There’s no denying that being a mum is hard work - which is why, when our kids are busy playing, a lot of us take the opportunity to squeeze in some downtime on Facebook.
But Brandie Wood’s parenting experiment, which recently went viral on social media, has warned mums and dads everywhere to put their phones way.
She said: “Today I did an experiment, I watched my boys play.
“As I sat quietly in the corner of the room I tallied how many times they looked at me for various reasons: to see if I saw their cool tricks, to seek approval or disapproval for what they were doing, and to watch my reactions.”
Brandie added: “I couldn't help but wonder if I was on some sort of technology what message would I have been sending?
“28 times my angels would have wondered if the World Wide Web was more important than them.
“28 times my boys would have not received the attention most adults are searching for.
“28 times my loves would have questioned if they were alone emotionally.
“28 times my kids would have been reassured that who you are online is what really matters."
Today I did an experiment, I watched my boys play. As I sat quietly in the corner of the room I tallied how many times... > >
Posted by [Brandie Wood](#) on [Monday, 2 November 2015](https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1135553199807545&set=a.140111586018383.21345.100000586277622&type=3)
She finished powerfully: “In a world where we are accepted as who people perceive us to be and not who we really are, in a world where validation comes from how many followers or likes we have, in a world where quality time with loved ones is being replaced by isolation and text messages from the other room, I beg you to be different.
“Please put down your technology and spend some time with your family & loved ones. The next generation of children is counting on us to teach them how to be adults, don't be too busy on social media, you never know who is watching and what message you are sending.”
What an incredible mum!
Her post has been shared 54,661 times on Facebook - and the response from other parents online has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Oh my that is AWESOME!!!!!” said one.
Another added: “Sooo true! Our babies deserve our attention & they need our guidance! They do not need to feel like they are in competition with our phones”
Would you be tempted to try this experiment for yourself? Maybe you have already?
**Let us know via Facebook or Twitter (@CloserOnline) now. **