Sad Times with Phones

[pips1]

I know this is going to make me sound old but why oh why do phones rule people's lives these days. Just come back from the doctors where I sat opposite a young dad with a cute little daughter who looked about 3-4. She was happily chatting away to him, giving him books and toys etc and he did not look up from the phone once. He was like a zombie and she was SO cute and full of life, she just played happily and I was smiling at her, we must have been there a good quarter of an hour and he didn't acknowledge her once. I felt like saying to him to enjoy her company as they grow up so quick, I would give anything to have mine small again.

[mrs_overall]

Oh I know what you mean.
The thing I miss most is having a little hand holding mine when out and about

[Baldric]

Mrs O,
I thought you'd just made an 'arrangement' with Ankou, is one hand not enough??
;o)

[ummmm]

My phone spends most it's life on silent :-)

[T&S]

My little girl is nearly 4, and when we go to birthday parties for kids from her nursery, there is one dad who always spends his whole time on his Blackberry (other smartphones are available!) Hardly pays any attention to his daughter.

[pips1]

It is so sad, they are useful to have obviously, but they shouldn't rule your life.

[divegirl]

I read a theory that we don't know how to be bored any more, the phone has become a way of occupying every waking moment. Not that this excuses this guys behaviour. I used to love those idle moments with my kids.....still do in fact...lol

Lisa x

[ummmm]

It will eventually get to the point where it's the kids ignoring the parents because they are too busy on their phones!!

[scrummyyummy]

I have the opposite problem. I am always trying to make conversation with my teenagers and they ignore ME because they are too busy tapping away on their mobiles! It drives me crackers! Even when they are supposed to be watching TV, they are tapping away. I sound like a constantly nagging mother as I'm always telling them to put the phone down. I have been known to confiscate their mobiles if they get too mouthy and I love it as I have their full attention then. I would love to turn back the clock and have mine little again.

[mccfluff]

i find it weird when you see friends or couples out and they all on their phones and not talking to each other.

[scrummyyummy]

Ummmm: looks like our comments crossed over but we are of the same opinion!

[daftgrandad]

She will be grown-up,before he knows it.
He then look back and think to himself "Oh God,why did'nt I spend more time with her,when she was young ! "

[pips1]

I know what you mean scrummyyummy but my son is always reminding me that it was our generation who invented them! I'm sure the original idea wasn't intended to take over your life though.

[ummmm]

Seriously though....He could be the perfect Dad at home.

[mrs_overall]

I ahve the same problem as scrummy. Having a chat with my 16 year old daughter is nigh on impossible. Her phone is like her third arm.

[chaptazbru]

All this is why I will never have a mobile 'phone, seems to me they take over your life.

[albaqwerty]

Apart from the lack of manners, (don't get me started) I'm fed up of idiots who walk into me whilst they are texting.
As has been mentioned, he might be a great dad at home but I hae ma doots.

[Vicasso]

Must be an age thing. I've just checked my mobile account, and the £20 top up I put on it in January 2011 still has £13.22 credit :-). What a waste of time and money these things can be.

[lozzer50]

it is sad because both parents and children lose out but its a sign of the times !