My Weekly

She’s More Interested In Her Phone

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My daughter-in-law is a lovely girl and a great mum to my adorable granddaugh­ter, Susie. There’s just one thing about her that worries me and that’s the amount of time she spends on her mobile phone. Even when Susie is sitting beside her, she seems more interested in looking at her phone than in interactin­g with her daughter. My son doesn’t seem to think there’s a problem, but I’m worried that it may delay Susie’s developmen­t.

Iam so glad that you appreciate your lovely daughter-in-law as well as your adorable granddaugh­ter. There is so much value in generation­s getting along.

Times have changed, however, along with a sense of what is “normal” social behaviour. Everywhere you go, people are on their phones; what your daughterin-law is doing is the new normal. Of course that does not make it right.

We do know children are at their best when stimulated. Evidence suggests their knowledge and understand­ing expand and they can problem-solve more easily. Most children are experts with technology – if you can’t programme the TV, ask your grandchild!

The real concern is whether Susie and your daughter-in-law have some face-to-face interactio­n; I’m sure the answer is yes. How much time is more crucial, but it may be a delicate area for you to comment on or criticise. You can interact with both, in conversati­on and childhood games – but commenting directly may have consequenc­es.

Your granddaugh­ter is happy and content. Also, she will be developing language and other skills. Focus on what you can do. The more time you can spend with her to interact, the better. I’m sure they value having such a caring granny – keep it that way!

Her parenting style may be a delicate area for you to comment on or criticise

 ??  ?? It’s the new normal – but it’s not necessaril­y right
It’s the new normal – but it’s not necessaril­y right

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