Hang up the phone

We are all in danger now with the advent of cell phones and text messaging. There is one other negative aspect to cell phone use that I have observed in the last four to five years. Parents are not giving their children their attention or time. They are talking on the cell phone endlessly and not engaging their children in conversation or answering questions.

I see young children wandering in parking lots while mom or dad is talking on the phone and totally unaware of where the child is or if another car is coming.

Recently, I took my two grandchildren to Silverwood. As we rode the Ferris wheel, I observed the father in front of us with his little girl. He was on the cell phone and never said one word to his child.

Only time will tell what the end result of this will be on our children. So, if you are not this type of parent, just disregard this letter, but those of you who are may recognize yourself and ask if risking your relationship with your child (who will grow up too soon) is worth telling your friend “Yes, I am here in Wal-Mart at the shoe department!”

Sandra Boynton

Rathdrum, Idaho