When a School Newsletter Letter Hit a Nerve – And Sparked a Parenting Pause
By Sue Atkins – Navigating the Digital Jungle
Dear Sue,
I just wanted to comment on something my child’s PE teacher wrote in the school newsletter. It’s been playing on my mind ever since.
She gently (but firmly!) called out the number of parents glued to their phones during school events—sports days, swimming galas, even just walking across the playground at pick-up.
She wasn’t judging. But she was honest. And it made me stop and think…
When I read that message from a parent, my heart nodded in recognition. Because let’s be honest—we’ve all been there.
📱 A quick glance at an email.
📱 A scroll while waiting.
📱 A message that just needs a reply.
And suddenly, the moment is gone.
The race is over.
The certificate’s been given.
The beaming smile has faded into the background.
But here’s the thing…
Our children don’t need perfect parents.
They need present ones.
And sometimes it takes the honest words of a PE teacher in a school newsletter to help us pause, reflect, and recalibrate.
💡 Pause to Ponder
Ask yourself:
- What message might my child be getting when I’m on my phone during their big (or small) moments?
- Am I showing up fully when it really counts?
- What would it feel like to just… watch? Smile? Be there—no distractions?
Of course, it’s not about never using your phone. It’s about noticing when and why you reach for it—and whether that moment is really the right one.
🛠️ Practical Tips to Try This Week
- Create a “phone-free” ritual at school pick-up.
Put your phone in your bag or pocket. Greet your child with your eyes, not your emails. - Take one photo at events—then be fully present.
Snap the shot, then slip your phone away and cheer your heart out. - Set a simple reminder:
Write “Look up, not down” on a sticky note. Pop it in your car or on your phone lock screen. - Turn on “Do Not Disturb” for 30 mins.
Give your child your undivided attention—it’s more powerful than you realise. - Talk about it.
Share the letter with your partner or friends. Use it as a springboard for conversation, not criticism.
💬 Coaching Questions to Reflect On
- 💭 What moments am I most likely to miss because I’m distracted?
- 💭 How do I want my child to feel when they spot me in the crowd?
- 💭 What small change could I make this week to be more present?
- 💭 What memories do I want to create—for them and for me?
The truth is, life is lived in the little things.
The clumsy cartwheel.
The proud handshake.
The whispered, “Did you see me, Mum?”
Let’s not miss them because we were too busy recording or replying or scrolling.
📣 To That PE Teacher…
Thank you for saying what many of us needed to hear.
Not with shame, but with a loving challenge to do better.
Because when we know better, we can be better.
More present. More connected. More there.
The Look Up, Not Down Checklist
Small daily choices for BIG connection with your child.
Designed by Sue Atkins – Navigating the Digital Jungle
🔁 Daily Habits to Try
☐ Put your phone in your bag or pocket before pick-up or drop-off
☐ Switch on Do Not Disturb for 30 minutes during key family times
☐ Take one photo only at events—then pocket your phone
☐ Say to your child: “I’ve put my phone away so I can focus on you”
☐ Leave your phone in another room for at least one family meal
☐ Choose one no-phone moment each day (e.g. bedtime, walk to school)
☐ Notice your instinct to scroll—pause, breathe, and look up instead
☐ Watch your child’s match or performance without filming it
☐ Cheer louder than your notifications!
🧠 Mindful Prompts
☐ Ask: What might I miss if I’m looking down right now?
☐ Repeat: “Eyes Up. Phone Down”
☐ Lock screen reminder set: “Eyes up. Phone down.”
☐ Keep a “memory moment” journal instead of photos
☐ Anchor eye contact and smiles to key transitions (like pick-up)
👨👩👧👦 Connection Boosters
☐ Start a “tech-free 10” routine after school (just 10 minutes of chatting)
☐ Set a weekly family challenge: No Phones at Events Week
☐ Involve your child: “What should we do when we’re off screens today?”
☐ Celebrate your wins: “I looked up today—and I saw that smile.”
💬 Remember:
Your presence is a powerful message: “You matter more than my screen.”
Helping families find balance in a screen-filled world
#LookUpNotDown #NavigatingTheDigitalJungle
