Parenting

'Mom I'm Fine' Instagram Account Lets World Traveler's Mom Know He's Okay

by Maria Guido
Updated: 
Originally Published: 
Image via Instagram/Mom I'm Fine

“Mom I’m Fine” traveller is still checking in with his mom — a year later

As our kids get older and venture out on their own, we hope they master the check-in — you know, that quick call or text to let us know they’re okay. We now have a poster boy to point to, to show our kids that the periodic check-in isn’t only essential — it’s totally doable, no matter where they are.

When Jonathan Quiñonez decided to quit his job and travel the world last year, he didn’t anticipate that in some places, it may be hard to check in with his mom. His first stop was Cuba, where he ran into some difficulties.

“With the time difference, the Communist party blocking the internet and the prices of phone calls, it was difficult to communicate with my friends and family,” he told The LADBible. “Mums are always worried. Especially mine. It was complicated to be in contact with her so I decided to give a positive message and show her that the world is a beautiful place and that I am fine.”

Just like that, an Instagram account was born. “MomImFine” lets his mom know exactly where he is — and that he’s doing just fine.

This is the first shot he uploaded, last April.

A year later, he has 237k people following his travels — and check-ins with his mom.

Each one is captioned with a little message to his mom. This one reads, “My mom will probably not like this picture.”

Quiñonez updates the account when he travels to different locations. In the last year, he’s posted 80 photos, each one better than the last.

I travelled a lot in my twenties, and this was before cell phones were something everyone carried around constantly. About once a week I would search for a pay phone and make that overseas call. I have no idea how my mom didn’t go completely crazy. This mom is so lucky she has a son checking in, and easing her mom-mind.

If you need me I’ll be weeping silently into my computer, thinking about the day that my kids venture off without me.

This article was originally published on