A new photo circulating on the internet shows parents using their phones while their children are nearby, sparking a heated debate. Shared on Facebook with the hashtag #modernparenting, the image depicts two kids nestled between their parents on the subway, both adults engrossed in their devices.
Responses to the photo have ranged from outrage to disappointment:
- “This is a big problem; put those stupid things down.”
- “This angers me.”
- “Pitiful.”
- “Baby zombie time?”
- “What a sad image.”
However, we can only speculate about what these parents are actually doing on their phones. They might be scrolling through pictures from their day out, coordinating childcare, or even working. Ultimately, they are adults, and taking a moment to check their phones while riding the subway should not be deemed unacceptable.
When did societal norms shift to imply that parents must constantly focus on their children to be considered ‘good’? There’s little backlash when a parent reads a magazine or engages in conversation while their kids are present. So why the harsh judgement surrounding cell phone use?
What’s even more troubling is that a stranger felt justified in photographing this family and posting it online, complete with a judgmental hashtag. The collective disdain directed at parents using phones is quite ironic, considering that everyone seems glued to their devices in public settings. While it’s true that many struggle with tech dependency, it appears that a unique level of scorn is reserved for mothers engaged with their phones.
A Tumblr account called Parents On Phones has been created to shame parents caught on their devices around their children. The account shares anonymous photos of families, often accompanied by sanctimonious comments. One post reads, “My daughter posing next to a mom who has no idea where her kid is,” while another states, “Don’t worry honey, I’ll watch the kid while you look at your phone.”
It’s worth pondering what the curator of this account is doing with their own children while busy posting pictures to the internet. Perhaps they’re also using their phone?
Certainly, we can all benefit from stepping away from our screens occasionally. Yet, parents aren’t any more guilty of being tech-obsessed than the rest of society. If you’re interested in exploring the topic of home insemination, you can check out this insightful post on artificial insemination kits as another resource. Additionally, intracervical insemination offers essential guidance on making parenthood a reality. For those seeking more information on pregnancy and home insemination, this resource is highly recommended.
In conclusion, we should reconsider the expectation that parents need to be constantly attentive to their children. A balanced approach to parenting includes moments of personal time, whether that involves scrolling through a phone or simply taking a breather.