Why can’t I use my phone during dinner with my kids?
As parents, we are all guilty of being distracted by technology from time to time. However, a new study may make you think twice before reaching for that cellphone when you're dining with your children.
Researchers observed parents who were absorbed in their cellphones while dining with their children at a fast food restaurant. They noted that the more absorbed the parent seemed to be in the cellphone, the more their children misbehaved. They also noted that when children were misbehaving, parents tended to respond much more harshly when they were absorbed in their phones. That's a great reason to cut back on technology when the kids are around!
Reviewed by Dr. Kristie Rivers, September 2020
This makes SO much sense. I really hate seeing people so engrossed in their phones at dinner. Put the phone down and have a conversation!
I agree. It would be a shame to miss out on the precious conversations you can have at dinnertime with your family if you are too engrossed in technology.
We try to make a habit of not using our cell phones at all at the dinner table. If you can’t resist the urge, get a “technology box” and have all family members put their iPod, cell phone, etc. in the box until the meal is complete.