I need to vent!

[Trent]

RE: What Tetsuwan Convoy was saying about commuters -- you're not really obliged to socially connect with these people. I'm really talking about being in the company of friends or family and then promptly ignoring those in front of you in order to connect with your device.

I took my daughter out for dinner earlier this evening and there were a few other school aged kids there. This is basically what we saw...

* One table where the parent was on their device and completely ignoring their child who was bored to tears. He looked over at the Transformer toy on our table and found that more engaging.
* Another table where the parent had plonked a phone in front of their child and proceeded to feed the child. Reaching across the table, cutting the food up, and then putting the food into the child's mouth. This kid was still in his school uniform! Well done, Mrs Cartman.
* Yet another table where a phone was placed in front of the child and both parents spoke to each other but not the child. It was as if she was in a Cone of Silence.
We were the only table with a kid where neither the parent or child was using a device. There were a few other tables with adults only and those adults were communicating with each other, but what concerns me is what these other parents are teaching their children. That this is somehow acceptable behaviour??

Am I the only one who thinks that this is sad and pathetic? You can check your device when your kids arn't around or when they've gone to bed. When your children are right in front of you then why not enjoy their company? They grow up all too quickly so why not enjoy their childhood? Am I missing something here?!

While I personally have strong opinions on my kid using devices at the table, Ive made a rule out of not judging others parenting styles simply because I don’t know their situation/circumstances. You know what happens when you assume?