Have you come across the term “Parental Phubbing”?
It’s a new phrase that describes parents who are so engrossed in their phones that they neglect their children.
This phenomenon is rampant everywhere – from malls and parks to homes.
A particularly poignant scene is during pick-up times at schools and daycares.
Kids, thrilled to see their parents after a day’s separation, are often met with distracted parents too engrossed in their phones to even say hello.
A daycare in Hockley, Texas, decided to address this issue head-on.
They put up a sign on their front door, which was both straightforward and thought-provoking.
It read, “You are picking up your child! GET OFF YOUR PHONE!!!! Your child is happy to see you! Are you happy to see your child??”
This sign was a reflection of the daycare staff’s observations.
They had seen countless instances where children eagerly showed their parents a piece of work or called out to them, only to be ignored because the parents were too busy with their phones.
It continued:
“We have seen children trying to hand their parents their work they completed and the parent is on the phone. We have heard a child say ‘Mommy, mommy, mommy…’ and the parent is paying more attention to their phone than their own child. It is appalling. Get off your phone!!”
Juliana Mazurkewics, a mother, saw the sign and had a moment of self-reflection.
She realized she had been guilty of this behavior.
She took a photo of the sign, greeted her child, and later shared the image on Facebook.
The post quickly gained traction.
The sign evoked mixed reactions.
Saundra Lloyd commented,
“I love this. This should be in every daycare or school where kids are being picked up.”
On the other hand, Simone Campbell, an educator, felt the sign was disrespectful, stating,
“I agree that parents shouldn’t be on their phones while picking up kids, but I would never write such a disrespectful poster.”
Rose Littlejohn chimed in with her perspective.
“Some parents will always defend their wrongs. No phone call is more important than your child’s feelings…period.”
On the other hand, another commenter said:
“What if you’re on a conference call making money to put food in that kids mouth? Just food for thought.”
The sign, whether you agree with its approach or not, has sparked an essential conversation about parental engagement.
An article from Very Well Mind delves into the psychological impact of such behavior on children.
When kids feel neglected, they are more likely to act out to gain their parent’s attention, whether in a positive or negative manner.
They might go to great lengths just to be noticed.
It’s worth noting that while teenagers and young adults often get criticized for excessive phone use, they didn’t pick up this habit in a vacuum.
Parents are a child’s first role models.
If parents are constantly on their phones, children will perceive this behavior as acceptable.
For a more profound and meaningful relationship with children, it’s essential for parents to be present and engaged.
What’s your take on this bold signage? Do you agree with its message or find it too confrontational?
Check out the video below to see a discussion on the topic!
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