Daycare Puts Up Sign with Direct Request for Parents Picking Up Their Children
July 12, 2023
Are you guilty of parental phubbing? Parental phubbing refers to when parents ignore their children in favor of their phones. It’s a growing phenomenon that can be observed everywhere, from parks to homes. One place where Parental Phubbing frequently occurs is during pick-up time from schools and daycares. After being apart for the whole day, children eagerly await their parents’ arrival, brimming with excitement. However, instead of putting their phones down for a mere five minutes to greet their little ones, parents often remain engrossed in their digital world.
One daycare center in Hockley, Texas, decided to address this issue by posting a controversial sign urging parents to put down their phones and greet their children. The sign went viral when a mother shared it on social media, sparking a debate among parents.
The daycare center’s staff took a bold step and posted a controversial sign on their front door, urging parents to disconnect from their phones and acknowledge their children. The sign read, “Your child is happy to see you! Are you happy to see your child??” Clearly, the staff had witnessed numerous instances of parents ignoring their children and felt the need to emphasize the importance of setting aside the phone in these precious moments.
The sign reflects the common occurrence of children eagerly offering their parents pieces of artwork or sharing stories about their day, only to be completely ignored. They might repeatedly call out, “Mommy, mommy, mommy!” and be brushed off because the phone appears to take precedence. One mother, Juliana Mazurkewics, noticed the sign and had a moment of realization. She had been guilty of prioritizing her phone over her child’s need for attention. After capturing a photo of the sign, she put her phone away and finally greeted her child.
Juliana’s photo soon went viral after she shared it on Facebook. The response was mixed, with some people loving the daycare center’s signage while others found it disrespectful.
Regardless of whether you agree with the daycare center’s sign or not, it undeniably sparks an important conversation. When children feel ignored, they may experience feelings of loneliness, rejection, or even depression. Such feelings often prompt children to act out in different ways. In an attempt to gain any form of attention, they may resort to positive or negative behaviors. Interestingly, the blame for excessive phone use is often placed on teenagers and young adults. However, they likely learned this behavior from observing their parents, who are their primary teachers.
If you desire a stronger and more meaningful bond with your children, it’s crucial to put your phones down and actively engage with them. By setting an example of being present and attentive, you teach your children the importance of human connection and show them that they matter. Remember, your child’s emotional well-being and sense of validation should always take precedence over any digital distractions.
So, the next time you find yourself reaching for your phone in the presence of your child, take a moment to reflect on the impact of your actions. Are you inadvertently engaging in Parental Phubbing? It’s never too late to make a change and prioritize genuine connections with your loved ones.
