In a recent study mobile-devices we’re found to have a negative impact on infant social-emotional functioning and parent-child interactions. Like other forms of maternal withdrawal and unresponsiveness, children can feel unimportant, and have to compete with smartphones for parents' attention. We can be physically present in our children’s lives yet at the same time be emotionally disconnected. Cell phone use around our developing littles is a distraction and they notice. I know I’ve been guilty of it myself- as a content creator it is literally my job to be on my phone. So I’ve had to establish and set healthy boundaries to have a healthy family balance. When I find myself being a little too quick to pick up and document everything I step away and take a break. Leaving your phone in another room while you interact and play with your kids can be really free and allow you to fully be present. The day I realized how my phone habits were affecting my children was when my three year old son started to get upset every time I would pick up my phone to record him. He was letting me know in his own ways that he did not want mommy to be on her phone. So when that started to happen I began to make a conscious effort to put my phone down more and just be. I set clear business hours for myself, and when I’m with my kids, I’m with my kids and I’m not checking emails, or working. It can feel overwhelming at times and feel like I need to get every moment because I can be missing some thing that “needs” to be shared. But this isn’t healthy. So today, and tomorrow and from here on out I encourage you to put the phone down- leave it in another room. Our kids need reliable and consistent attention in order to form proper emotional processes. They need us to be present- in every way. #momtok #momsoftiktok