Wow, the assumptions on this thread are mind-boggling. Does everyone honestly think that we just ignore our guests? I was pretty confident I didn't say that in the beginning, but it's amazing how things build momentum on their own. MIL is hooked on Candy Crush and Pet Rescue. She had been playing for hours... this is after dinner, and both our fathers (mine came over) had gone for a walk. It was dark enough to not be outside, but too early for bed. I guess I could have been more specific, that it was MIL on ipad, wife reading, and myself switching between ipad (because I was bored) and trying to come up with other things to do. FIL was reading his newspaper.
WRT
But it really sounds like the issue is that you and your spouse started ignoring them by using the handheld stuff, so they started wanting to watch television (which is their generation's distraction). Both of you turning your attentions exclusively to your phones/tablets is kind of rude to guests that are unable to find anything else to entertain themselves with. So start by taking a hard look at how you treat your guests and maybe make adjustments (like no electronic devices while in the living area with guests that don't also have them and enjoy using).
I would guess this is an age based assumption... and in this case is horribly mistaken. Damn ipad doesn't leave MIL's side. I personally hate when people ignore the world around them for the technological one in their pocket/purse.
As far a this
My in-laws were over last weekend, and at about 6:30pm we were all sitting around. Ipads, iphones, and boredom was happening.
Sounds like you're not being a very entertaining host (no offense). What are your in laws suppose to do when you and your DW turn to your iPads and ignoring them?
Seriously when did I actually imply we were the issue. It's hard to entertain people who don't play games in a house that we recently moved into as the fire pit, and hot tub are not yet set up. (specifically, we didn't have any wood and need to empty the fire pit)
@HipGnosis... where do I start. I'm pretty sure it's rude to assume but either way, there was no lack of trying to host. I was trying to avoid the inevitable everybody in their own electronic world situation. Eventually ended up drinking heavily with FIL which actually made our night better. MIL kept playing ipad until bed, and honestly I'm not sure what my wife did.
Things I tried:
I actually downloaded Family Feud to play together as a family... nobody interested.
Offerred cards... nobody interested
Pictionary... you get the message
I did not even bother with more complex games like Cards against humanity, or killer bunnies as they've literally no interest in playing, but my game closet is far from lacking.
Drinking with FIL, at least we were both having fun. Captain Morgan's 100 proof. In my defense... I did tell him early on not to underestimate the stuff...
I came here because I couldn't help but think that IF we had a TV in a convienent location, we'd probably all have been watching a movie and eating popcorn together as a family. Granted, not the most wholesome experience in the world, but in this case it was better than everybody being in their own world. I'm really loving the idea on one of the other threads (accidentally made 3) of just getting a smart TV so all I need is a power cord and a place to set it. I already know what room it could go in when we're not using it.