Cellphones. They're not going anywhere. Ever. And that's a good thing, because if you ask any mom, she'll tell you: Her phone is her life line. Directions at the drop of a hat. Photos at the drop of a hat. And the ability to quickly text someone to let them know you're running late. They're, in a word, awesome.
But, like with any piece of technology, cellphones don't come without their caveats. And these caveats are caused by people's inability to follow a small set of rules (looking at you, guy conducting an over-the-phone interview while on the elliptical at the gym). Yes, everyone could probably benefit from a quick etiquette course in cellphone behavior, but this is a mom site, so we're gearing it toward you, ladies with kids! Here are 5 cellphone etiquette rules every mom should follow.
Don't be the lady talking crap on her phone while pushing her little one in a stroller. Look, I'm not one of those people who's all, "Oh mah gah, you should never take a phone call when in the presence of your children; you need to give them your undivided attention every waking moment!" Moms are busy. I get that. If you need to take a call, you need to take a call. But it probably isn't super cool to have a full-on bitch fest about someone while Junior's sitting there, unbeknownst to you, absorbing it all. Bad example. And a wee bit trashy, might I add.
Unless it's an emergency, don't answer your phone when you're in the middle of a real-life conversation. If you're talking to a mom-friend of yours, your kid's teacher, or your actual child, call the person back. Do you like someone taking a call while you're talking to them?
Don't have your kids screaming in the background/interrupting you every time you're on the phone. Being a mom is crazy, I know. But I have a friend who I've literally never had a conversation with without her children screaming and interrupting in the background. I can wait to talk. Unless it's dire, just call me after they've gone to bed.
No need to give all the mom details to your non-mom friends. I don't care if you're breastfeeding or changing a poop-filled diaper, because I know what it's like. But for those yet to experience the joy, best just call back or just skip some info.
Don't text and talk. Moms are nothing if not the world's best multi-taskers, but seriously, there are few things more annoying than a person who won't look up from their phone while you're talking, and goes: "Ummmmm ... yeahhh ... that could work-- Wait, what did you say?" when you ask them if they want to go get a cup of coffee. (And yes, this applies to all people.)
What cellphone habits annoy you?
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Comments 10
None of that bothers me much. But the thing that really grinds my gears? Parents yapping away, not paying attention, when their kids are at the park or a play place. They don't see their children hurting or bothering others, or pulling dangerous stunts or making messes. I want to strangle those individuals bc now, not only am I trying to supervise my children, I now have to keep an eye on yours because you aren't. What is supposed to be a relaxing afternoon at the park goes south real quick.
How about, put your phone down when you're out with your children?
I was at the movies and this woman's daughter was poking my butt and getting infront of us at the counter and touching my back.
I turned around and her mother was just texting away on her phone, not even noticing the shit her kid was doing... I still regret not saying anything to her.
I don't own a cell phone and probably won't. But most of those don't bother me either.