Screens at Dinner
The other day, my 10-year-old daughter, Angel, and I were at Woodland Hills Mall just killing time. We were not there to buy anything in particular, we just like going to the mall to walk around, window shop and have daddy-daughter time.
As we sat in the food court enjoying a snack, I noticed a young family a couple tables away. Mom and dad appeared to be in their 20s with a toddler and a baby. They seemed very loving and happy. Although quiet and still. Hence, the happy part.
When my kids were that age, it was sometimes a struggle to keep them quiet so as to not bother other customers. But these kids were quiet. The baby I could tell why, dad had the bottle and was coddling him just right, so all was right with the world.
The toddler was enthralled with whatever was on his screen in front of him. As he ate, he had a cell phone propped up in front of him.
I’m one of those “older parents,” so I still do not allow phones or screens at the dinner table. It’s obvious it’s not a big deal with younger parents because I see it all the time. And such was the case with this young family at the mall. Again, they looked happy, so I’m not judging.
I’m curious to start a conversation about this. Do you allow screens at your dinner table?
What about just in general?
Unless I’m on a “working lunch” with colleagues or by myself, I just simply do not have my phone out. I think it’s rude. I would never go to lunch with a friend and be on my phone unless I’m showing them a picture or something.
I find myself asking my kids to put their phones down while we are in the car, waiting in a check out line, etc. I usually start by trying to spark a conversation, or throw out a dad joke. But it’s usually obvious that I’m just annoying them. Not always, sometimes they get the hint and put their phones away and “be present” with their old man. But sometimes the dad foot drops and it’s “please put your phone away” time.
“Half of children between 5 to 14 have a mobile phone. Twenty percent of kids under the age of 5 have a phone.” Sellcell.com, 9.12.23
I worry that as these numbers go up, as they are almost certain to do, that we humans will begin to lose the ability to connect on a personal level.
Of course, I know my grand parents said the same thing when TV and hand0held video games were invented, but cell phones are so mobile and common now that I worry.
What about you?
Email me: Lynn@Tulsa-Rocks.com
