Would you rather watch a film or talk to your child?

[Member786488]

My dh really pissed me off.

I was chatting with dd 16, who was actually downstairs for once, and we were asked to stop talking so he could finish watching his film.

My thinking is - she’s rarely engaging with us, just quietly pause the fucking film and join in.

He’s thinking - I’ve watched most of this, can’t you both just shut up until it’s done.

I’m right aren’t I?

Please understand that whilst all opinions are interesting, I’ll find those who parent teens more relevant.

Agree! Parent of a teen. I am with you op.

It's hard to imagine when they are young chatter boxes that you will miss the chats and feel distant from your own children.

But you can do both! Watch a movie & still talk to your kids another time.

I rope my teens into doing the groceries or helping with dinner as ways to chat, even briefly.

I don't at all subscribe to the notion that all other activity must cease if a teen appears for a chat.

I don't know. I have teens. Even with the update it's about the wider context of the family dynamics/ history. I'm also assuming you have an open plan living/ kitchen?

Prefect families either all watch a film together or all eat together in a room with no tv on.

But in reality that happens maybe once a month?

DD was a bit rude to be talking through a film. I can understand why DP was annoyed. However he was also BU to be rude back and tell you to stop talking rather than pausing the film and focussing on the convo.

It's just messy family life I suppose.

She’s choosing to talk to you 🙄

surely there’s another rooms in your home where you could’ve gone to speak?

im not going to change that because of a bloody film - even if it was one I was watching rather than him
I expect him to do the same

You don't call the shots OP. If you're close and spend a lot of time together then, no things don't stop just because an offspring has graced the room. Get a grip a bit.