Anonymous wrote:OP hit on a important observation of inequality here. The kids she's talking about aren't dirt poor but they are not given the opportunities that her own kids are given. That's the real problem in this country. Shouldn't all kids be able to reach their full potential? It's a systemic issue and not one that a lot of people give a lot of thought to.

Thank you. I'm not talking about family in some Appalachia trailer park. Solidly middle class kids and I'm not exaggerating the diff in knowledge, polish and soft skills between our children and same age cousins. They can't articulate anything going on in their life. They are obsessed with football all day, fantasy football scores, and their iPhones. And sure, if you want me to go there, I can: their table manners are awful. Excusable, maybe for pre-teens; not excusable for middle and high school kids (in front of company, no less).

Anonymous wrote:Parenting style has moré to do with it than level of affluence

+1!

Parenting style has moré to do with it than level of affluence

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP hit on a important observation of inequality here. The kids she's talking about aren't dirt poor but they are not given the opportunities that her own kids are given. That's the real problem in this country. Shouldn't all kids be able to reach their full potential? It's a systemic issue and not one that a lot of people give a lot of thought to.

Huh? What are the missing opportunities for those not poor kids?

Schooling quality, socialization etc.

Anonymous wrote:OP hit on a important observation of inequality here. The kids she's talking about aren't dirt poor but they are not given the opportunities that her own kids are given. That's the real problem in this country. Shouldn't all kids be able to reach their full potential? It's a systemic issue and not one that a lot of people give a lot of thought to.

Huh? What are the missing opportunities for those not poor kids?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm with OP. The kids of our relatives have no table manners or ability to make pleasant conversation. They seem totally mesmerized by screens.

They lack the ability to string together more than a few words at a time. They're not low IQ, it's just they're so raw for their age. It's honestly terrifying.

Terrifying? Terrifying would be standing in a convenience store with an armed gunman holding you hostage.
Perhaps these kids don’t find you worthy of conversing with.

...especially when the words OP strings together are so ridiculously over the top. Honestly!!

OP hit on a important observation of inequality here. The kids she's talking about aren't dirt poor but they are not given the opportunities that her own kids are given. That's the real problem in this country. Shouldn't all kids be able to reach their full potential? It's a systemic issue and not one that a lot of people give a lot of thought to.

Any chance your expectations are off? How old are these kids?

I feel quite certain your kids aren’t half the little geniuses you think they are. And if they’re half as self-satisfied and obnoxious as you are, OP, no one wants to be around them.

I had dinner with my in laws, and nieces and nephews, who live in a trailer park. We had an awesome meal and the kids were adorable and delightful despite being poor. I feel sorry for you. You’re the real loser here, OP.

SEEK therapy.

OP, these kids will always remember how you treated them. In 30 years, when you are old, they will still remember. It will be sad for you.

Anonymous wrote:I'm with OP. The kids of our relatives have no table manners or ability to make pleasant conversation. They seem totally mesmerized by screens.

I hate adults who pick on kids.Correct them and stop bitching every time you have to be around them.I love my niece and if her parents are having hard times.I step in and help.I don't make stupid assumptions about their ability to parent and provide for my niece.

Are you "new money" OP?

Just asking.

Anonymous wrote:I'm with OP. The kids of our relatives have no table manners or ability to make pleasant conversation. They seem totally mesmerized by screens.

Well then, it seems an invite to dinner at your house on a weekly basis is in order. Your house, your rules. If you're so bothered by this, help them learn table manners and pleasant conversation. Practice makes perfect.