TexasCHLforum.com

Hoodasnacks wrote: ↑Thu Jan 09, 2020 1:49 pm

LeonCarr wrote: ↑Wed Jan 08, 2020 3:31 pm What Montgomery said. Go with them to the park, and don't just sit on a park bench with your face in your phone like 99% of parents I see in the park.

Learning your surroundings and situational awareness can be fun. Ask your child questions. The man we saw walking up...what did he have in his hands? What is the license plate of that Gray Toyota? What is the address of the park we are at?

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

The phone parents drive me nuts. If you are taking the time, might as well play with them and do it right. I feel the same way about parents at the pool...just get in an play catch, it is way more fun anyway.

It is not just while playing. I consistently notice entire families all on their phones when eating out. Not a word is being exchanged. Once in awhile one of them will laugh and then furiously begin to text. It is crazy how cell phones have destroyed social communication.

Times have changed. I think. When growing up as a kid in the seventies we ran all over the place with no worry from our mom. We lived in Pasadena Texas for six years and then moved to Plano. There never seemed to be a lot of concern from parents. All my friends had the same freedom. I hate to say it but I think it was my generation that created "helicopter" parenting. I admit it. When mine were growing up I had to know everywhere they would be and time frames. When my daughter first started kindergarten I literally followed her from a few feet back every day she went to school..LOL. Heck, she is 38 and my son is 34 and I still worry non stop. Maybe with each generation parents are getting more cautious. Part of me believes it is with good reason. Random violence seems to be far more prevalent now than it was 45 years ago,