I really think that cooking time should be a bonding time for all families. To cook a nice meal everyone can help out. The drinks have to be made, table set, food prepared, maybe salads or soup, deserts, etc. Everyone need to chip in and help prepare the meal and talk to each other.
I’m getting to the point where I’m leaving my cell phone more and more upstairs. That way when I’m spending time with the family I have no interruptions or habits of checking email, Facebook, web, and anything else. I go to restaurants and see kids on a date (sort of). Each are on their phone and paying no attention to their date. It’s like why didn’t you all just stay at home and text each other.
We really all need some “tech free” time each day. Take a day and watch people. Watch them in their cars, on break at their job, walking, eating in a restaurant, etc. Look for one day and tell me you’re not surprised!