Mastering the Art of Balance How as a Single Mom of 3, I’m Embracing Screen Time for the Sake of Productivity
Mastering the Art of Balance How Being a Single Mom of 3 Taught Me to Embrace Screen Time for Productivity
The author’s child isn’t pictured. – ozgurcankaya/Getty Images
Screen Time Struggles: How I Juggle Being a Single Mom and a Taskmaster
Ah, the eternal struggle of being a single mom – setting screen time limits for my kids while trying to maintain my sanity. As a beauty and fashion expert, you might think I have all the answers, but when it comes to parenting, it’s a whole different ball game. I want my kids to respect me, but I also want them to like me. And let’s face it, I need to get my work done too. It’s a delicate balancing act, like walking down a runway in sky-high stilettos without toppling over.
In theory, I try to be a responsible mom and limit their screen time to just two hours a day. But in reality, that desire clashes with the endless to-do list I have as a single mom. It’s like trying to fit into your favorite pair of jeans after a holiday feast – a real struggle. I mean, how am I supposed to keep them occupied while I conquer the world? They’re smart, they know the devices are there, and if I’m depriving them of their screen time, I instantly become the fashion police.
Imagine this scene: it’s a sunny Saturday morning, I’ve just fried up some crispy bacon and whisked a perfect batch of scrambled eggs. Just as I’m about to sit down and savor my culinary masterpiece, all three kids simultaneously chime in with the dreaded question, “Can I go on the computer?”
Now, in our humble abode, the computer is like the holy grail of screens, and there’s fierce competition for their coveted time in front of its mesmerizing glow. The youngest, Tommy, squeals that he should go first, while the oldest, Genny, fires back with accusations of favoritism. It’s a battle of the screens, a fashion face-off of epic proportions.
So, I, as the ultimate commander-in-chief of the household, seize control. Tommy goes first, then Nicky, and finally, Genny. Each of them gets a precious 30 minutes in the virtual wonderland, and to ensure fairness, their start and end times are logged with me. I’m like the fashion police, rigorously monitoring their screen time fashionably.
But oh, the plot thickens. Genny, in her best negotiation skills, tries to sweet-talk me into using her tablet while waiting for her turn. Nicky, ever the voice of reason, argues that if Genny is getting extra screen time, he should be allowed to watch television. It’s a battle of wits and technology. Who knew parenting could be this fashionably complicated?
In that moment of desperation, I find myself thinking, “What would my ex-husband do in this situation?” But then I remind myself that I’m a strong, independent woman who can handle anything that comes her way – fashionably, of course.
I take a deep breath and lay down the law. No electronics while waiting. We have toys, the great outdoors, and enough Legos in the basement to build a fashion empire. There are eye-rolls and disgruntled murmurs, but with a fashionably firm tone, I explain that Mama has some serious work to do and bills to pay. I can’t let them see me sweat in my stylishly curated office space.
Of course, my reprieve is short-lived. Just as I finally settle down at my fabulous desk, ready to conquer the world, I’m bombarded with requests – snacks, nectarines to be sliced, hair to be brushed. It’s like a fashion emergency that needs immediate attention, and I find myself juggling the role of mom and taskmaster.
In a moment of weakness, I yearn for some backup. Who wouldn’t love a team of friends or family to swoop in and save the day? But alas, my circle is small, and as a single mom who asked for the divorce, I fear the judgment and raised eyebrows. So, it’s just me and the kids against the world, trying to navigate this fashionable storm.
To regain a semblance of control, I gather my kids like a fashionista herding kittens and take them to the nearest coffee shop. After a much-needed caffeine boost, I’m ready to face the day again, feeling like a warrior in designer armor. The kids settle down with their electronic distractions, and I focus on work, feeling more confident in my abilities as a multitasking mom.
Sure, I might not have it all figured out yet, but I’m learning to cut myself some slack. I can’t compare myself to those fictional sitcom moms who seemingly have it all together. Instead, I embrace my imperfections and celebrate the moments where I find creative solutions. It’s like finding the perfect pair of shoes that are both comfortable and fashionable – a rare delight.
So, fellow fashion-loving moms, let’s take a moment to acknowledge that our struggles with screen time don’t define us. We’re doing the best we can, in our stylishly imperfect way. We’ll balance the research and expert advice with our own experiences, knowing that our love for our children and our commitment to their well-being shine brighter than any screen.
And if all else fails, remember this: even the most glamorous runway models stumble from time to time, but it doesn’t make them any less fabulous. So, keep strutting your stuff, mama. Fashionable parenting is your domain, and you’ve got this!
Tell me, fellow fashionistas, what are your biggest struggles when it comes to screen time and parenting? How do you manage to find that elusive fashion-forward balance? Share your experiences in the comments below and let’s support each other in this fashionable journey of motherhood!
