This viral post says it's okay for moms to sit at the playground — here's why it struck a nerve
When Amanda Castillo, a licensed therapist and mom of three, posted a short Instagram reel responding to the idea that 'parents at the park should get off the bench and play with their kids,' she offered a calm, clear, one-word rebuttal:
'NO.'
The comment section lit up.
The moment carried the weight of a collective exhale. A lot of moms—especially those raising toddlers, juggling multiple kids, or just quietly trying to hold it together—felt deeply seen by that 'no.' Not because they don't care about connection. But because somewhere between packing the snacks, finding the missing shoe, and dragging everyone to the playground, moms were told that even here, they should be entertaining.
Amanda wasn't having it.
In her caption, she explained that while her youngest is 2.5 and sometimes needs help, the playground isn't a stage where moms need to perform.
'God forbid we… let the playground be for kids. A space where they get to experience some freedom, explore, interact and engage with other children without their parent breathing down their neck.'
Amanda—who describes herself as 'a trauma-informed holistic therapist and coach, supporting women in healing from complex trauma'—clarified that she's not anti-play. She's simply saying: you don't have to be the adult scaling the playground to be a good parent.
Many moms already arrive at the playground running on empty. They've done the prep work. They've met everyone else's needs. Sitting on the park bench—iced coffee in hand—is not apathy. It's presence with boundaries.
And it's deeply supported by child development philosophy. According to the American Montessori Society, independence, self-direction, and uninterrupted play are essential to how children grow. Dr. Maria Montessori wrote in The Absorbent Mind:
'As soon as concentration has begun, act as if the child does not exist.'(The Absorbent Mind, 1949)
This doesn't mean being hands-off. It means knowing when not to step in—and trusting that your presence nearby is enough.
Amanda's reel resonated because it named the pressure so many moms feel: the constant push to be 'all in' at every moment, even in the places that were supposed to be breaks. It touched a nerve because moms are exhausted—and not just physically.
According to a 2024 Gallup report, 81% of working moms managing caregiving and professional demands reported feeling burned out. That's not about attitude—it's about infrastructure. In a country with no national paid leave and limited childcare, moms are holding the line. And then being told they're not holding it enthusiastically enough.
Related: 81% of working moms face burnout while 'managing it all,' Gallup study finds
There is no single right way to be a good mom at the playground. Some parents love running and climbing and swinging. Others connect through quieter rhythms. Amanda's message was never anti-engagement—it was anti-guilt.
'I'm not saying to never intervene, play with or support your kiddo,' she wrote. 'I'm just highlighting here that IT'S OKAY if you don't want to be the adult scaling the playground!'
I am a loving mom. A patient mom. I am an understanding mom. I am (occasionally) a 'let's get ice cream after school' mom. But I am not the kind of mom who enjoys getting on the ground to play with my kids, or who chases my kids on the playground in a game of tag, or who relishes time spent doing childhood games. If you are, I think that's awesome. But to be honest, that's just not me. Which is why I was relieved to see this viral Instagram reel validating moms like me—ones who are happy sitting with an iced coffee on the park bench, watching my kids from a distance.
Here's how I see it: Kids need time to free play, with other kids. They need time to unwind without a parent trying to directly engage or stimulate them. And while it's clear that parent-child bonding time is important, I've also found it helpful to try to find activities to do with my kids that I actually enjoy. Nail salon with my daughter? Yes please. Paddington movie in theatres? Done. Cooking breakfast with my son? Love it. Moms have a right to enjoy themselves along the way, and shaming them for not loving every aspect of motherhood is not helping anyone.
Related: Mom shares wet playground hack that's a game-changer for rainy play
Amanda's video didn't go viral because it was divisive. It resonated because it was honest. A gentle reminder that mothers are human beings—not cruise directors.
So go ahead. Sit down. Watch from a distance. Text your friend back. Sip the iced coffee you bought three hours ago. Let your kid climb and fall and figure it out. That's parenting, too.
Because presence doesn't always mean performance. And good moms can sit down.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Yahoo
Why Your Overly Positive Personality Drives Your Friends Crazy
In today's world, where Instagram filters everyone into perfection and motivational quotes are slapped on everything from mugs to T-shirts, it might be shocking to realize that your relentless optimism isn't always welcome. Your toxic positivity might be the very thing that's driving your friends up the wall. We get it; the intention is good, a well-meaning attempt to uplift and inspire. But sometimes, just sometimes, your sunny-side-up perspective might be doing more harm than good. Here's the rundown of why everyone might not be jumping on your positivity parade. Your relentless positivity might set a standard that your friends feel they can't live up to. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt, as they compare themselves to an unrealistic ideal. Instead of inspiring them, you might inadvertently be creating a divide. It's important to show your friends that it's okay to have off days and that nobody is perfect. By being open about your struggles and vulnerabilities, you can model what it means to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions. This can make you more relatable and approachable, fostering deeper connections with those around you. Remember, authenticity breeds connection. When you share your true self, you permit others to do the same. When a friend is venting about their terrible day, your immediate response is to remind them that it could be worse. You've got your 'stop complaining and be grateful' speech down pat, and while it seems like the right thing to say, it often just feels dismissive. The University of Kansas conducted research showing that validating someone's emotional experience fosters stronger connections. By skipping over their feelings, you're unintentionally ignoring their reality and the chance for genuine connection. Your friends, believe it or not, aren't searching for a pep talk at every turn. Sometimes they just want someone to say, 'Wow, that sucks.' It's not about reveling in negativity; it's about acknowledging that life isn't always a motivational poster. By jumping straight to the bright side, you're missing the opportunity to stand by them in their moment of need. And that, dear optimist, can feel incredibly isolating. In your pursuit of happiness, you might breeze past the gritty, messy details of life that your friends are entrenched in. This avoidance of the uncomfortable aspects of life can make your positivity seem disingenuous. In real friendships, glossing over the less-than-perfect parts can prevent deeper bonds from forming. It's the grit and grime of life that often fosters the most authentic connections. While you might think your relentless cheerfulness is a breath of fresh air, it can come across as shallow. Your friends might feel like you're not someone they can turn to when they're knee-deep in a mess. True support means you're willing to step into the muck with them, not just hover above it with a smile. Remember, real life is a mix of highs and lows, and ignoring the lows doesn't erase them. When you tell someone, 'It could be worse,' you're not making them feel better. Instead, you're telling them that their feelings aren't justified unless they're at the end of the suffering spectrum. This minimizes their experience and makes them feel like they need to compete with others to earn their right to feel bad. In reality, everyone's struggles are relative and should be respected as such. Assuming that your friends should feel grateful for not being in a worse situation can quickly shut down meaningful communication. It prevents them from fully expressing themselves because they're constantly comparing their problems to those of others. This comparison game can lead to feelings of inadequacy and shame that you're inadvertently amplifying. What you're left with is a friend who's more likely to bottle things up, avoiding your dismissive reactions. Telling someone to 'just think positive' sounds easy enough, but it's akin to telling someone to 'just fix it' without offering any tools. It disregards the complexity of emotions and the underlying issues that need addressing. According to psychologist Dr. Barbara Markway, strategies like mindfulness and acknowledging one's feelings are more effective in changing a negative mindset. Simply willing away negativity is not a sustainable strategy. By reducing someone's internal struggle to a simplistic directive, you're not giving them any real guidance. They need actionable steps, not just platitudes, to navigate through their challenges. When you throw 'just think positive' at them, it can feel like you're throwing them into the deep end without a life vest. Helping someone involves more than just a slogan; it's about offering concrete support. When a friend shares their struggles, responding with 'At least you have…' might feel like you're helping them gain perspective, but it often does the opposite. This type of response can feel invalidating, as it shifts the focus from their feelings to a comparison that may not be relevant. According to a study published by the Journal of Clinical Psychology, emotional validation is crucial for effective communication and relational satisfaction. By playing the 'at least' game, you sideline their current experience, leaving them feeling misunderstood and unsupported. It's important to realize that highlighting silver linings doesn't make the clouds disappear. Your friends need space to express their feelings without being told that they should feel differently. By constantly pointing out what they should be thankful for, you might be unintentionally telling them they don't have the right to feel upset. Allowing them the freedom to express their emotions without caveats can be far more supportive. Life isn't just a series of good or bad events; it's a spectrum of experiences that can elicit a wide range of emotions. But your tendency to paint everything in black and white might be doing a disservice to your friends. This binary view of emotions can prevent them from fully exploring and understanding their feelings. When you insist on positive thinking, you might be closing the door on meaningful introspection. Emotions are complex and often layered, with multiple feelings occurring simultaneously. This richness can't be distilled down to just 'happy' or 'sad.' By pushing a simplistic, positive narrative, you're encouraging them to bypass this complexity. Authentic support involves recognizing and validating all emotions, not just the ones wrapped in sunshine. Your insistence on seeing the bright side might add more stress to your friends' lives. A study from the University of California, Berkeley, found that forcing happiness can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. When you pressure your friends to be perpetually upbeat, you're ignoring the natural ebb and flow of emotions. This expectation to constantly maintain a positive outlook can be exhausting and feel like an additional burden. Instead of alleviating stress, your relentless optimism might be piling it on. It creates an environment where your friends feel they must suppress their true emotions in favor of the ones they think you'll accept. This suppression can lead to deeper emotional issues that surface later on. Encouraging your friends to be real and honest, even when it's not pretty, can offer genuine relief instead of added pressure. When someone opens up about a problem, resist the urge to jump straight into solution mode. Your brain might be wired to fix things, but not every issue has a straightforward resolution. Some problems require time, patience, and a willingness to sit with discomfort. By insisting on a quick fix, you might be dismissing the complexity of what they're going through. Your friends need your support, not your superhero cape. Solving their problems might make you feel useful, but it can come across as dismissive of their capacity to handle their own lives. Being there to listen and understand that some issues are ongoing can be more supportive than offering a list of solutions. Sometimes, the best way to help is by being present rather than presumptuous. Perpetual sunshine might seem appealing, but it can create shadows where none should exist. In your quest for unwavering positivity, you might cast judgment on those who don't share your sunny disposition. This can result in alienating those who are processing their emotions in their own time and way. Your friends might start to feel like they must wear a mask around you, obscuring their true selves. Not every day calls for a smile, and pretending it does can be exhausting. By expecting everyone to mirror your constant cheerfulness, you could be negating their genuine feelings. This expectation might prevent them from feeling safe enough to express their true emotions. Recognizing the full spectrum of emotions in your friends can foster more genuine connections. Your need to maintain a positive façade for others might suggest an avoidance of dealing with your own emotions. Constantly focusing on others' happiness can be a way to deflect from your struggles. This deflection might seem like generosity, but it can be a sign that you're neglecting your emotional well-being. Your positivity can be a mask, a way to hide what's going on underneath. By relentlessly promoting positivity, you might be denying yourself the opportunity to grow and learn from life's challenges. It's essential to look inward and acknowledge your feelings. Only then can you genuinely support others in their emotional journey. Remember, self-reflection doesn't diminish your positivity; it enhances your authenticity. Your drive to be a beacon of positivity often means that you feel the need to always be 'on.' This can lead to an unsustainable cycle of emotional exhaustion and burnout. While your intentions are noble, it's crucial to remember that nobody can maintain a constant state of high energy and happiness. Perfection is an illusion, and striving for it can be draining. Your friends might feel like they're walking on eggshells, trying to match your enthusiasm. This pressure to conform to your upbeat outlook can be taxing on relationships. Allowing for moments of vulnerability and authenticity can create a more balanced dynamic. Letting go of the need to always be 'on' can make room for more genuine interactions. It's easy to fall into the trap of offering unsolicited advice when someone shares their struggles with you. You might think you're helping by providing solutions, but sometimes, your friends aren't looking for advice—they just need an empathetic ear. Offering advice can unintentionally convey that their feelings or actions aren't valid. Listening without interjecting can be far more powerful than any advice you can offer. When you rush to fix things, you might miss out on understanding the depth of what they're experiencing. Your friends might start to feel like their emotions are problems to be solved rather than experiences to be shared. By holding back on the advice, you allow them to explore their feelings without judgment. This creates a space where they can process and heal on their terms.
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Yahoo
15 Brutal Signs Your Marriage Isn't Built To Last
In the ever-evolving game of love, it's all too easy to wear those rose-colored glasses a tad too long. Yet, as life unfolds its intricate layers, certain telltale signs whisper that perhaps your union isn't the forever kind. Sure, every couple has their quirks, but some signs are less about personality and more about compatibility's fatal flaw. Grab your latte, settle into your most chic corner, and let's dig into these unexpected signals that suggest your marriage might be more fragile than a fashion model's ego at a runway show. In the grand tapestry of love, communication is far more than just words. It's about resonating on the same frequency, and sometimes, you might be tuned to entirely different channels. If your idea of affection is a bouquet of roses, while your partner's is a silent Netflix binge, you might be living an emotional Tower of Babel scenario. Dr. Gary Chapman, author of "The Five Love Languages," highlights the importance of understanding your partner's love language as fundamental to maintaining a healthy emotional connection. When love languages clash, it's not just about unmet expectations. It can spiral into a feeling of emotional neglect, where both parties feel unappreciated. The inability to speak each other's love dialect can leave you feeling as though you're living with a friendly stranger. Without a translator, this gap can widen, turning shared moments into silent room-shares instead of a partnership. In the age of digital personas, sharing a bit of your life online is par for the course. However, if your deepest thoughts and grievances regarding your partner are more likely to be found on Instagram than in your bedroom, there's a red flag flapping in the breeze. This public airing can hint that you're seeking validation outside your marriage, where intimacy ought to thrive within its private sphere. A relationship built on external validation is often a relationship teetering on a very public precipice. Nothing should replace face-to-face communication, especially not a status update. When grievances become performative, it signals that the comfort of connection has abandoned the premises. The true danger lies in creating a persona for your marriage that exists only for public consumption. Over time, the audience becomes more involved in your relationship than you are, leaving the real connection neglected and ignored, much like a relic of past seasons' fashion. While infidelity might initially conjure images of clandestine meetings or secret flings, financial infidelity is an equally insidious foe. When credit card statements become more closely guarded than a celebrity's privacy, it signals trouble. According to a study by Harris Poll on behalf of the National Endowment for Financial Education, two in five Americans admit to lying to their partners about money. The deception involved in financial secrets can erode trust faster than a viral tweet. Financial dishonesty might start small, but it has a way of snowballing into larger, more destructive habits. When one partner hides spending or debt, it creates a power imbalance, much like uneven hemlines in fashion. Over time, trust becomes a mere echo of its former self, breeding resentment and division. Without transparency, the partnership part of your relationship turns into a competitive sport, complete with winners and losers. For some, conflict is the emotional equivalent of a pop-up ad—unexpected and to be avoided at all costs. But when you dodge every disagreement, it's less about keeping the peace and more about stifling communication. A marriage without disagreement is often one where deeper issues simmer unaddressed beneath a polished exterior. Avoidance doesn't protect the relationship; it suffocates it with silence. The absence of conflict might initially seem harmonious, but it's more like a fashion collection with no risks—safe yet forgettable. Disagreements are opportunities to grow, evolve, and understand your partner on a deeper level. When you forgo these opportunities, you're not preventing harm but preventing growth. In time, unresolved issues can accumulate, creating an emotional landfill of ignored grievances. Every strong partnership has a compass—a set of shared dreams that guide the relationship. When your dreams diverge like two fashion lines going in opposite directions, the future can become more of a question mark than an exclamation point. Dr. Terri Orbuch, a social psychologist and author of "5 Simple Steps to Take Your Marriage from Good to Great," asserts that couples benefit significantly when they maintain goals that align. Without this alignment, a marriage can become a dual residency instead of a unified home. Diverging dreams may start innocently enough, as personal pursuits are natural and encouraged. However, if these pursuits lead you down separate paths, you'll eventually find yourselves living parallel lives. The richness of a shared future is diluted, leaving a paler, more isolated existence. When dreams no longer intertwine, the fabric of marriage can unravel, thread by thread. Intimacy, in all its forms, is the connective tissue of a marriage, and its absence can be as glaring as a fashion faux pas on the red carpet. When physical and emotional closeness becomes a relic of the past, the relationship starts to resemble a beautifully kept museum—admired but untouched. This disconnect can transform partners into roommates, coexisting without the glue of genuine closeness. Without intimacy, the vibrancy of a relationship can fade into monochrome. The decline of intimacy often goes unnoticed at first, like the slow fade of a favorite fabric. Subtle changes, like a lack of touch or absence of shared secrets, may seem harmless initially. Yet, as time goes on, the gap widens, leaving a void where connection once thrived. Rediscovering intimacy requires intention and effort, much like reviving a forgotten trend, but the cost of neglecting it is a relationship stripped of its warmth and color. When a relationship morphs into a competitive sport, with each partner keeping meticulous score, it's a sign of deep-seated issues. Keeping tabs on who did what or who owes whom what favor is a surefire way to build resentment. According to relationship expert Dr. John Gottman, relationships thrive not on tallying points but on acts of kindness and generosity that create positive sentiment. When the focus is on winning rather than partnership, both parties ultimately lose. The constant scorekeeping can transform love into a ledger, a transactional relationship devoid of genuine emotion. In such an environment, every interaction is tinged with an invisible checklist, ensuring that everything remains balanced. But love isn't about balance sheets; it's about support, care, and connection. When transactions replace gestures of love, the foundation of the relationship becomes less about unity and more about competition. There's nothing wrong with cherishing a little solitude in our hectic lives. However, when the highlight of your day is the moment you can escape your partner, it unveils a chasm between you. While independence is essential, a marriage thrives on shared experiences and mutual enjoyment. If "me time" feels like a rescue mission rather than a rejuvenation, it suggests a deeper dissatisfaction. Cherishing alone time should be a complement to, not a substitute for, time spent together. When you consistently seek solitude, it implies that your partner's presence is more draining than fulfilling. Over time, this dynamic can lead to isolation, where both parties drift into separate worlds. When togetherness becomes a chore, it's a signal to reassess the relationship's pulse. It's natural to admire other couples' dynamics, but when admiration turns to envy, there's something amiss. If you find yourself consistently longing for the type of relationship others seem to have, it's a cue to reflect internally. This envy might stem from unmet needs or unaddressed issues within your marriage. When you're more focused on what others have, you neglect the potential for growth in your relationship. Jealousy often masks deeper insecurities and dissatisfaction. It's a form of escapism, where dreaming about someone else's reality distracts from confronting your own. This habit can erode gratitude, blinding you to the positives in your partnership. When every outing feels like a reminder of what you lack, rather than what you cherish, it's a cue for introspection and change. Nostalgia has its place, but when you're constantly reminiscing about the "good old days," it may signal a disconnect with the present. A marriage rooted in the past indicates that you're yearning for a time when things felt more connected, easier, or simply better. This fixation can stall growth, trapping the relationship in a time capsule rather than evolving with the present. When your best memories outweigh your current joys, it's an indication that something needs attention. Living in the past creates an invisible wall between what was and what is. It prevents you from embracing the changes and challenges that naturally come with time. The inability to let go of old glories can hinder your ability to adapt and grow together. When your present feels like a footnote to your past, it's time to reevaluate the dynamics at play. Feeling invisible in a relationship can be as isolating as being at a party where you don't know a soul. When your thoughts, opinions, and feelings consistently go unnoticed or dismissed, it's a red flag. A healthy marriage involves active listening and mutual respect, not a one-sided monologue. When your voice feels like a whisper in the wind, it's time to address the imbalance. Silence often speaks louder than words, and when your partner fails to acknowledge your presence, it creates a rift. Being unseen can lead to feelings of inadequacy and loneliness, even when you're physically together. Over time, this neglect can sap the relationship's vitality, leaving a hollow shell where depth once thrived. Reclaiming your space and voice is essential to restoring balance and connection. In a strong partnership, one person's success is a shared victory. However, when your partner's achievements leave you feeling threatened or inadequate, it suggests an undercurrent of insecurity. This dynamic can lead to resentment, where support turns into silent competition. Instead of celebrating together, it creates an emotional divide that can be hard to bridge. Feeling overshadowed by your partner's accomplishments can breed feelings of inferiority. It can shift the relationship's balance from teamwork to rivalry, where one person's win feels like another's loss. This mindset stifles the potential for mutual growth and understanding. When success becomes a battleground rather than a shared joy, it's crucial to address the emotions at play. Introducing your partner to your inner circle should be a natural, joyous occasion. But if you find yourself hesitating, it's a signal that something might be awry. This reluctance could stem from embarrassment, doubt, or a lack of confidence in your relationship's stability. Avoidance suggests that on some level, you're unsure about how well your partnership fits into the wider tapestry of your life. Keeping your partner separate from your other relationships creates a duality that's hard to sustain. It implies a lack of integration and can prevent the relationship from fully flourishing. Over time, these separate worlds can drift further apart, much like an unsynchronized dance. When introductions feel more like obligations than celebrations, it's time to examine the underlying causes. A partner should be your sanctuary, not a source of additional stress. If you find yourself seeking solace elsewhere when the going gets tough, it's a sign of emotional distance. This lack of safety can turn the relationship into a minefield, where vulnerability is risky rather than welcomed. A marriage without a safe space is like a home without a roof—exposed to the elements and vulnerable to damage. When your partner isn't your confidant, it signals a breakdown in trust and communication. It suggests that the relationship lacks the nurturing environment necessary for emotional growth. Seeking comfort in others or isolating yourself leaves the core of the partnership neglected. Rebuilding this safe space requires effort and openness, but it's essential for a thriving relationship. Planning a future should be an exciting, shared adventure, not a solitary endeavor. If your vision of the years ahead feels more like a solo mission than a partnership, it's an indication of disconnect. A shared future is fundamental to any marriage, providing direction and purpose. When your plans don't include your partner, it's a sign that the relationship is missing a vital element of unity. A future without a shared narrative is like a story with two divergent plots. It suggests a lack of alignment in values, dreams, or priorities. This division can create a barrier to intimacy, where each person pursues their path without regard for the other. When the journey ahead seems more like a solitary trek than a joint venture, it's time to reassess where your relationship is headed.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
This viral post says it's okay for moms to sit at the playground — here's why it struck a nerve
When Amanda Castillo, a licensed therapist and mom of three, posted a short Instagram reel responding to the idea that 'parents at the park should get off the bench and play with their kids,' she offered a calm, clear, one-word rebuttal: 'NO.' The comment section lit up. The moment carried the weight of a collective exhale. A lot of moms—especially those raising toddlers, juggling multiple kids, or just quietly trying to hold it together—felt deeply seen by that 'no.' Not because they don't care about connection. But because somewhere between packing the snacks, finding the missing shoe, and dragging everyone to the playground, moms were told that even here, they should be entertaining. Amanda wasn't having it. In her caption, she explained that while her youngest is 2.5 and sometimes needs help, the playground isn't a stage where moms need to perform. 'God forbid we… let the playground be for kids. A space where they get to experience some freedom, explore, interact and engage with other children without their parent breathing down their neck.' Amanda—who describes herself as 'a trauma-informed holistic therapist and coach, supporting women in healing from complex trauma'—clarified that she's not anti-play. She's simply saying: you don't have to be the adult scaling the playground to be a good parent. Many moms already arrive at the playground running on empty. They've done the prep work. They've met everyone else's needs. Sitting on the park bench—iced coffee in hand—is not apathy. It's presence with boundaries. And it's deeply supported by child development philosophy. According to the American Montessori Society, independence, self-direction, and uninterrupted play are essential to how children grow. Dr. Maria Montessori wrote in The Absorbent Mind: 'As soon as concentration has begun, act as if the child does not exist.'(The Absorbent Mind, 1949) This doesn't mean being hands-off. It means knowing when not to step in—and trusting that your presence nearby is enough. Amanda's reel resonated because it named the pressure so many moms feel: the constant push to be 'all in' at every moment, even in the places that were supposed to be breaks. It touched a nerve because moms are exhausted—and not just physically. According to a 2024 Gallup report, 81% of working moms managing caregiving and professional demands reported feeling burned out. That's not about attitude—it's about infrastructure. In a country with no national paid leave and limited childcare, moms are holding the line. And then being told they're not holding it enthusiastically enough. Related: 81% of working moms face burnout while 'managing it all,' Gallup study finds There is no single right way to be a good mom at the playground. Some parents love running and climbing and swinging. Others connect through quieter rhythms. Amanda's message was never anti-engagement—it was anti-guilt. 'I'm not saying to never intervene, play with or support your kiddo,' she wrote. 'I'm just highlighting here that IT'S OKAY if you don't want to be the adult scaling the playground!' I am a loving mom. A patient mom. I am an understanding mom. I am (occasionally) a 'let's get ice cream after school' mom. But I am not the kind of mom who enjoys getting on the ground to play with my kids, or who chases my kids on the playground in a game of tag, or who relishes time spent doing childhood games. If you are, I think that's awesome. But to be honest, that's just not me. Which is why I was relieved to see this viral Instagram reel validating moms like me—ones who are happy sitting with an iced coffee on the park bench, watching my kids from a distance. Here's how I see it: Kids need time to free play, with other kids. They need time to unwind without a parent trying to directly engage or stimulate them. And while it's clear that parent-child bonding time is important, I've also found it helpful to try to find activities to do with my kids that I actually enjoy. Nail salon with my daughter? Yes please. Paddington movie in theatres? Done. Cooking breakfast with my son? Love it. Moms have a right to enjoy themselves along the way, and shaming them for not loving every aspect of motherhood is not helping anyone. Related: Mom shares wet playground hack that's a game-changer for rainy play Amanda's video didn't go viral because it was divisive. It resonated because it was honest. A gentle reminder that mothers are human beings—not cruise directors. So go ahead. Sit down. Watch from a distance. Text your friend back. Sip the iced coffee you bought three hours ago. Let your kid climb and fall and figure it out. That's parenting, too. Because presence doesn't always mean performance. And good moms can sit down.
