This past week we went out for pizza with two other families. I was absolutely shocked at the family who sat down next to us. So shocked, that I was trying to figure out how to take a picture to post with this but could not figure out how to do it without offending. So, let me describe the picture for you: Mom, Dad and their two children, who I would have guessed to be 2nd and 4th graders. As soon as they sat down in the booth, they all immediately pulled out their devices: Mom = Kindle, Dad = iphone, both children = DS playstations. All four appeared happily captivated by the technology in their hands.
My heart was hurting for this family: what a great opportunity the mom and dad had to look into the eyes of their children and learn about their day, to show how much they are loved and appreciated by just listening and talking with one another. Instead, they chose to spend that precious time with their technology.
I have NO idea what goes on in the life of this family on a regular basis, but I’m seeing this scenario play out more and more than I care to actually think about. How are these children going to learn to carry on a conversation at the dinner table? When these children have a problem how are they going to know how to talk about it? Down the road, how are they going to be able to communicate with a potential spouse, or even in the world of business? I’m not saying communication at the dinner table solves all of these issues, but at least it’s a step in the right direction.
Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts on “technology at the table”.
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