Has the Digital World Replaced the Dining Room Table?

Sadly, many reporting in sessions that their adult children rarely visit. One Mom said, “I made them our usual Sunday dinner and they No Showed! They never even called. It feels so disrespectful and hurtful.”

A woman in her early 30’s stated, “My Dad is mad I never call. I text him funny jokes but he says it’s not the same as our phone calls. I’m just so tired after work. I’m not mad at him or anything, I’d rather mindlessly scroll through Instagram.”

Research indicates that many are turning to Facebook groups and additional online formats for necessary resources.

It’s astonishing to me that the way I turned to my Grandmother, going to her house for dinner, sitting at her table and asking her advice….Now, instead, so many turning to the internet?!

In many ways, I suppose they’re able to streamline and narrow down their search and get expert advice online.

Technology is fantastic in many ways yet seems detrimental in other ways.

It saddens me that many are no longer turning to their families for things as simple as a recipe or something more serious like parenting or relationship issues.

It will be interesting to see what transpires in the decades ahead. Especially in view of cultural issues, our values and belief systems. Will these cross cultural issues be forever changed secondary to folks turning to the internet as opposed to their family?

One woman said, “I feel like Ma! She was left alone, always longing for her adult children to visit. I don’t need them around all of the time, a phone call or at least a text once a week would be nice.”

Another parent said, “I only hear from my son when he’s commuting to work. I get it he has a wife and kids at home. I am glad he calls but I feel last as he only calls when there’s nothing else to do.”

Have things really changed?

Be mindful of the importance of family! I’d give anything to share a meal and seek advice from my grandparents and parents. The internet doesn’t quite Feel like going Home to our parents and grandparents houses.

Focus on balance, Be Present with your Loved Ones! A day will come you’ll forget what you were so busy Doing and long to Be Present with your family members.

This message from my daily devotional rings true so I wanted to share….

“Time is like a coin. You can spend it any way you want-but you can only spend it once.”