Yesterday my husband and I went out for lunch to this lovely new restaurant by the gliderport. We ate lunch and chatted while we watched the hand gliders glide by, it was really nice. EXCEPT, I could not stop watching a woman two tables away with her two young daughters and husband take nonstop selfies – her drink to her face – selfie, the view and a big smile – selfie and on and on. I asked the manager if he would mind if I went over to the lady and told her what I thought, he said “sure, go for it.” Of course I do have some measure of sanity and decorum and didn’t say anything but I have to confess it was hard, as you can see because I’m still annoyed.

Why am I sharing this you ask, because today Arthur Brooks wrote a posting on Less Phone, More Happiness, duh (I couldn’t find a way to link it)!!! I’m not going to go into all the details, I believe you all know why phones should be put away, especially at meals. All I’m going to say is that this lady missed an amazing opportunity to 1. be present with her daughters and husband, 2. send a message to her daughters that they are valuable and important to her thus increasing their self-esteem, 3. model appropriate mealtime behavior and 4. be in the moment (I know I just said that). 

Now I will end my tirade by saying I hope you all know the importance of being in the moment, of taking advantage of those times when you are all together and can chat, share info and send the message, “I’m interested in you, I value you and want to know all about you.” Want your kids to have confidence and self-esteem, there’s your opportunity.