Ask Dali Mama

DEAR DALI MAMA:

My parents are always on their iPhones. Help!

—Fed Up (United States)

DEAR F.U.:

Perhaps you could tell your parents you wish you had more time without the distractions of the iPhones. Maybe you could even ask if you could plan a camping vacation where there is no wi fi or electricity. Or if that doesn’t work, text them from across the dinner table, “Hello. Is anyone there?” or something like that.

If this doesn’t work, write back. Some people are truly addicted to their smartphones and sometimes that addiction needs a hello.

Congratulations on being aware of the dynamics here so that hopefully they can change.