedly rewarding, but it’s not the only aspect of life that requires our attention. It’s perfectly acceptable to carve out a few moments for yourself, like checking out posts on home insemination kits or reading about caring for children’s health, such as ringworm.
Embrace your roles as a mom, a partner, a friend, and a professional. Make time for what’s important, including yourself. You’re doing just fine.
Sincerely,
This Mom with an iPhone Who Isn’t Judging You for Yours