Screens
My Toddler Climbed Into My Work Video Call (and What We Changed After)
I was presenting to twelve people when a small hand appeared on my keyboard, then a small face filled the screen and announced, “I did a poop.”
Two days a week I work from home. On those days my son, two and a half, usually naps after lunch, and I schedule my calls during that window.
One Wednesday, he skipped his nap. I was presenting quarterly numbers to twelve people when I felt a tug on my chair.
Before I could react, he climbed onto my lap, grabbed my mouse, and pressed his face toward the camera. “Hi! I did a poop!” he told my entire team.
Somebody laughed, somebody unmuted to say “Hi buddy!”, and my manager kindly said, “Take a minute.” I turned off my camera, mortified.
After I changed him and the call ended, he asked to “do the computer” again. He loved seeing himself in the little box on screen.
That’s when I realized the screen itself was the draw. It wasn’t just about wanting me. It was a mirror that talked back.
Not medical or clinical advice: I’m a parent of two toddlers sharing what helped at home, not a pediatrician, therapist, or child-development expert. Every family looks different, and there’s no single right answer. If you have questions about your child’s separation worries, screen use, sleep, or development, please talk to your pediatrician.
Why this was so hard for a toddler
A video call puts his own face, unfamiliar voices, and moving pictures together in one place. I can see why that would be fascinating to a toddler.
He also knew I was right there but not available. Kids notice when we’re physically close and mentally gone.
What made it worse
- Calls during unreliable naps. A nap that skipped meant a call I couldn’t control.
- Saying “Not now” without a plan. He had nothing else to do but come back.
- Letting him wave every time. Cute once became an expectation.
- A shared space. My laptop sat on the dining table, his favorite play spot.
What actually helped
1. A “work door” sign
A simple picture of a closed laptop on the door means Mama is working. You can draw one on paper, or use a reusable dry-erase home-office door sign if you prefer something you can change between meeting time and family time. A sign is a reminder, not a substitute for someone looking after a toddler.
What I say: “When the sign is up, Mama’s at work. You can knock once.”
2. A busy box for calls only
A box of a few age-appropriate activities he only sees during my meetings makes the routine feel a little more special. I like the idea of rotating a felt toddler busy board with securely attached pieces or a large-piece wooden peg puzzle for toddlers. The key is choosing something he can safely enjoy with another caregiver nearby, rather than assuming a toy will keep him occupied alone.
What I say: “Here’s your call box. It’s only for my meeting time.”
3. Show him his face before, not during
A quick camera hello before I log in gives him a chance to see himself without interrupting a live meeting. I close the preview before joining so he knows the fun part has ended.
What I say: “Say hi to the camera now. Then it’s Mama’s turn.”
4. Move calls when possible
I asked to shift important calls to daycare days.
What I say: (To my team) “Can we move this to Thursday morning?”
5. A tag-team with my partner
He covers my biggest call windows. For a child this young, having a responsible adult available is far more dependable than any busy box or sign.
What I say: (To my partner) “I’ve got a presentation at two. Can you take him?”
6. Tell colleagues honestly
A short heads-up made me less anxious, especially when a childcare plan might change unexpectedly.
What I say: “I’m home with my son today, so I might pop off camera.”
Honest limits
He still appears on camera now and then. Most of my colleagues are parents too and have been gracious about it. I know not every workplace is.
Working from home with a toddler isn’t the same as having childcare. I need help to do focused work, and pretending otherwise made me miserable.
If your child’s screen fascination worries you, or you’re struggling with stress, please talk to your pediatrician or your own doctor.
From one tired parent to another
If your toddler just made a cameo on your work call, it does not have to define your professionalism. A simple door sign, a small rotation of activities, and reliable help during important meetings can make the next workday feel a little more manageable.