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Am I Addicted To My Phone, Or Is This Just How Moms Cope?

by Kane Ong

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Look, I know what the screen-time police say. I’ve read the articles.

I’ve seen the judgmental glares when I’m scrolling at the playground while my kid eats sand. But let’s be honest—am I addicted to my phone, or is this just how moms cope with the chaos of life?

Because if checking my phone 147 times a day is wrong, then I don’t want to be right.

The Many Hats of Mom Phone Use

My phone isn’t just a device—it’s basically my fourth child. It keeps me connected, entertained, semi-organized, and from completely losing my mind when I’m trapped in an endless game of “Mom, watch this!”

Let’s break it down:

1. The Google Rabbit Hole of Parenting Paranoia

“Oh, the baby has a cough? Let me do a quick search to see if this is normal.”
Three hours later I’m diagnosing my child with a rare disease only found in deep-sea creatures.

2. Online Shopping: The Sanity Saver

There’s something about clicking “Add to Cart” that soothes my soul, even if I never actually check out.

I’m not shopping—I’m preparing for when my house suddenly needs a full pantry restock, new shoes for all three kids, and a random seasonal wreath because Target told me I needed it.

3. The ‘Mom Needs a Break’ Escape Plan

When the house is loud, the kids are fighting over a piece of lint, and I just need five minutes of peace—I scroll. Am I looking at parenting tips?

Nope. I’m watching a video of someone power-washing a driveway in slow motion, and you know what? It’s bliss.

4. The ‘Let Me Just Check One Thing’ Trap

I swear, I open my phone with the purest of intentions. I’m just checking the weather, I tell myself.

Then somehow, I blink, and it’s 45 minutes later, and I’m deep into a stranger’s home renovation journey.

5. The ‘Mom Group Drama’ Spectator Sport

I don’t even comment, I just lurk.

But there is something oddly satisfying about watching a heated debate over the best sippy cup. (Spoiler alert: There is no winner. Moms will fight to the death over this.)

So, Is It Really a Problem?

I mean, maybe?

But honestly, between breaking up sibling fights, answering 4,932 questions a day, and making sure everyone has food and clean underwear, sometimes my brain just needs a little break.

Would I survive without my phone? Probably. But do I want to? Absolutely not.

Mom Guilt vs. Mom Sanity

Look, I could try to cut back.

I could lock my phone away and be fully present every single moment.

But I also know that part of my survival strategy is finding little pockets of joy, laughter, and connection—even if that means scrolling through memes at midnight instead of folding laundry.

So, to all the moms clutching their phones like a lifeline, I see you. We’re not addicted—we’re just coping. And honestly, if watching a hilarious dog video helps me get through the day, I’m calling that a win.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check my phone. For, uh… important reasons. Definitely not to look at cake-decorating videos I’ll never attempt.

Anyone else relate? Tell me I’m not alone!

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