New ways to ignore your child
In the last few weeks I've noticed that technology has so helpfully given us new ways to ignore our children. To wit:
- Playing games on a PS2, as I saw one young dad do as his 3-year-old son "train-surfed" while standing on the seat. That really scares me.
- Of course the corollary to that is playing a game on your phone, like the pink-bedecked young mom did as her 3-year-old daughter ate her Happy Meal and then dropped fries on the floor.
- Listening to your iPod to shut out the whines and cries of your 4-year-old.
- Last but not least, there's the old stand-by of gabbing loudly on your cell phone -- a favorite of many CTA riders. This very young mom chats about boys with her friend while her her 3-year-old keeps demanding her attention. Imagine the audacity!
Really, how did the guy get a PS2 to work on the train? Did he tap into the trains power or have a generator? I think you meant PSP, and they are great for shutting out other people's cell phone conversations as well.
Thats why I use mine.
Posted by: Joe | January 17, 2007 at 07:17 AM
Makes me just that much more grateful that I had the parents I had. What is it about the L that brings out the worst in people? Seems like L travel would be a good experience for teaching kids about how to be out in public with strangers, how to ride a train safely, and that although we shouldn't be piggies with food at home, it's even worse to make a mess while stuffing our faces on everyone's trains and buses, and that's why there's something called a rule about it...
Posted by: Scott | January 17, 2007 at 09:01 AM
It does fit in with the current method of parenting that I see many parents adopting. The:
"I don't want to discipline my child" method. They want no responsibility for the punishment of children. Then they get mad at a school or other organization that tries to correct behavior and sue. Take responsibility parents. Its your fault, not the systems.
Posted by: Joe | January 17, 2007 at 09:44 AM
I love riding the El with my kids, it's another opportunity to point out every little landmark we pass. I'll have those kids rolling their eyes at dear ole dad by the time they're 5! Just like mom does.
Posted by: dbt | January 17, 2007 at 10:03 AM
Heh. As soon as I saw the PS2 ref, I knew some Comic Book Guy would have to pipe up with "exCUSE me but I beLIEVE you mean the pee ess PEE, not the pee ess TWO." I am impressed that it was the first comment.
Posted by: Bob S. | January 17, 2007 at 12:28 PM
Incorrect. I am not a "Comic Book Guy." I am a gamer that likes technology being labeled correctly. Thank you. =)
Posted by: Joe | January 17, 2007 at 01:28 PM
And because, if it was actually a PS2 complete with a monitor I want to know how the guy did it. With the soon to be excruciatingly long train rides it would be nice to pop in a PS2 game and play for long hours... though not games like Dance Dance or Karaoke Revolutions.... but nice private games.
Posted by: Joe | January 17, 2007 at 01:32 PM
My favorite are the ones that just ignore their children plain and simple. No iPod, no PSP, no cell phone, just a blank stare.
yeah, those are the best.
Posted by: matt | January 17, 2007 at 01:58 PM
What irks me more than inattentive parents is a complete lack of them altogether. I distinctly remember boarding a Ravenswood train at Library and immediately regretting it because the car was filled with eight or ten 12-13 year old kids. They were climbing all over the seats, chasing each other up and down the aisles, and screaming the entire ride to wherever they got off. These are the types of children who aren't disciplined when there parents ARE with them, so they're even worse on their own.
Posted by: Neal | January 17, 2007 at 03:38 PM
I'm picturing Joe talking in the voice of the Comic Book shop guy on the Simpsons.
Posted by: Hugh Jass | January 18, 2007 at 01:27 PM
Comicbook guy!!!!
Posted by: nick | February 12, 2007 at 11:42 PM
realistically people who cares about the stupid train or the psp...TAKE CARE OF YOUR DAMN CHILDREN...hey im a geek like the next person and i fully agree that certain technologies have enabled children to distract themselves and it more then likely could be a portal to a virtual babysitter but everything is ok in doses...just as long as things dont interrupt your life or change in a drastic way moderation is key to success...i think thats what she was talking about ...and pardon for the non geeks who cant differentiate a ps2 from a psp...come on..obviously shes not a geek if she doesnt know the difference....
Posted by: rayray | March 05, 2008 at 02:13 PM