Hang Up and Parent!
Submitted by
Ian Landau
My 4-year old daughter does gymnastics on Saturdays. After class, the kids go to a playroom to wind down. They can't go in without an accompanying adult, and it's always interesting to see how the parents cope with being trapped in the playroom. Some chitchat. Others play with the kids. There are always a few zombies sitting on the floor, backs against the wall. And then there are the ones on their BlackBerrys.
I know it's an amazing tool, but when you're with your kid in a playroom, that's not the time or place to be getting your "CrackBerry" fix.
Just the other week I saw a kid throwing sand like a wild man in the sand box. At least four parents were looking around the room going, "Who's this kid's parent?" Finally we spotted him in the corner, furiously typing with his thumbs, eyes glued to his handheld. Enough! It is not OK to check out while you're on parenting duty. It's bad enough when people are on their cell phones! But the BlackBerry is truly a scourge.
So, please! Tuck the BlackBerry away in your bag or, better yet, leave it at home so you won't be tempted to check it. Your kid may not appreciate your full attention directed at him ... but I surely will.
Submit!
