Kids & Electronics rant

[jodifla]

I would not have dared to try and bring my Walkman to the dinner table let alone out to dinner. I may have been a bratty, obnoxious teenager but I knew my limits.

A question I have for everyone in general is: Why do we feel our kids need to be entertained? Don't they have to learn patience too? And why can't they have a conversation with the adults at the table?

Because sometimes the adults want to converse among themselves on topics that aren't kid friendly.

And sometimes kids aren't ABLE to converse. Heard of autism?

 

[wenrob]

I try to accommodate my guests. I'd just set up a TV in another room for him at my house, and I'd never DREAM of trying to tell others they couldn't catch a game that's important to them. (And god save the person who tried to separate me from my Gator football game.)

You have pretty stringent rules on how you expect others to behave. What's the point?

If we're gathered to watch football I've got zero problem with it. If we're gathered for a meal and a visit then it's plain rude. I was raised no TV or phone calls at dinner, it makes for a more pleasant meal. He's not watching a can't miss football game, he's watching repeats on the Sci Fi channel. How is watching TV through a meal someone put the effort in for you any different then texting at the table? What is wrong with expecting your company or your host to engage you? He can behave however he wants but when it makes others uncomfortable and the situation awkward I don't find it acceptable. It's called courtesy.

 

[wenrob]

Because sometimes the adults want to converse among themselves on topics that aren't kid friendly.

And sometimes kids aren't ABLE to converse. Heard of autism?

It was a simple question, not an accusation. Most kids who can text and play DS are capable of engaging in conversation and perhaps if the conversation isn't kid friendly then maybe the kids shouldn't be there at all. As to autism I don't see why you think you need to twist a basic question to try and make me look uncaring. Did I think of an autistic kid needing to be entertained? No, honestly I didn't. Does that mean I don't care? Of course not. I never anywhere in this thread said people should do things the way I do. I've obviously hit some kind of nerve with you. I'm sorry if my being "old school" when it comes to dinner time offends you.

 

[mhsjax]

Because sometimes the adults want to converse among themselves on topics that aren't kid friendly.

And sometimes kids aren't ABLE to converse. Heard of autism?

I am sure the pp has heard of autism, but that is just some of the time, maybe we should include deafness too, but I think know that we are talking in general here. And I agree, I think kids think they have to be entertained too much. My parents would have killed me if I brought any devices like this to dinner. ( that wasn't an option, they weren't invented yet) If adults want to converse on topics that aren't kids friendly then send the kids to the other end of the table or leave them at home with a baby sitter.

 

[turkeymama]

It was a simple question, not an accusation. Most kids who can text and play DS are capable of engaging in conversation and perhaps if the conversation isn't kid friendly then maybe the kids shouldn't be there at all. As to autism I don't see why you think you need to twist a basic question to try and make me look uncaring. Did I think of an autistic kid needing to be entertained? No, honestly I didn't. Does that mean I don't care? Of course not. I never anywhere in this thread said people should do things the way I do. I've obviously hit some kind of nerve with you. I'm sorry if my being "old school" when it comes to dinner time offends you.

I guess I'm old school too when it comes to dinner time. I expect my kids (even the autistic one) to sit at the table during meal times. Phones aren't allowed, and games and gadgets aren't allowed either. And I agree, if the conversation isn't kid-friendly, my kids aren't going to be there at all. When the kids are around, everything is G rated (yes they are sheltered and yes we are strict).

 

[wdwfan16]

Because sometimes the adults want to converse among themselves on topics that aren't kid friendly.

Then those conversations should not be occurring when little ears are present.

 

[mvazul]

Then those conversations should not be occurring when little ears are present.

Exactly. If our kids are with us and we are out to dinner with someone else (which is EXTREMELY rare), then we keep adult conversation for when the kids aren't with us. If we're home and someone is here, then we send the kids to play or put in a movie. I know there are topics that come up that bore my kids to tears, but that happened when I was a kid. It teaches them patience and respect.

As I said earlier in this thread, I have recently gone back to school (I'm a 37 year old freshman ). I can't believe how many "kids" can't hold a conversation without constantly checking their phone or texting as we chat. And the texting that goes on during class is just ridiculous. And these kids are there to become teachers!! (I have decided to change my major to graphic design - I'm sure it will probably be worse in that program. )

We have been taught in my early childhood class that they are going to be phasing out cursive (script) writing in schools, because kids don't have the patience to learn it anymore. And the other justification for it is because technology (texting) is becoming so prevalent. We had to do Power Point presentations in almost all of my classes. I couldn't believe the horrible spelling in almost all of them. They spelled things as if they were texting someone. Professors took points off for it and the kids didn't understand why. I got a 100% on each one of my presentations and was told how nice it was to have someone in class who pays attention and knows how to spell - or at least take the time to use spell checker!!

Who knows - maybe I'm just getting old and am clueless!!

Michelle

 

[jodifla]

Then those conversations should not be occurring when little ears are present.

Like the details of the stock market? Or do you remember so and so from the old neighborhood, they had twins, blah, blah blah.

Things ADULTS find interesting, and kids can't follow/don't care/don't understand.

Edited to add: It's interesting how DIS members immediately rush to the risque.

 

[wenrob]

We have been taught in my early childhood class that they are going to be phasing out cursive (script) writing in schools, because kids don't have the patience to learn it anymore. And the other justification for it is because technology (texting) is becoming so prevalent. We had to do Power Point presentations in almost all of my classes. I couldn't believe the horrible spelling in almost all of them. They spelled things as if they were texting someone. Professors took points off for it and the kids didn't understand why. I got a 100% on each one of my presentations and was told how nice it was to have someone in class who pays attention and knows how to spell - or at least take the time to use spell checker!!

Who knows - maybe I'm just getting old and am clueless!!

Michelle

My 15yr old nephew can't read or write cursive and his spelling... It drives DD insane that I take the time to make sentences, use real words and punctuation when I text her. I notice when I do this the person I'm speaking to will automatically follow suit. I insist that she use real words when we communicate via text or email. Use it or lose it.

And hey, old and clueless isn't so bad.

 

[mvazul]

My 15yr old nephew can't read or write cursive and his spelling... It drives DD insane that I take the time to make sentences, use real words and punctuation when I text her. I notice when I do this the person I'm speaking to will automatically follow suit. I insist that she use real words when we communicate via text or email. Use it or lose it.

And hey, old and clueless isn't so bad.

 

[mhsjax]

Like the details of the stock market? Or do you remember so and so from the old neighborhood, they had twins, blah, blah blah.

Things ADULTS find interesting, and kids can't follow/don't care/don't understand.

Edited to add: It's interesting how DIS members immediately rush to the risque.

Why do you keep assuming things about us. Like we don't know about Autism, even though another pp has a kid with autism and she makes her kids sit through dinner. It could be something desturbing on the news something goin on with a mutual friend that kids don't need to know about. and you know what To bad, Kids need to learn to deal with things that may not interest them. Thats life, they won't always be entertained and sometimes may be bored. It is one of the great lessons kids aren't being taught these days, how to deal with boredom.

 

[turkeymama]

Like the details of the stock market? Or do you remember so and so from the old neighborhood, they had twins, blah, blah blah.

Things ADULTS find interesting, and kids can't follow/don't care/don't understand.

Edited to add: It's interesting how DIS members immediately rush to the risque.

I see what you're saying, but that isn't what most people consider "adult conversation". That is just small talk and to be honest, my 12 year old nephew and 9 year old daughter are both interested in current events. And I don't think anyone immediately rushed to risque either. Adult conversation might include discussions on medical issues or the family's current financial woes. Those are the types of topics that many people would rather sanitize before they share with kids, if for no other reason than to keep them from becoming too stressed. Those are the types of things I thought of when I read "adult conversation".

 

[mvazul]

I see what you're saying, but that isn't what most people consider "adult conversation". That is just small talk and to be honest, my 12 year old nephew and 9 year old daughter are both interested in current events. And I don't think anyone immediately rushed to risque either. Adult conversation might include discussions on medical issues or the family's current financial woes. Those are the types of topics that many people would rather sanitize before they share with kids, if for no other reason than to keep them from becoming too stressed. Those are the types of things I thought of when I read "adult conversation".

That is exactly what I thought of, too.

 

[jodifla]

Why do you keep assuming things about us. Like we don't know about Autism, even though another pp has a kid with autism and she makes her kids sit through dinner. It could be something desturbing on the news something goin on with a mutual friend that kids don't need to know about. and you know what To bad, Kids need to learn to deal with things that may not interest them. Thats life, they won't always be entertained and sometimes may be bored. It is one of the great lessons kids aren't being taught these days, how to deal with boredom.

And you know how you deal with boredom? You bring along something to do....like a book, coloring, or yes, a video game.

Certainly, I get what you all are saying. Most kids should be able to talk to adults, be part of the larger dinner celebration. And that's great, up to a point.

But you never know what's going on at the table next to you, and why those kids have there DS games or Leapsters out.

Of course, this was a vent/rant, so have at it.

 

[McKelly]

Good or bad, this is going to be the norm. I just went to an informational technology class at my DS's school, and they are planning on using ITouches for group discussions now vs. actually speaking out loud and having a "voice" debate. Their reason is, kids nowadays use technology, and this is how they are going to engage them...sort of like the "if you can't beat them, join them" mentality. I can see it both ways.

They also told us if our kids had an ITouch, or if we would be willing to spend $200.00(?) to get them one, we should send them to school, so the school district doesn't have to purchase so many. (Yeah right!) I wonder how long it will be before an ITouch appears on our supply list! LOL!

 

[wenrob]

Good or bad, this is going to be the norm. I just went to an informational technology class at my DS's school, and they are planning on using ITouches for group discussions now vs. actually speaking out loud and having a "voice" debate. Their reason is, kids nowadays use technology, and this is how they are going to engage them...sort of like the "if you can't beat them, join them" mentality. I can see it both ways.

They also told us if our kids had an ITouch, or if we would be willing to spend $200.00(?) to get them one, we should send them to school, so the school district doesn't have to purchase so many. (Yeah right!) I wonder how long it will be before an ITouch appears on our supply list! LOL!

Oh boy, that's probably not too far in the future! DD's Algebra teachers have been 'encouraging' $200 calculators the last two years. So far I've resisted since the school does provide them but she'll be heading into High School next and I'll probably end up getting one. Maybe I ought to just throw an itouch in the cart while I'm at it?

I do think Kindles will be the norm by the time my little ones hit grade school and I actually don't think that's such a bad idea. But replacing real conversation really bugs me.

 

[TheZue]

I'm sorry but I find it a bit offensive that you assume that the kids with autism are the ones being rude with electronics. It's statements like this which make people think autism is a bogus excuse that people use for
misbehaving kids.

 

[ScottOKW2K]

To those who rant about the electronics at the dinner table try this one on for size. Several times in the last 6 months while I have had to make use of a public restroom a late teens / early twenties guy would come into the restroom talking on his cell phone. The amazing thing is that he would continue the conversation while "using the facilities" and was still talking when he left !

Call me old-fashioned, but if I was on the other end of the conversation I would have hung up.

 

[Wall-E1]

To those who rant about the electronics at the dinner table try this one on for size. Several times in the last 6 months while I have had to make use of a public restroom a late teens / early twenties guy would come into the restroom talking on his cell phone. The amazing thing is that he would continue the conversation while "using the facilities" and was still talking when he left !

Call me old-fashioned, but if I was on the other end of the conversation I would have hung up.

I have an amusing semi-related story. My son went into a public restroom and there was a person in one of the stalls talking loudly on his cell phone. For some reason (I don't know why), my son thought the man was talking to him. So my son began responding to the man's comments. I was standing by the door listening to this man having a conversation on his cellphone, and my son responding, thinking he was having a conversation with this man at the same time. It was one of those "proud parent" moments where you are struck by the incredible intelligence of your child.

 

[Art 1]

Oh boy, that's probably not too far in the future! DD's Algebra teachers have been 'encouraging' $200 calculators the last two years. So far I've resisted since the school does provide them but she'll be heading into High School next and I'll probably end up getting one. Maybe I ought to just throw an itouch in the cart while I'm at it?

I do think Kindles will be the norm by the time my little ones hit grade school and I actually don't think that's such a bad idea. But replacing real conversation really bugs me.

Those calculators are mandatory at daughters HS.