Parenting hacks: Mum discovers the ultimate hack to keep her phone from her toddler’s hands

A mum has discovered a fool-proof trick to scroll on her phone without her toddler demanding it for games.

Farah Vargas, from New York, is tired of her daughter hanging off her arm at every turn.

She now uses a new gadget to keep her prized electronic device hidden in plain sight.

The mum purchased a faux book that has a small cut-out just big enough to fit her phone.

Farah simply places her phone inside the book and scrolls through social media while she pretends to read in front of her toddler.

‘I always feel [awful] when I’m on my phone and my daughter is playing by herself,’ she said.

A lot of parents resonate with the guilt of wanting some down time while watching their children.

Farah’s solution was to purchase a ‘trick’ book wherein she can hide her phone and secretly go on it.

‘So, I bought a fake book that I can hide my phone in – it comes with a realistic book jacket that can be removed to find a plain blue hardcover.’

Farah’s daughter usually is not interested in books and will focus on her toys if she sees her mum reading. 

The mum revealed that the book has a few blank pages before it sinks into a hollow case.

‘I can now sit on the couch, and she thinks I’m reading – but I’m really on my phone!’

The mum said she was glad to be setting a good example despite not genuinely reading a book.

She also posted a clip of her with her faux book on the couch, while her daughter plays next to her. 

The mum purchased a faux book that has a small cut-out just big enough to fit her phone

Other parents thought Farah’s idea was brilliant.

‘Put your headphones in, cover it with your hair, and watch a movie!’

‘Maybe my husband won’t notice either.’

‘This would be great for when I’m actually reading on my phone,’ one woman said. ‘Everyone thinks I spend hours scrolling but I’m actually reading e-books.’ 

While some others revealed that the hack wouldn’t work with their children.

‘My kid would ask me why my book was playing TikTok sounds.’

‘I want this, but my nosey kids will come behind me.’

‘My toddler would come over immediately for me to read to her.’