Me and electronics - not a rant :)

[Sorsha]

It appears that there are a lot of people who very much resent the power that electronics have become in our daily lives. I am not one to tell them that they can't have their own opinion - they most certainly can - and I am ever so sorry if I have ever seemed rude, or uncaring by utilizing my electronics in a public venue - my apologies! However I feel the need to make a little home for those of us who do not feel that the use of electronic devices in public places is cause to doom me to the depths for all eternity.

Confession #1: If my cell phone rings in a public place, I answer it. If the caller is someone with whom I wish to talk, I will talk to them! Sometimes, if I am doing something boring (picking up cat litter and paper towels at WalMart, etc) I will even make a call myself and yak with a friend while I run my errands! I am OK with this.

Confession #2: If I am attending a family event or public gathering where I know my children will be bored to tears, they are allowed to bring their MP3 players, Gameboys, etc. They are also allowed to utilize them. Now mind you, if someone addresses them, they are expected to stop what they are doing and answer in an intelligent fashion. They must also put them away duing a meal, and I would never dream of allowing them to be used during a church service, if we attended church, which we don't. But I say, if you are bored, amuse yourself, and I don't think a Gameboy has any less value then playing tic-tac-toe on your brother's napkin, just because the Gameboy is (egad) electronic.

Confession #3: I don't write letters. Nor send cards. I only email, or instant-message. Yeah, I know, the value of the lost art of communication, yadda yadda. However the reality is, I am still communicating, I am just not doing it the old-fashioned way. But truth be told, email is more environmentaly conscious (save a tree and all that) and writing things makes my hand hurt. If I can't email you, you won't hear from me.

Confession #4: In that same vein... I don't write cursive. never have, never will. I hate it and its ugly. I print everything. Mind you, an italicized style of printing, but print nonetheless. I don't care if my kids learn to write cursive either. Many more things they can be learning that are much more important. I am sure that when they are adults, nearly everything they do will be on computers, or e-readers, email, instant messenging, etc. I am OK with this.

In conclusion, electronics are good. Others may shun them as rude, unnecessary, the downfall of society, and so forth. Meanwhile, I will continue to talk to whom I want, when I want, instant message everyone, order pizza in my car, listen to my MP3 player in public, and sign my checks using printing. My kids may play their Gameboys till they get sore-Nintendo-thumb, if that is their desire. We will do these things at home, in public, and probably in the bathtub. We also watch too much TV and never send Christmas cards.

That is all.
Good evening.

 

[hrh_disney_queen]

I agree with everything you say! I have a few exceptions that you may or may not agree with:

#1-I don't like to hear people on the phone in the bathroom, as in while using the toilet. So many things wrong with this..maybe it's just me. And as for talking in public-as long as it isn't holding me up in line, or running me off the road, I could not care less!

#2-My kids are fidgety. Sorry. The general public would much rather have them play their games when they are bored than to start to entertain themselves. They must keep the sound low or use headphones. Bottom line-if they are playing games, you won't even know they are there. If not, you will definitely know they are there.

#3-Love email, hate talking on the phone or writing letters.

#4-I haven't used cursive since I was forced to use it in high school. Some people have nice cursive, most you can't even read it. Even with my stylized printing, you can still read it. I think it looks nice. The only cursive I will use is my signature....which is indecipherable.

I wonder if we are in the minority?

 

[Sorsha]

#1-I don't like to hear people on the phone in the bathroom, as in while using the toilet. So many things wrong with this..maybe it's just me. And as for talking in public-as long as it isn't holding me up in line, or running me off the road, I could not care less!

Ummm yeah, you have a valid point. Phones in the bathroom = bad. As you say, there are many things wrong with that, two of the most glaring being: the germs you might impart upon your phone, and the possibility that the sound effects associated with bathroom activities might be audible to me over the phone. I don't need that. If I want bathroom sound effects, I have a husband, he takes care of that need for me.

 

[clovergirl5]

It appears that there are a lot of people who very much resent the power that electronics have become in our daily lives. I am not one to tell them that they can't have their own opinion - they most certainly can - and I am ever so sorry if I have ever seemed rude, or uncaring by utilizing my electronics in a public venue - my apologies! However I feel the need to make a little home for those of us who do not feel that the use of electronic devices in public places is cause to doom me to the depths for all eternity.

Confession #1: If my cell phone rings in a public place, I answer it. If the caller is someone with whom I wish to talk, I will talk to them! Sometimes, if I am doing something boring (picking up cat litter and paper towels at WalMart, etc) I will even make a call myself and yak with a friend while I run my errands! I am OK with this.

Confession #2: If I am attending a family event or public gathering where I know my children will be bored to tears, they are allowed to bring their MP3 players, Gameboys, etc. They are also allowed to utilize them. Now mind you, if someone addresses them, they are expected to stop what they are doing and answer in an intelligent fashion. They must also put them away duing a meal, and I would never dream of allowing them to be used during a church service, if we attended church, which we don't. But I say, if you are bored, amuse yourself, and I don't think a Gameboy has any less value then playing tic-tac-toe on your brother's napkin, just because the Gameboy is (egad) electronic.

Confession #3: I don't write letters. Nor send cards. I only email, or instant-message. Yeah, I know, the value of the lost art of communication, yadda yadda. However the reality is, I am still communicating, I am just not doing it the old-fashioned way. But truth be told, email is more environmentaly conscious (save a tree and all that) and writing things makes my hand hurt. If I can't email you, you won't hear from me.

Confession #4: In that same vein... I don't write cursive. never have, never will. I hate it and its ugly. I print everything. Mind you, an italicized style of printing, but print nonetheless. I don't care if my kids learn to write cursive either. Many more things they can be learning that are much more important. I am sure that when they are adults, nearly everything they do will be on computers, or e-readers, email, instant messenging, etc. I am OK with this.

In conclusion, electronics are good. Others may shun them as rude, unnecessary, the downfall of society, and so forth. Meanwhile, I will continue to talk to whom I want, when I want, instant message everyone, order pizza in my car, listen to my MP3 player in public, and sign my checks using printing. My kids may play their Gameboys till they get sore-Nintendo-thumb, if that is their desire. We will do these things at home, in public, and probably in the bathtub. We also watch too much TV and never send Christmas cards.

That is all.
Good evening.

THE RULE PEOPLE!

I allow dc to bring ds's, gameboys, ipods, cellphones up to grandmas and they play when they get bored. We just don't do them in a restaurant. Partly too because I don't want them left or stolen.

 

[clovergirl5]

Ummm yeah, you have a valid point. Phones in the bathroom = bad. As you say, there are many things wrong with that, two of the most glaring being: the germs you might impart upon your phone, and the possibility that the sound effects associated with bathroom activities might be audible to me over the phone. I don't need that. If I want bathroom sound effects, I have a husband, he takes care of that need for me.

Ooooooo Ain't that the truth!

 

[Scurvy]

I agree with you! I still like writing letters, but I also love email and I'd way rather text or email than talk on the phone. I think you shouldn't talk on a cell phone anyplace that normal conversation isn't appropriate - like the movie theater, for example - but in the grocery store? Yak away! There's no difference between someone talking to an actual companion or a cell phone, unless you're trying to eavesdrop, of course. The cell phone in the bathroom, on the other hand? Ick - I don't like it at all.

I expect my child to be able to carry on a polite conversation. As long as he does that when an adult tries to talk to him, I think it's great if he wants to play with his ipod or DS while the rest of us discuss things he isn't interested in. There are plenty of meals when we exclude all electronics. There are no electronics allowed at our dinner table at home, because that'a what works for us. Restaurants are different. If it's a quick/casual meal out somewhere we might all have our ipods, Gameboys, DS, or phones out and we might even be playing games with each other on them. As long as we aren't making noise with them, I don't see why it's any business of the people next to us! (And frankly, whether it's in a restaurant or store or anyplace else, I'd much rather be around a child who is quietly enjoying their electronics than some child who is screaming or misbehaving. Some of the same people who I've heard bash parents for letting their children play quietly with Gameboys also seem oblivious to the effect that the screaming of their own children has on those around them. I know which people I'd rather be eating or shopping next to!)

I think electronics are great. I notice quite often that people who seem to dislike them also seem to feel superior to those who do like electronics. The people who say "Well I never even learned how to text" (which isn't something to be proud of, in my opinion) or "My child will never use a Gameboy" often seem to think their way is the best way. I think that's ridiculous. If someone else thinks that their lives are better because of a lack of electronics, that's great for them. I think my life and my child's life is better because we have the electronics we have.

 

[clovergirl5]

I agree with you! I still like writing letters, but I also love email and I'd way rather text or email than talk on the phone. I think you shouldn't talk on a cell phone anyplace that normal conversation isn't appropriate - like the movie theater, for example - but in the grocery store? Yak away! There's no difference between someone talking to an actual companion or a cell phone, unless you're trying to eavesdrop, of course. The cell phone in the bathroom, on the other hand? Ick - I don't like it at all.

I expect my child to be able to carry on a polite conversation. As long as he does that when an adult tries to talk to him, I think it's great if he wants to play with his ipod or DS while the rest of us discuss things he isn't interested in. There are plenty of meals when we exclude all electronics. There are no electronics allowed at our dinner table at home, because that'a what works for us. Restaurants are different. If it's a quick/casual meal out somewhere we might all have our ipods, Gameboys, DS, or phones out and we might even be playing games with each other on them. As long as we aren't making noise with them, I don't see why it's any business of the people next to us! (And frankly, whether it's in a restaurant or store or anyplace else, I'd much rather be around a child who is quietly enjoying their electronics than some child who is screaming or misbehaving. Some of the same people who I've heard bash parents for letting their children play quietly with Gameboys also seem oblivious to the effect that the screaming of their own children has on those around them. I know which people I'd rather be eating or shopping next to!)

I think electronics are great. I notice quite often that people who seem to dislike them also seem to feel superior to those who do like electronics. The people who say "Well I never even learned how to text" (which isn't something to be proud of, in my opinion) or "My child will never use a Gameboy" often seem to think their way is the best way. I think that's ridiculous. If someone else thinks that their lives are better because of a lack of electronics, that's great for them. I think my life and my child's life is better because we have the electronics we have.

I love the fact the dd13 has her own cellphone so I can get in touch with her when I need to. Same with me, my cell is my best electronic.

 

[Sorsha]

I think electronics are great. I notice quite often that people who seem to dislike them also seem to feel superior to those who do like electronics. The people who say "Well I never even learned how to text" (which isn't something to be proud of, in my opinion) or "My child will never use a Gameboy" often seem to think their way is the best way. I think that's ridiculous. If someone else thinks that their lives are better because of a lack of electronics, that's great for them. I think my life and my child's life is better because we have the electronics we have.

Superior... that's a good observation.
I have had internet conversations - and/or DisBoards discussions - with those who feel this way, and for some reason, I always read their posts in my head and hear Sam The Eagle from the Muppets. You know, the big blue dude who always speaks in such a condescending tone, and vews everyone who disagrees with him as "Un-American".

 

[Scurvy]

I love the fact the dd13 has her own cellphone so I can get in touch with her when I need to. Same with me, my cell is my best electronic.

My son had a school trip last year to WDW and the only thing that kept me sane while he was loose without me in the parks was the fact that he had his cellphone with him. Knowing he could easily get in touch with me if he needed to (or that I could text him to be sure he was still alive) made me feel so much better. As a parent I think cell phones might well be one of the very best inventions of the past few centuries!

Superior... that's a good observation.
I have had internet conversations - and/or DisBoards discussions - with those who feel this way, and for some reason, I always read their posts in my head and hear Sam The Eagle from the Muppets. You know, the big blue dude who always speaks in such a condescending tone, and vews everyone who disagrees with him as "Un-American".

Oh my goodness, I do that too!! That's hilarious - I can't believe there's someone else out there reading those posts in the same tone I'm "hearing" them in!

 

[MichelleVW]

Superior... that's a good observation.
I have had internet conversations - and/or DisBoards discussions - with those who feel this way, and for some reason, I always read their posts in my head and hear Sam The Eagle from the Muppets. You know, the big blue dude who always speaks in such a condescending tone, and vews everyone who disagrees with him as "Un-American".

Omg....that is so funny!!!

 

[MaumeeMom]

This thread is obviously in response to the one I started the other day so I hope that you do not mind that I post here.

I never said that electronics are bad or unnecessary just that there is a time and a place for their usage.

I love my cell phone. I use it all the time but never while in line at the grocery or other store because I feel it is only polite to interact with those waiting on me such as the cashier. I have dialed up my husband from the video store to consult on what movie to rent, etc., etc.

I try not to chat while driving but that is because I'm a horrible driver. Well, not a bad driver but a bad navigator. I tend to get lost easily.

My children have DSs but we have rules for their use - such as not at the dinner table and not on school nights. Everyone must parent in their own way, I don't try to force my rule on others or feel superior because I monitor my children's use. I am proud of my children because they can sit still at restaurants and participate in conversations.

I agree with you! I still like writing letters, but I also love email and I'd way rather text or email than talk on the phone. I think you shouldn't talk on a cell phone anyplace that normal conversation isn't appropriate - like the movie theater, for example - but in the grocery store? Yak away! There's no difference between someone talking to an actual companion or a cell phone, unless you're trying to eavesdrop, of course. The cell phone in the bathroom, on the other hand? Ick - I don't like it at all.

I expect my child to be able to carry on a polite conversation. As long as he does that when an adult tries to talk to him, I think it's great if he wants to play with his ipod or DS while the rest of us discuss things he isn't interested in. There are plenty of meals when we exclude all electronics. There are no electronics allowed at our dinner table at home, because that'a what works for us. Restaurants are different. If it's a quick/casual meal out somewhere we might all have our ipods, Gameboys, DS, or phones out and we might even be playing games with each other on them. As long as we aren't making noise with them, I don't see why it's any business of the people next to us! (And frankly, whether it's in a restaurant or store or anyplace else, I'd much rather be around a child who is quietly enjoying their electronics than some child who is screaming or misbehaving. Some of the same people who I've heard bash parents for letting their children play quietly with Gameboys also seem oblivious to the effect that the screaming of their own children has on those around them. I know which people I'd rather be eating or shopping next to!)

I think electronics are great. I notice quite often that people who seem to dislike them also seem to feel superior to those who do like electronics. The people who say "Well I never even learned how to text" (which isn't something to be proud of, in my opinion) or "My child will never use a Gameboy" often seem to think their way is the best way. I think that's ridiculous. If someone else thinks that their lives are better because of a lack of electronics, that's great for them. I think my life and my child's life is better because we have the electronics we have.

The bolding above is mine. Just because my kids don't have electronics to distract them doesn't mean that they are loud or obnoxious. They must be good or they go to the car or go home. Yes, I have actually left a restaurant because my kid was acting up - and believe me it only happened once.

The reason that the electronics thing annoyed me was because these children, normal, healthy children, could not carry-on a conversation. They had no attention span and I felt it was rude for them to be texting others when they were at a restaurant with us. These children needed constant entertainment and that worries me. What kind of future will these kids have? I can't picture them having a lunch interview with a potential employer 6 or so years from now.

As a parent, it is my job to give my children the tools that they need to have a successful future. I just don't see that happening for some of these kids.

The rules that I have established, in conjunction with my DH, are working for us. If the rules that you have set in place, or rather haven't set in place, work for you - that's great - I'm glad. Congratulations.

 

[wenrob]

I think for some of us it's not an either/or kind of thing. I can love gadgets (and trust me I love me some electronic gadgets!) and still think they have their place.

I don't mind when someone answers their cell phone in public. What I do mind is meandering down the middle of the isle so people can't get around the person on the phone. It's not the device or the phone call that bugs me it's the utter lack of courtesy for the people around (general) you.

I do love that my DD has a cellphone and I can reach her whenever I want. I've also discovered a love for texting that I didn't know could exist. The freedom of being able to 'talk' to people without actually talking to them has actually improved some relationships in my life.

Was there life before email? The only issue I really have with it is sometimes you don't know if someone actually got your message. (For whatever reason my Dad's email kicks mine and deletes it. I actually had to create a new account just for him.) However, it does bug me that writing and it seems spelling are a lost art. It bugs me in the same way that kids don't know how to do math without a calculator. What can I say? I'm old fashioned.

If you are comfortable letting you kids have gadgets at the table, I've got no problem with that. I do have a problem with my kids having gadgets at the table. As mentioned in the other thread and by the PP I feel it isolates them and inhibits their social skills. I don't have a problem with my kids having gadgets I just think they have a time and place. I don't feel superior to anyone who feels differently, honest.

 

[Scurvy]

The bolding above is mine. Just because my kids don't have electronics to distract them doesn't mean that they are loud or obnoxious. They must be good or they go to the car or go home. Yes, I have actually left a restaurant because my kid was acting up - and believe me it only happened once.

The reason that the electronics thing annoyed me was because these children, normal, healthy children, could not carry-on a conversation. They had no attention span and I felt it was rude for them to be texting others when they were at a restaurant with us. These children needed constant entertainment and that worries me. What kind of future will these kids have? I can't picture them having a lunch interview with a potential employer 6 or so years from now.

As a parent, it is my job to give my children the tools that they need to have a successful future. I just don't see that happening for some of these kids.

The rules that I have established, in conjunction with my DH, are working for us. If the rules that you have set in place, or rather haven't set in place, work for you - that's great - I'm glad. Congratulations.

Obviously I could be wrong, but that sounds more like a parenting problem than an electronics problem. If parents are neglecting their kids to the point that they can't carry on a conversation, I doubt it's because of the electronics. I suspect that parents who would let their children grow up unable to converse would do so whether their kids were absorbed in electronics or coloring pages or books or even just staring at the wall. The parents have a responsibility to make sure their kids can converse like normal human beings. If the kids can do that and spend lots of time playing with their Gameboys, then that's great! If they can't, then the parents need to work with them until they can.

I certainly wasn't suggesting that kids who don't use electronics at dinner are automatically going to misbehave. However, I'm not going to notice a child who is playing quietly with electronics or one who is behaving well and conversing quietly with their companions. I'm certainly going to notice one who is misbehaving or being loud. I find it absurd that so many people say it "drives them crazy" to see kids absorbed in their electronics. I can't understand at all why it would bother them, unless the devices are loud. It doesn't affect the people around them at all. I'm certainly too busy paying attention to my own dining companions - or to my own electronics - to notice or care if someone else is busy with their own Gameboy.

 

[Plannin'Shannon]

It appears that there are a lot of people who very much resent the power that electronics have become in our daily lives. I am not one to tell them that they can't have their own opinion - they most certainly can - and I am ever so sorry if I have ever seemed rude, or uncaring by utilizing my electronics in a public venue - my apologies! However I feel the need to make a little home for those of us who do not feel that the use of electronic devices in public places is cause to doom me to the depths for all eternity.

Confession #1: If my cell phone rings in a public place, I answer it. If the caller is someone with whom I wish to talk, I will talk to them! Sometimes, if I am doing something boring (picking up cat litter and paper towels at WalMart, etc) I will even make a call myself and yak with a friend while I run my errands! I am OK with this.

Confession #2: If I am attending a family event or public gathering where I know my children will be bored to tears, they are allowed to bring their MP3 players, Gameboys, etc. They are also allowed to utilize them. Now mind you, if someone addresses them, they are expected to stop what they are doing and answer in an intelligent fashion. They must also put them away duing a meal, and I would never dream of allowing them to be used during a church service, if we attended church, which we don't. But I say, if you are bored, amuse yourself, and I don't think a Gameboy has any less value then playing tic-tac-toe on your brother's napkin, just because the Gameboy is (egad) electronic.

Confession #3: I don't write letters. Nor send cards. I only email, or instant-message. Yeah, I know, the value of the lost art of communication, yadda yadda. However the reality is, I am still communicating, I am just not doing it the old-fashioned way. But truth be told, email is more environmentaly conscious (save a tree and all that) and writing things makes my hand hurt. If I can't email you, you won't hear from me.

Confession #4: In that same vein... I don't write cursive. never have, never will. I hate it and its ugly. I print everything. Mind you, an italicized style of printing, but print nonetheless. I don't care if my kids learn to write cursive either. Many more things they can be learning that are much more important. I am sure that when they are adults, nearly everything they do will be on computers, or e-readers, email, instant messenging, etc. I am OK with this.

In conclusion, electronics are good. Others may shun them as rude, unnecessary, the downfall of society, and so forth. Meanwhile, I will continue to talk to whom I want, when I want, instant message everyone, order pizza in my car, listen to my MP3 player in public, and sign my checks using printing. My kids may play their Gameboys till they get sore-Nintendo-thumb, if that is their desire. We will do these things at home, in public, and probably in the bathtub. We also watch too much TV and never send Christmas cards.

That is all.
Good evening.

Just kidding!

I agree on all points. Rock on.

 

[Sorsha]

This thread is obviously in response to the one I started the other day so I hope that you do not mind that I post here.

Of course not! Everyone is welcome.

I never said that electronics are bad or unnecessary just that there is a time and a place for their usage.

I love my cell phone. I use it all the time but never while in line at the grocery or other store because I feel it is only polite to interact with those waiting on me such as the cashier. I have dialed up my husband from the video store to consult on what movie to rent, etc., etc.

I try not to chat while driving but that is because I'm a horrible driver. Well, not a bad driver but a bad navigator. I tend to get lost easily.

Yes, I agree that there is a time and a place for phone use, and driving is NOT that place. I need all my brain cells to concentrate on driving.

My children have DSs but we have rules for their use - such as not at the dinner table and not on school nights. Everyone must parent in their own way, I don't try to force my rule on others or feel superior because I monitor my children's use. I am proud of my children because they can sit still at restaurants and participate in conversations.

So can mine.... err, except for the 6 year old, but she doesn't sit still under any circumstances. She is quiet though. We work on our "restaurant" manners a lot. I in no way mean that my kids get to use their electronic devices constantly, but if they are bored, I have no problem with them entertaining themselves. Sometimes, adults want to have adult conversations, and it is actually more unpleasant for me and mine to be constantly peppered with questions from small people when we are trying to have a quiet after-dinner conversation.

The bolding above is mine. Just because my kids don't have electronics to distract them doesn't mean that they are loud or obnoxious. They must be good or they go to the car or go home. Yes, I have actually left a restaurant because my kid was acting up - and believe me it only happened once.

The reason that the electronics thing annoyed me was because these children, normal, healthy children, could not carry-on a conversation. They had no attention span and I felt it was rude for them to be texting others when they were at a restaurant with us. These children needed constant entertainment and that worries me. What kind of future will these kids have? I can't picture them having a lunch interview with a potential employer 6 or so years from now.

I will agree with you there. It is sad when kids can't carry on a conversation. I consider myself lucky that my kids are smart and well-spoken and well-behaved. I have to wonder, with kids who cannot carry on a conversation, how much of that is due to "too much usage of electronics" and how much of it is due to "mom and dad never take time to talk to them or spend time with them"? My kids can play their electronics a lot of the time, but we also have conversations over the family table and read books and play games. Many families don't take time for that.

As a parent, it is my job to give my children the tools that they need to have a successful future. I just don't see that happening for some of these kids.

The rules that I have established, in conjunction with my DH, are working for us. If the rules that you have set in place, or rather haven't set in place, work for you - that's great - I'm glad. Congratulations.

The red above is mine. Thanks for joining in on our conversation. My post was not meant to imply that you are not a good parent. In fact I am sure you are a very good parent. My post was simply in frustration because when I read the other thread I could hear my inner Sam the Eagle when I read the posts. It sounded from the tone of the posts that those who use electronic devices are un-American, un-educated, and obviously inferior. At least that's how Sam heard it.

Have a great evening!

 

[kaytieeldr]

Sometimes, if I am doing something boring (picking up cat litter and paper towels at WalMart, etc) I will even make a call myself and yak with a friend while I run my errands! I am OK with this.

I don't understand - in general - the need to be having a conversation with someone at all times, or when one considers oneself 'bored', especially in public. What's wrong with being alone with one's thoughts and at the same time, fully and completely concentrating on the task at hand? Picking up kitty litter with paper towels, yes, boring; make all the calls you want. Out shopping in public? Are you really there that long, and is shopping really that boring, that you need to be on the phone?

and I don't think a Gameboy has any less value then playing tic-tac-toe on your brother's napkin, just because the Gameboy is (egad) electronic

Depends. One shared Gameboy? While I disagree with the entire concept - why is it wrong to learn and practice polite social behavior, and if not when young, then when? - if they're playing something together, whether it's electronic or tic-tac-toe on a napkin, at least they're interacting with others.

If I can't email you, you won't hear from me.

Respectful, shows a lack of consideration and caring for friends/family/acquaintances who, for whatever reason, don't have access to e-mail. Likely result would tend to be a reduction in the relationship.

I am sure that when they are adults, nearly everything they do will be on computers, or e-readers, email, instant messenging, etc. I am OK with this.

Knock wood, there will always be electricity operating when and where they need it.

(And frankly, whether it's in a restaurant or store or anyplace else, I'd much rather be around a child who is quietly enjoying their electronics than some child who is screaming or misbehaving.

Why does it have to be either/or? Simply because a distraction is available doesn't necessarily justify using it. When most of us were young, we weren't allowed to bring "stuff" to restaurants. We were expected to behave and converse - and we did.

As a parent, it is my job to give my children the tools that they need to have a successful future.

"Tools" doesn't have to mean actual, physical distractions. Tools can also be the mechanisms, knowledge, ablity for proper behavior, how to carry on a conversation, etc.

 

[Sorsha]

I don't understand - in general - the need to be having a conversation with someone at all times, or when one considers oneself 'bored', especially in public. What's wrong with being alone with one's thoughts and at the same time, fully and completely concentrating on the task at hand? Picking up kitty litter with paper towels, yes, boring; make all the calls you want. Out shopping in public? Are you really there that long, and is shopping really that boring, that you need to be on the phone?

THAT is not my point. My point is, WHY does it matter to you? Unless I am impeding your progress through the aisles (which I am careful not to do) ro having a loud argument with someone (and I agree that THAT is annoying) what business is it of yours if I am having a quiet conversation in the pet food aisle? I simply can't understand this. Would it bother you if I were talking to someone who was there with me? Just because my best friend can't get away from her house to go to WalMart with me, so we are talking on the phone instead - why is this such an affront? To me this is sort of like you being offended if I choose to wear a purple striped shirt with red checked pants. Maybe it isn't something you would wear, but why does it bother you if *I* wear it?

Why does it have to be either/or? Simply because a distraction is available doesn't necessarily justify using it. When most of us were young, we weren't allowed to bring "stuff" to restaurants. We were expected to behave and converse - and we did.

Ummm no. I remember, many times, as a child headed out to an event or dinner at a restaurant, being told "you may get bored, bring a book to read." So I always did. Which opens up this question... everyone always says kids need to read more. Would it be such an affront if you saw kids, in a restaurant, quietly reading a book while the adults chatted?

I really think the whole debate comes down to this: should you be allowed to make a judgement, based on your moral and/or personal decisions, that I or my children are somehow "less" that you or yours in some way just because I believe or parent differently?
Is it any different from casting aspersions on someone because they are athiests or Muslems, or because they believe politically opposite from you, or because of their sexual orientation?
Yes, those are much "bigger" personal choices than playing a Gameboy in a restaurant, but doesn't it come down, basically, to NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS?

 

[Scurvy]

Why does it have to be either/or? Simply because a distraction is available doesn't necessarily justify using it. When most of us were young, we weren't allowed to bring "stuff" to restaurants. We were expected to behave and converse - and we did.

I agree that it doesn't have to be either/or. And I definitely think that kids need to be able to behave properly at the dinner table. (And everywhere else for that matter.) But in the threads when people start complaining about how much they hate seeing kids using Gameboys at the table in a restaurant, I'm always baffled by why it bothers them so much. A screaming kid - yes, I get why that bothers them. A kid who is running aound the restaurant - of course it bothers them. A kid who is quietly playing with something and not making noise? I don't get the problem. If the kid is at your table, and he's ignoring you while he is playing, I see the problem. But why does it matter to someone at a neighboring table that a kid is paying attention to his electronic device instead of his dining companions?

My son knows how to converse, and he knows how to behave. And sometimes he is allowed to play with his electronic devices at dinner. It doesn't have to be either/or, but some people (on here and elsewhere) act as though any child who is allowed to play with a Gameboy at the table is automatically unable to behave or converse without the Gameboy in his hand, and that's a silly assumption.

 

[Mickey's Minion]

It appears that there are a lot of people who very much resent the power that electronics have become in our daily lives. I am not one to tell them that they can't have their own opinion - they most certainly can - and I am ever so sorry if I have ever seemed rude, or uncaring by utilizing my electronics in a public venue - my apologies! However I feel the need to make a little home for those of us who do not feel that the use of electronic devices in public places is cause to doom me to the depths for all eternity.

Confession #1: If my cell phone rings in a public place, I answer it. If the caller is someone with whom I wish to talk, I will talk to them! Sometimes, if I am doing something boring (picking up cat litter and paper towels at WalMart, etc) I will even make a call myself and yak with a friend while I run my errands! I am OK with this.

Confession #2: If I am attending a family event or public gathering where I know my children will be bored to tears, they are allowed to bring their MP3 players, Gameboys, etc. They are also allowed to utilize them. Now mind you, if someone addresses them, they are expected to stop what they are doing and answer in an intelligent fashion. They must also put them away duing a meal, and I would never dream of allowing them to be used during a church service, if we attended church, which we don't. But I say, if you are bored, amuse yourself, and I don't think a Gameboy has any less value then playing tic-tac-toe on your brother's napkin, just because the Gameboy is (egad) electronic.

Confession #3: I don't write letters. Nor send cards. I only email, or instant-message. Yeah, I know, the value of the lost art of communication, yadda yadda. However the reality is, I am still communicating, I am just not doing it the old-fashioned way. But truth be told, email is more environmentaly conscious (save a tree and all that) and writing things makes my hand hurt. If I can't email you, you won't hear from me.

Confession #4: In that same vein... I don't write cursive. never have, never will. I hate it and its ugly. I print everything. Mind you, an italicized style of printing, but print nonetheless. I don't care if my kids learn to write cursive either. Many more things they can be learning that are much more important. I am sure that when they are adults, nearly everything they do will be on computers, or e-readers, email, instant messenging, etc. I am OK with this.

In conclusion, electronics are good. Others may shun them as rude, unnecessary, the downfall of society, and so forth. Meanwhile, I will continue to talk to whom I want, when I want, instant message everyone, order pizza in my car, listen to my MP3 player in public, and sign my checks using printing. My kids may play their Gameboys till they get sore-Nintendo-thumb, if that is their desire. We will do these things at home, in public, and probably in the bathtub. We also watch too much TV and never send Christmas cards.

That is all.
Good evening.

Amen!
Only change I do is that I do send Christmas Cards, but I don't personalize them, even to our family.

My children have had cellphones since they were 8 (actually, my youngest had one at 6), they all have unlimited texting, they have both ps2's and DS's, they bring them to restaurants.

I don't care if they learn cursive. As long as somebody can neatly print, what does it matter. Heck, in high school and colleges, many quizzes and tests are already electronic, via on line or clickers. Homework is often submitted electronically.

But even immersed in this technology, most kids I know are also intelligent, caring individuals who can behave and carry on a conversation with the best of them. I am constantly around teens and am always amazed at how well they know the world and how intelligently they can converse about it. I have yet to meet a teen so addled that they could not carry on a conversation.

In fact, have to indulgently pat myself on the back. We recently went to a 5* restaurant with several like-minded families. Our children ranged from 8 to 13.

The children had their own table and server, while we had a nearby table where we could keep an eye on them, but not too close.

At this restaurant, the electronics did stay home.

The chef of this 5 star restaurant actually came out of the kitchen to speak to us parents. He was impressed with the behavior of our children. Said he doesn't see it very often, and was especially impressed that we could put such young children at their own table, in such a fancy restaurant, and have them behave with such impeccable manners.

Not bad for children whose brains must be so befuddled due to their constant electronics.

I have kids in college. Now, this might just be a coincidence, but I have found that all my kids' friends with the strictest parents (the type of strictness in the my way or the highway style, the sanctimonious ones ) were also the kids who rebelled the most. Numerous ones have dropped out of college and are on drugs. All drink and are sexually active.

People should parent the way they want to parent, everybody has that right. But keep the comments to yourself if you kids texting at the table next to you. Some parents embrace technology and it does not immediately mean that their kid cannot function in society.

As a PP said, it is the parenting, not the electronics.

 

[kaytieeldr]

A kids who is quietly playing with something and not making noise? I don't get the problem. If the kid is at your table, and he's ignoring you while he is playing, I see the problem. But why does it matter to someone at a neighboring table that a kid is paying attention to his electronic device instead of his dining companions?

It doesn't. I only care about kids with me. A child at another table playing quietly with an electronic something? I shouldn't even notice