When you're a busy mom or dad, it's all too easy to find yourself committing the #1 cardinal parenting sin: accidentally ignoring your kids.
But one dad blogger has taken to Facebook to share his story and warn other parents not to make the same mistake he did.
Australian Brad Kearns of DaDMuM is often on his phone, updating his popular blog or generally keeping up with the world. According to his website, Brad is a 28-year-old husband to his wife, Sarah, and a father to 2 toddler boys named Knox and Finn.
Brad's followers had noticed that he was posting to his blog less and less in recent weeks. But on September 11, 2017, he shared an explanation for his nearly month-long absence — and his new post blew everyone away. Needless to say, after they read his story, Brad's followers completely understood why he took his brief "hiatus."
Scroll through to read this dad's moving message!
Thumbnail Photos: Facebook / DaDMuM
Brad writes:
Don’t let your phone make you a sh*tty parent.
I was home alone with the boys and was on Facebook trying to keep up with the world.
Knox came up and stood in front of me. I didn’t even notice him at first but he was clearly trying to get my attention. He was trying to show me one of his cars.
I didn't even look up from my phone when I replied "wow mate that's a cool one." He continued to stand in front of me. He started saying "Hi." I said "Hi" back at him a few times but he didn't stop.
He got another toy and kept trying to get my attention.
Eventually I looked up from my phone and said “Daddy’s busy mate, can you go and play with Finn.” He walked out of the room and began playing quietly in the other room with his brother.
I continued scrolling. He came back in and the same thing happened.
I hadn’t seen him in two days due to my work hours. He was bored and he missed me and he just wanted my attention.
Yet there I was "too busy" to even look up. And I dismissed him.
I realized shortly after and put my phone away. I felt like shit. I was being the dad I never wanted to be. I’d had enough.
So I went into the other room and asked him to play. His entire face lit up. He said "sure" and scooched over to make room for me next to him. We played all day and I left my phone on the bench.
That was a month ago now. I gave myself a much needed time-out.
And it's been the best month with my boys.
I can’t post every day. Sometimes I will miss a week. I don’t mind.
Kids don't give a shit about the world. All they care about is you being right there with them.
We need to put the phones down when we're with them.
Brad's post soon went viral. Currently, it has over 7,000 shares on Facebook and over 3,200 comments.
What do you think of Brad's important message?
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