Summary

A mother defends her use of a smartphone in the park while caring for her child, addressing societal judgments and explaining her multitasking as necessary for balancing personal and parental responsibilities.

Abstract

The article presents a personal account of a mother who, while spending time with her child in the park, finds herself unfairly judged by others for using her smartphone. She shares her initial judgment of other mothers doing the same and her resolve to not become a "sMOMbie"—a term she coined for smartphone-addicted mothers. However, she later realizes that using her phone during her child's nap time is a necessary act of self-care and maintaining her online business. The author emphasizes that these moments with her smartphone are a testament to her dedication as a mother, ensuring her child is well-cared for and asleep. She encourages other mothers not to feel guilty about such judgments and to continue doing what they feel is best for themselves and their children.

Opinions

The author felt judged by an elderly woman for using her smartphone while her child was asleep in the stroller.
She admits to previously judging other mothers for the same behavior before becoming a mother herself.
The author coins the term "sMOMbie" to describe mothers who seem overly absorbed by their smartphones.
She acknowledges becoming what she initially sought to avoid, using her phone during her baby's naps for personal tasks and business.
The author argues that using her smartphone during these times is not a sign of neglect but rather an act of self-care and business management.
She believes that each mother should do what is right for her and her baby without worrying about the judgments of others.
The author is proud to be a mother who can successfully balance her child's needs with her own, including her online business endeavors.

Stop Calling Me A sMOMbie

And judging me in public. I’m a good mother.

Halloween photo created by wayhomestudio

Recently, I was pushing the stroller through the park when an elderly woman passed me while mumbling something to herself.

Only fragments of words reached my ears, but I understood one thing:

the lady was complaining about my behavior as a mother.

I’m sure you’re wondering what I did that was so terrible.

Well, while I was pushing the stroller I looked at my smartphone and read an article on Medium.

Later, as I sat down on a bench, snuggled warmly in a blanket, and answering comments on Medium, the elderly lady passed me again and gave me an annoyed look.

I tried to put myself in her shoes. What could be so annoying?

Suddenly, it fell like scales before my eyes… she thought I’m a sMOMbie.

What? That’s a misconception.

I’m not!

Aha! Her smartphone is more important than her child

Before I had a child I had no clue.

I often thought when I passed a mother in the park who was looking at her smartphone while pushing the stroller:

“Aha! Her smartphone is more important than her child.”

In the first few weeks as a new mother, I decided:

“I don’t want to be that kind of sMOMbie (It’s (my) portmanteau of ‘smartphone’, ‘mom’ and ‘zombie’).

I will turn my smartphone down and not respond to messages or do anything else.”

I became exactly what I didn’t want

As a new mom, however, I became exactly one of those sMOMbies.

I joined the ranks of those pushing their sleeping (!) baby around the park in a stroller.

Here’s the inside scoop:

When your baby is awake you literally can’t do anything else.

As a mom, I’m not doing it because I find it more interesting than the baby.

It’s because I don’t have any other moment to do it — despite the evening hours after I put my baby to bed.

Final Takeaways

This Halloween, I’m proud to be one of those sMOMbies running around looking at their smartphones now and then.

I’m pleased about these moments.

Because if someone sees me with my smartphone, it means I’ve done everything I can to make sure my baby falls asleep gently in the stroller.

Moreover, I’m taking care of myself and my online business.

Do whatever you feel is right for you (and your baby).

Don’t let anyone judge you. You’re doing a magnificent job as a mother.

Happy Halloween👻!

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