A better mother for it

Sometimes I give them screen time because I need a shower and I want one long enough to wash my hair for the first time in a week.

Sometimes I give them screen time because I need to send off an email or make a phone call, and I want to do so while being able to hear myself think and have the person on the other end of the phone actually able to hear me speak.

Sometimes I give them screen time because I need to cook dinner, and I want to without tired children begging me to hold them while I handle hot pots and pans with the little steam I have left myself.

Sometimes I give them screen time because I feel like I need to clean the mess NOW, and I don’t want to be on edge for the rest of the day for them.

Sometimes I give them screen time because I need to finish a job that I started last week, that just can’t wait anymore, and I don’t want to let others (or my own standards) down.

And sometimes I give them screen time because I need to sit down for five minutes (or longer) on my own and regroup, and I want to be the more patient mother I know I can be afterwards.

I give my children screen time.

Some days more so than others.

And although in the moment I always feel like I’m not a better mother because of it, I am a better mother for it,

Because despite what society tells me to think and feel about it,

Every day I have needs and wants too, and meeting them helps me better meet my children’s needs,

Even if some days that means giving them screen time to get there.

- Emma Heaphy -