Just Sayin': Lots of time on phones? Parents are guilty, too

Lots of time on phones? Parents are guilty, too

If kids should be putting away cellphones, their parents should do so, too ["Kids: Drop devices, talk to friends," Just Sayin', May 7].

I recently was in Disney World and was shocked to see most parents staring at their phones rather than talking to their kids. This is a family vacation?

Since I was alone, I tried talking to strangers while waiting on line, and most were uninterested in talking. They were using their phones. I then often interacted with the children who were standing next to their parents. They wanted to talk to someone about their experiences.

A restaurant wanted to text me when my table was ready. I told them, "Nope, come get me. I’ll wait right here." Just as they always used to do. I didn’t want to use my phone -- I was on vacation!

Ask many teachers what some of their students' biggest complaints are. You'll likely here this one: My parents are always on their phones -- they don’t have time for me. Parents, this is what your kids will remember.

Barbara Diamond Obstgarten, Port Jefferson Station

Make Museum Row pretty on outside, too

On a recent visit to Museum Row in Garden City, I was struck by how beautiful, sleek and neat the buildings are inside. Outside, though, the buildings and surrounding landscaping are industrial, uncoordinated and drab. It shouldn't take much effort and expense to create a coordinated, lush and welcoming mall-type entrance to the area. Why shouldn't this incredible resource be a more desirable destination for the young and also the young at heart instead of a disconnected set of terrific attractions?

Drew Oringer, Syosset

Beware of knocking 'overeducated'

The term "overeducated" has gained currency in the national discourse. I myself can never be "overeducated." The more that I learn, the more I understand how much more I have to learn.
Beware those who would shame the intellectually curious. When people tell you not to think, then you should think. When people tell you not to ask questions, then you should ask questions. There is always information or a new perspective that the people behind such admonitions do not want you to gain. Why should we trust those who would deny us so?

Eric Robert Nolan, Ridge

Nearby mail travels in an odd pattern

I recently received a letter from Briarwood, Queens that took five days to arrive in Jericho. A same-size letter from Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, which is farther away, took two days. The farther a letter travels, the quicker it seems to get to its destination.

Bernard Fradkin, Jericho