Put Down Your Phones!

[wyurm]

I see these posts on forums spanning the internet all the time. I really get a laugh when it includes "posted from my iphone" or "posted from _____ mobile app". The truth is that like it or not, communication itself is moving to mobile devices. That means when you see someone buried in their phone, they are usually posting to FB, disboards, twitter, or texting family. Add to that the new Disney apps etc... You may not like it, but I'm sure people born in the 1850's didn't like those new-fangled automobiles. I'm sure people born in the 1900's had difficulty liking how much people watched TV and how easy they were able to communicate on the phone. And I'm sure I'll dislike it when 30 years from now I see kids jacked into the internet with a glazed look in their eyes not even aware of the outside world.

What you are seeing is the future for what it's worth and no, it isn't always pretty.

 

[trainingupmy4princes]

My adult daughter and I just returned from our annual WDW trip and we both were disturbed by what we observed....whether on the bus, at dinner or standing on line waiting to go on an attraction we saw parents more involved with their cell phones, ipads, whatever than their kids. We noticed parents telling kids to be quiet so they could read their emails or check something online. As a parent and educator I was so saddened to see this over and over again. While there were parents interacting with their children and having a great time, there was an overwhelming number completely "checked out." I always thought vacation was a chance to spend time with your kids without all the outside pressures of everyday life. The other disturbing thing was the kids that had a device put in front of them so they can play games or watch videos during dinner. Sadly, we noticed many tables where there were parents and children and absolutely no conversation.
This seems to be something that's getting worse every year. What's the point of a family vacation where the family doesn't interact with each other? Maybe it's time for the parents to put away their electronics and start reconnecting with their families and pay attention to their children, not their phones. Disney really is a magical place, but the magic needs to start by acutally paying attention.

We actually use a video at dinner(with headphones of course) for our little one so that we can connect with our older kids. So much of our vacation time is one of us with the little one so at dinner we both can talk with our older boys while our toddler keeps busy. Just a perspective from a family with varied ages kids. I pay attention just to my other kids.

 

[Bean786]

I think people are reading into this waaaay to much. Yes some people have to stay connected for work but let's be honest A LOT of people are just addicted to their phones. The OP was making a statement. Relax

 

[leeserw]

STOP LIVING BEHIND A SCREEN!

STOP WORRYING ABOUT WHO YOU AREN'T WITH!

STOP POSTING YOUR EVERY MOVE WHILE "LIVING"!

Let the hateful comments begin [/QUOTE]

Wow. As much as I hate to admit it. I needed to hear this. Point taken. And thank you for the reminder.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I see these posts on forums spanning the internet all the time. I really get a laugh when it includes "posted from my iphone" or "posted from _____ mobile app".

Far fewer posts contain that information than don't. I'm posting from my iPod. At home. My computer is eight years old and slow.

The truth is that like it or not, communication itself is moving to mobile devices.

When everyone in a group is involved with individual mobile devices simultaneously - that's not communication.

 

[minnie mum]

When everyone in a group is involved with individual mobile devices simultaneously - that's not communication.

Somebody should print that and frame it.

 

[iheartdisney]

When everyone in a group is involved with individual mobile devices simultaneously - that's not communication.

What if they are communicating with one another?
I'm visiting my sister, which unfortunately only happens every other year or so and before bed three of our kids were sitting on the couch playing on the tablets and ipods. My dad made a comment about it, something like how when we were little and with our cousins we would have been playing a board game. But we explained to him that they WERE playing together- they were on Minecraft and found each other and were showing each other the different pranks and tricks they've learned how to make! It is just a new way of playing!
And then after she had gone to bed, my sister texted to ask something... it was easier than getting dressed and coming back downstairs.
Face it, this is communication. Every day we are getting closer to the point of singularity.

 

[molliewalks]

We will be on our phones while there. Please don't judge me (as i post from my phone!). We have our own business that needs to be checked on while we are gone. Orders need to be filled, inventory checked on etc... This is what pays for our trips. We will not ignore our kids, they help with the business and know how to handle most transactions (so they could possibly be doing that while I do something else). We leave for disney in 3 weeks. My husband has been gone for 2 weeks and will not return for another 2 weeks. during his absences, it is sometimes quicker and more convenient to send a text than call, i may call at an inconvenient time for him. Life is technologically centered now, like it or not. If it wasn't, there would be no Disboards to gripe on!! I will also be calling my 85 yr old grandmother-in-law a few times a day to check on her, as we are taking my in-laws with us this year.

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[PetePanMan]

I think that some strong generational biases are at play in many of the comments on this this thread. Like it or not, communication preferences are changing.

 

[Suzanne74]

I am so glad I grew up without cell phones. Honestly, I am. What did businesses and jobs and families do before the 1990's? They worked 9-5pm and went on vacations and took the weekend off and everyone survived. My husband's company is non stop and he is only 1 of 4 office people and the owner/ceo but the rule on vacation is weekdays he takes my youngest back for naps and can check emails/messages from 2-4pm. Otherwise no cell phone. I use mine for the Disney app and quick videos.

My big pet peeve is when people stop short walking to text or answer a phone, oh or walk into you looking down at a phone.

And don't get me started about the playgrounds. Moms heads buried in phones never once interacting. Some claim it is their time after SAH all day with kids. I get it, I am still there but check a few emails and then play with your kid some. Sad times when updating FB status is more important that watching your kid giggle and laughing.

 

[Burnedout]

Before cell phones people would try to meet up and miss one another. Parents worried about their kids on the roads. Moving cross country meant $200 telephone bills. I could give huge examples for each of these. My mom would have loved for us to have had them because we were an adventuress lot. They would have enhanced interpersonal communication not affected it adversely. Tools are tools.

This particular tool allows me to check in the middle of the night if my kids made it in,. To take pictures of everything from the northern lights to a recipe. To have a calendar with alerts for dental sppts and fafsa deadlines at my fingertips. It allows me to keep consistent tabs on my invalid parent. Pretty darn cool if you ask me.

I always find it interesting when people get snooty about not using technology. Really, what makes you think your way is the only way. Sounds like the Queen of Hears

 

[Mom2six]

I take all of my vacation pics on my iPhone.

We spend a LOT of time with our kids. Heck, we homeschool them. We have never once in their lives (oldest is almost 12) have EVER hired a babysitter. EVER. We are ALWAYS with them, unless they are in outside classes (sports, science, dance, etc.)

When we go on vacation, We play with them, we ride rides, we have family time. Occasionally we pause to all take a breather from each other, sometimes after our order is taken and before our meal arrives. I'll browse the vacation pics I just took, dh will send a text to my parents to let them know we're all having a great time, the kids will look at the Disney app to see what rides they want to ride next.

Don't make assumptions about how much time people spend with their kids or the quality of their parenting based on your observations of them over a mere matter of minutes.

Exactly. I think a lot of the people who comment about paying attention to their kids so as not to miss a single smile may not be spending much time with them. Some families need to make up for seeing each other an hour or two at most a day while others spend all their time with their children on a regular basis and can afford to look away for a few minutes.

As well, to the posters who complain that you should be okay just standing in line and not doing anything - and that using electronic devices while waiting is bad - You may want to rethink that position. Studies have shown that cognitive stimulation can delay the onset of dementia including Alzheimer's disease and the computer/electronics do it better then paper and pencil tasks. So pick up those electronic devices. Dementia cost over 604 billion dollars worldwide a year. Word games are especially good for you!

 

[Mom2six]

Life doesn't have to be exciting every second of every waking minute. Despite this thread, there are plenty of people touring WDW without electronic communication devices glued to their respective hands. Those people wait in the same, generally moving, often themed or otherwise entertaining lines.

That is a personal choice. One could argue that standing there doing nothing is a silly choice and just because one persons makes an odd decision doesn't mean everyone else needs too! Should we be sorry for the people who enjoy themselves doing nothing or the people who enjoy entertaining themselves while they wait? I think the people entertaining themselves instead of being bored and restless are making a good choice.

Of course, I am not usually on my iPhone while waiting in line. I am usually too busy interacting with my kids about what game they are playing on the iPod (if I am lucky). If I am not lucky, my youngest DD us bored and trying to see how mad she can make my youngest DS. I would rather she learn something on the iPod. And just because someone is using an electronic device does not mean zero interaction. Sometimes it gives you a lot to discuss.

 

[disneyfreak33]

My adult daughter and I just returned from our annual WDW trip and we both were disturbed by what we observed....whether on the bus, at dinner or standing on line waiting to go on an attraction we saw parents more involved with their cell phones, ipads, whatever than their kids. We noticed parents telling kids to be quiet so they could read their emails or check something online. As a parent and educator I was so saddened to see this over and over again. While there were parents interacting with their children and having a great time, there was an overwhelming number completely "checked out." I always thought vacation was a chance to spend time with your kids without all the outside pressures of everyday life. The other disturbing thing was the kids that had a device put in front of them so they can play games or watch videos during dinner. Sadly, we noticed many tables where there were parents and children and absolutely no conversation.
This seems to be something that's getting worse every year. What's the point of a family vacation where the family doesn't interact with each other? Maybe it's time for the parents to put away their electronics and start reconnecting with their families and pay attention to their children, not their phones. Disney really is a magical place, but the magic needs to start by actually paying attention.

I couldn't agree more. We refuse to be one of those families we see when we eat out that are constantly staring at their phones. It was always the one thing I am adamant about. Dinner is "family time" at the table no if's and's or but's.

we were at the beach a few days ago and the 50+ people that were around us there was just one other couple actually playing with their children aside from us. Everyone else was ........you guessed it, on their phones.

Aside from the app they made and getting in contact with others you're separated from in the parks I see no reason to use the cellphone.

 

[LaurenT]

I couldn't agree more. We refuse to be one of those families we see when we eat out that are constantly staring at their phones. It was always the one thing I am adamant about. Dinner is "family time" at the table no if's and's or but's.

we were at the beach a few days ago and the 50+ people that were around us there was just one other couple actually playing with their children aside from us. Everyone else was ........you guessed it, on their phones.

Aside from the app they made and getting in contact with others you're separated from in the parks I see no reason to use the cellphone.

So now this post has me wondering if I'd rather be one of the families happily oblivious on my I phone while killing time between conversations, or one of the families waiting for my appetizer while griping to my husband about all the people who are on their I phones.
The only time I have a problem with anyone being on their "device" is when they are trying to do that while also navigating through traffic (either on foot or in a car).

 

[deebeck]

What happened to when kids colored at dinner? I'm not exactly a kid anymore, but I usually ask for kids menus to color when out at a restaurant. Nowadays, most kids are found playing games on the ipad/iphone at dinner. That's unacceptable to me, and I think to have a true vacation get away, all internet and communication should be very limited/rarely used.

I know... it's sad to see but not judging... whatever works for each family.

I always keep little mini packs of markers and card stock paper in my backpack for the kids. They draw and we just talk.... I love that time with the kids.

 

[Nancyg56]

I agree with you that phones and other gadgets have become intrusive at times, but I'm not sure judging other parents' decisions is helpful. To each their own. I know I have enough to worry about with myself and my own family, never mind observing other families so closely.

ETA: I noticed you have an adult daughter...I also think it's very easy to judge younger families because you have the passage of time glossing over the parenting decisions you made when your children were younger.

Oh the good old days!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL! My DH is one of those people whose rose colored glasses blind him to the past reality of three tired, hungry kids, all arguing over the same crayon.

We used the tools we had to keep the kids occupied just as we use the ones we have available now when we take kids out.

What happened to when kids colored at dinner? I'm not exactly a kid anymore, but I usually ask for kids menus to color when out at a restaurant. Nowadays, most kids are found playing games on the ipad/iphone at dinner. That's unacceptable to me, and I think to have a true vacation get away, all internet and communication should be very limited/rarely used.

What difference does the method of occupation make? I see no reason to avoid games on the phone if they serve teh same purpose that a coloring book and crayons serve. And quite frankly, a game on the phone is neater that crayons, IMO.

I also take exception to having to vacation in a way that you (in general you) find acceptable. My family is close, and when we vacation, at least one of my adult children and family is with us. We have all our meals together, tour together and use the pool together. We stand in lines together, sit at the bus station together, and visit the shops together. If we have phones out at the dinner table, you may see a snapshot of our day, but you certainly are not privy to our personal situation. You are an outsider looking in, much like a voyeur, and making assumptions based on that moment you peeked in another family's life.

I've seen young kids BEGGING their parents for attention while they stand there ignoring them texting away or facebooking and only looking up to yell at the child for bothering them.

You could have made this observation 10, 20, 30 years ago. I am 56 and my own mother was about as uninvolved as could be if we interrupted her during her "stories". People are people, and FB, texting, TV, whatever....all are simply diversions for people who choose not to engage with their family.

Hopefully almost everyone out there is still breathing - we're one of those strange families that really likes to be with each other.

You are making one heck of a lep by insinuating that because you are pretty much device free, your family is superior to others who choose to live differently than you do. Makes me crazy! Do what you want, but try to remember that different is not wrong, it is just different.

Quite frankly, standing in line is BORING. Yes, you can talk, but really, after nine days of being in a resort room together, eating three meals a day together, standing in lines together - I don't think it's the end of the world if people play on their phones while waiting in line for a ride. We are a no phones at the table family, but anything to make waiting in line more interesting is fine by me.

LOL! I know! By the end of the last ten day trip, even I had run out of things to talk about! I used to cart around a sudoko book to pass time but there is an ap for that!

 

[disneyfreak33]

So now this post has me wondering if I'd rather be one of the families happily oblivious on my I phone while killing time between conversations, or one of the families waiting for my appetizer while griping to my husband about all the people who are on their I phones.
The only time I have a problem with anyone being on their "device" is when they are trying to do that while also navigating through traffic (either on foot or in a car).

We do not gripe about it, it is an opinion we have about it. What other families choose to do with their time at dinner/other activites is their business. It is just what we observe and have an opinion about. We, as a family, don't do such things. I grew up having dinner at our table every night and spending time talking. It was our way of connecting as a family. Something that rolls over to my own family to this day.

I also agree with the navigation through traffic thing. It is also an opinion and a observation I have.

It is what it is. A new day and a new age. But for some folks we like to stick with tradition. If they do not, to each their own. JMHO.

 

[Jennasis]

A wise man once said "The good ol' days weren't all that good and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems."

 

[LaurenT]

Oh the good old days!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL! My DH is one of those people whose rose colored glasses blind him to the past reality of three tired, hungry kids, all arguing over the same crayon.

We used the tools we had to keep the kids occupied just as we use the ones we have available now when we take kids out.

What difference does the method of occupation make? I see no reason to avoid games on the phone if they serve teh same purpose that a coloring book and crayons serve. And quite frankly, a game on the phone is neater that crayons, IMO.

I also take exception to having to vacation in a way that you (in general you) find acceptable. My family is close, and when we vacation, at least one of my adult children and family is with us. We have all our meals together, tour together and use the pool together. We stand in lines together, sit at the bus station together, and visit the shops together. If we have phones out at the dinner table, you may see a snapshot of our day, but you certainly are not privy to our personal situation. You are an outsider looking in, much like a voyeur, and making assumptions based on that moment you peeked in another family's life.

You could have made this observation 10, 20, 30 years ago. I am 56 and my own mother was about as uninvolved as could be if we interrupted her during her "stories". People are people, and FB, texting, TV, whatever....all are simply diversions for people who choose not to engage with their family.

You are making one heck of a lep by insinuating that because you are pretty much device free, your family is superior to others who choose to live differently than you do. Makes me crazy! Do what you want, but try to remember that different is not wrong, it is just different.

LOL! I know! By the end of the last ten day trip, even I had run out of things to talk about! I used to cart around a sudoko book to pass time but there is an ap for that!

Agree with all of this!
I used to do puzzle books, but now I have words with friends and scramble.
Pretty offensive for people to assume that I don't like being with my family just because I don't spend every waking moment engaged with them. It's actually not normal to feel the need to be constantly interacting with someone. Perhaps some of these posters are trying to fill a deeper void with conversation?
And, yes, I will sometimes intentionally ignore my DD and play a game on my phone while she continues to beg for something that I've already said no to 100 times....