Kids are so distracting aren’t they?
I am never more important to my children than the moment I do something that takes my attention away from them. In my day to day situations, this isn’t an issue, and I’ve already given up my dream of having a complete telephone conversation with someone while my children are present.
When I am driving though, everything changes. I have become a master at ignoring requests, tears, and even screams. Our girls’ safety trumps their need for attention in those moments when I am behind the wheel.

I recently attended a very informative Distracted Driving event held by AMA (Alberta Motor Association) to understand first hand how difficult it is to do two things at once when one of those things is driving. I created a short video of my experience to share with you.
This summer, AMA is raising awareness about all of those driver accidents that are very preventable. The ones caused by distracted driving. Those two seconds you take your eyes off the road to look at your phone, help your child, or read a map can never be taken back when disaster strikes. So take an offensive approach and choose to drive with #NoDistractions.
It’s tough, I get it. There is something built into parents that makes us want to ‘help’ when our children cry out, but I tell myself that ‘they are crying, they aren’t dying’ and I drive through it until I can stop somewhere safe to help them out.
I have also had driver safety talks with our girls about what happens when I drive and how I can’t look around or answer questions most times. We also decided that I would say ‘Mommy’s driving’ when I need to tell them that I can’t listen or look because I need to concentrate. This works for us and I’ll often hear my oldest say “Mommy can’t look right now. We need to talk to each other.” It is often followed by my youngest sticking out her tongue, but we are getting there.
I know there is so much information to consume on the internet these days, but you owe it to yourself, your kids and everyone else on or near the road to take a few minutes and review AMA’s resources and become aware of the role you play in making sure everyone arrives at their destination safely.
*I am writing this post in partnership with Reader’s Digest and AMA
to help raise awareness against distracted driving.
Sheri publishes, and writes at This Bird’s Day where she shares all of the thoughts in her head without the voices. Sticking mainly with content for Canadians, Sheri shares family stories, product information and anything that fits into her (and her family’s) daily activities.
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Very informative post! I dont think many people realize how quickly an accident can occur – looking at ONE quick text can result in an accident!
Thanks Soozle. It just takes a second, you are right.