Comments on: Parents–Guilty of Distracted Driving

By: Cathy

Cathy — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:06:29 +0000

This is important to me, too. I cut friends off quickly and hang up (if I’m on the phone) when I see my children walking to our van (before they even see me!). I am trying to do my blogging during the day, too, so that I’m not a distracted mom. And your line about “…maybe parents just stop listening” — powerful. Never thought about it that way, but you’re right! I find mine mostly just want a listening ear and not advice

By: jamie

jamie — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 02:42:13 +0000

Thanks, Rachel, for taking the time to stop by–and for hosting your Company Girls’ Coffee. I so admire your writing and your wonderful blog! Keep up the inspiring work.

By: Rachel Anne

Rachel Anne — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:03:09 +0000

I’m totally with you! It’s rude to be talking with someone and have them start texting or scrolling through facebook etc right in the middle of the conversation. It’s awfully easy to fall into that…and I think we all need the reminders to focus on the people we are with!

Loved this!

By: jamie

jamie — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:21:48 +0000

Thanks, Ashley, for sharing how you felt! I think you are very wise to have some rules/standards now. It will make sticking to those rules much easier when you do have children. I agree completely that real human interaction should trump telephone and electronics…If we lose the one-to-one, with our family or friends, then we’ve lost a precious gift.

I am so fortunate that my teenagers recognize the rudeness of texting/talking on the phone while hanging with people. (Don’t get me wrong…They can text with the best of ‘em!:)) But, I see them pulling away from some very old friends–because it is very discouraging, as you said, to feel like you are not as important as the one on the phone.

By: jamie

jamie — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:16:36 +0000

Cool, Anna! I love when a plan has some nice unintended consequences.

By: jamie

jamie — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:15:16 +0000

Funny, Shawna! And you make a good point about the problem merely taking a different form. My issue is more the parent sticking their nose in a book or computer or, in this case, cell phone and missing out on the quick window of opportunity to get to know their child better. Of course, sometimes children have to learn to wait, but if that is a constant thing, I think they will eventually just give up–and shut up! (I also remember hearing my mom say that I didn’t tell her anything…)

By: Shawna R. B. Atteberry

Shawna R. B. Atteberry — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 04:29:21 +0000

Now it’s cell phones. I always had my nose stuck behind a book when I was a teenager. I got into the car and immediately opened the book. I think parents and kids have always had this problem. I remember my parents complaining that getting me to talk was like pulling teeth. Then in my late 20s I discovered I could voice my opinions just like everyone else. Now they probably wish I would shut up. I also think part of the growing up process is kind of a trial separation from the parents to find yourself. When my sis and I hit our 30s we discovered that our parents weren’t near as dumb as we thought they were and started talking more. I wonder if my mother ever wishes when we didn’t talk to her about every little thing?

By: Anna

Anna — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 02:45:19 +0000

We got rid of our cellphones last year just for the sake of having a little bit of extra money. We didn’t expect the added benefit of talking to each other in the car! So you are so right. It’s easy to just pick up the phone and talk to friends when the more important people in our life are sitting in the back seat.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 17:19:03 +0000

Great blog post!!! Such a good reminder to everyone. I agree, it’s not grumpy. Full of conviction instead!!!

By: LydiaCate

LydiaCate — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:42:19 +0000

That wasn’t grumpy, just passionate! You’re right. Life is way too short to miss those kinds of opportunities with our children. Thanks for the encouragement!
Have a blessed weekend!