So picture this: a mom, probably decked out in the latest trendy outfit, is captured in a moment that could only be described as a scene straight out of a reality show. She’s focused, camera poised, snapping what she probably thinks are “iconic” photos for her Instagram followers. Meanwhile, her adorable little girl is teetering precariously on the steps, looking like she might need a crash course in parkour just to get to the bottom. It’s a classic case of social media obsession gone wild, and you can’t help but raise an eyebrow—or maybe two.

Now, let’s be honest here. We’ve all seen those videos where parents are glued to their phones, seemingly more interested in crafting the perfect post than in the well-being of their kids. And this scenario is no exception. Mom seems oblivious to anything going on around her, including her daughter who’s basically just a step away from giving gravity a run for its money. One would think that when it comes to kids, safety should be priority number one, but for some “influencers,” it’s all about capturing that perfect shot for the ‘gram.

Imagine the conversation going on in that little girl’s head. She’s probably thinking, “Hey, Mom, I’m down here! Can you at least pretend to be paying attention while I navigate these steps?” Kids have enough on their plates without having to worry about whether their parent is more interested in likes than their surviving toddlerhood. It’s like, rather than being a role model, she’s inadvertently teaching her kid that social media validation is worth risking a tumble down the stairs. You know, because that’s the kind of lesson every parent dreams of instilling in their child.

And what about common sense? Where’s it hiding in 2023? You’d think common sense would make a fashionable comeback, but it appears to have taken a sabbatical. The hazard lights on the car? It’s like she threw them on as a disclaimer: “Sure, my kid is running wild while I could be keeping an eye on her, but look at this pic!” I mean, might as well get the attention of passersby while waiting for the next big “like.” Nothing says “responsible parenting” quite like a discounted Instagram photo session.

At the end of the day, it’s all fun and games until someone trips over their shoelaces and tumbles down the staircase. But in the twisted logic of modern parenting, what would we call that? A teaching moment? Or just another highlight for the feed? In a world that seems to be becoming increasingly overrun by influencers, it often feels like common sense is taking a backseat to eye-catching images and viral moments. Maybe we need to start a new trend—one that involves looking up from our screens and actually paying attention to our kiddos. It might just save a few stumbles and create a few more moments worth capturing.