Family get together, 2.5 year old glued to phone?

[Anonymous]

Would this annoy you? We were in NYC for a 2 days and had plans to do something my kids were really looking forward towards. BIL/SIL and In laws really guilted us about family time for my kids (3,5,8) to get to know their little cousin. We went to a playground instead with balls, bubbles, etc. 2.5 year old cousin was absolutely glued to the phone watching shows the entire 3 hours we were there. My husband and I tried to engage and say hello to him and he wouldn’t even look up for a second and didn’t play with the kids. Would you have been annoyed? Why did we even go and 3 hours seems excessive on a device.

[Anonymous]

And people are wondering why so many kids have ADD, don’t want to read, or can’t form close personal relationships.

[Anonymous]

I mean sure it’s annoying but also it's weird you had to be guilted into visiting your family while you were in their town. Spending a couple hours hanging out with your family doesn’t seem like a big deal to me. Even if the 2.5 yo was doing his own thing it sounds like a fun place for your kiddos.

Why did you schedule the park visit for the same time slot as your activity?

[Anonymous]

We are visiting the family for 8nights and that way the only day they could get together. We spent the entire 8n with family doing family things. We wanted a few activities on our own.

[Anonymous]

We stayed in the hamptons and just did 2 days in NYC

[Anonymous]

I mean, your kids got to spend three hours playing at a new playground with balls and bubbles. You gave your kids a fun time. That's really all that matters.

Now you know. So if you're in their area again and they say something tell them "Last time we got together Jayden didn't look up from the phone the entire three hours we were at the park - he would barely say hi. So we don't think he has any interest in our kids."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I mean, your kids got to spend three hours playing at a new playground with balls and bubbles. You gave your kids a fun time. That's really all that matters.

Now you know. So if you're in their area again and they say something tell them "Last time we got together Jayden didn't look up from the phone the entire three hours we were at the park - he would barely say hi. So we don't think he has any interest in our kids."

Yes I will say it but I also think it is bizarre. I am not incredibly strict with screen time myself but hours at an outdoor park seems ridiculous

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I mean, your kids got to spend three hours playing at a new playground with balls and bubbles. You gave your kids a fun time. That's really all that matters.

Now you know. So if you're in their area again and they say something tell them "Last time we got together Jayden didn't look up from the phone the entire three hours we were at the park - he would barely say hi. So we don't think he has any interest in our kids."

Yes I will say it but I also think it is bizarre. I am not incredibly strict with screen time myself but hours at an outdoor park seems ridiculous

Okay. Seems a little naive to not realize there are parents who give their kids phones or tablets all the time to keep them quiet, but whatever. Now you know they exist and walk among your very own family. Live and learn, you know?

[Anonymous]

I’d be more sad than annoyed.

[Anonymous]

Was the playground appropriate for a 2 year old?

[Anonymous]

Our niece was like this. She’s a more or less well-adjusted 8 year old now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Was the playground appropriate for a 2 year old?

Yes, our kids are 4 months apart and my 3 year old did everything at the playground.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our niece was like this. She’s a more or less well-adjusted 8 year old now.

I’m just annoyed, Why make us feel bad about wanting to do our own thing?

[Anonymous]

That is unfortunate, but mostly for that child.

[Anonymous]

I would be annoyed since the child’s parents didn’t make a move to engage their child in the playground either. Maybe the kid has issues. Let it go.