A photo of this sign has been making the rounds on Facebook:

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It was originally posted at a daycare near Houston, TX. It's been shared on Facebook over 460K times, and generated more than 25K comments.

 

Here's where I have a problem with what the sign says -- it implies that every parent that is taking a call during pick-up/drop-off is somehow making their kids less of a priority.

 

I've been there. I've been on the receiving end of judgmental looks from other parents, because at times, I'm answering an email or doing some other work "from home," when I'm out with my kids. Somehow, magically, I also manage to be present with my kids and remain interested in what they are doing and what they have to say.

 

Because people are not one-dimensional, and you will never know someone else's situation.

 

The last time I was met with not only a stern look, but an unsolicited comment, from a stranger about me being on the phone while I was out with my kids, I took the time to respond. I said, to what was (probably) a well-meaning (if not nosy), stranger, "The reason I'm even able to physically be here with my kids right now, is because while I have *two* full time careers, I'm able to work on some of my responsibilities now, so that I don't have to be in the office."

 

What I really wanted to say is -- you know what lady? I work 12 hours a day, get one day off a week and barely see my kids as it is. So if I have a chance to be with them any bit extra, even if that means I have to get some work done while I'm with them...

 

...I'm picking being with my kids, every time.

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