Dear Mama with the Phone,
I know that your phone is important to you. Mine is important to me as well. Your kids are cute, they say cute things and do cute dances while you are driving. My children do the same. I am often tempted to grab my phone and video for “just a second.” I don’t, though. I just cannot justify what your reasoning would be for why you think it’s a good idea to drive while videoing. Can you please explain it to me?
Singing songs together with your kids is wonderful. Those are precious memories that you and your children will both remember. I have a suggestion: put the phone down and enjoy that time. While sharing it on social media might be your first thought, keeping your eye on the road should be first and foremost. So should teaching your child that their phone and driving should never go hand in hand.
As I watch your videos on Instagram and Facebook, I cringe. I am waiting for an impact with another car at any moment. There is no way that you are able to video your kids in the backseat and watch the road at the same time. You are putting your kids, yourself and those on the road around you in danger. Sure, YOU might “be a great driver and super careful,” but that 17 year old who just got her learners permit a week ago or the couple coming from a party who had a little too much to drink but decided to drive anyway might not be. Those are the people you have no control over.
All it takes is a second and things can go tragically wrong. I was hit while at a dead stop by a large SUV going 50 mph. My car was totaled and my back STILL hurts to this day. I can’t imagine what would have happened if my kids had been in the car. By the looks of the conditions both car seats were in, it would have had a horrible ending. The person that hit me was on her phone. The accident could have been avoided, but she chose her phone over the road.
The positive comments and likes on these videos you share only fuel this bad habit. I cannot in good faith “like” or say anything, especially something nice, when you post these things because quite honestly, they all lack common sense. Kids + fast car + mom not paying attention = crisis waiting to happen. It only takes a moment to regret a bad decision.
Those cute moments could turn into final moments in a heartbeat. Please do not risk your children’s lives for the sake of social media. I love watching your children and I want them to stay safe.
Best,
A Fellow Mama
