These tech sounds have become a part of daily life for most families. We, today, are better connected than ever before thanks to digital technology; yet paradoxically, also further apart because of it.
Nguyen Van Hoa from Hanoi said it's a feeling he's all too familiar with, even within his own family. Whenever his children and grandchildren are together, instead of chatting away with another, they are glued to their phones, tablets, laptops, and all other manner of digital device.
Hoa said: “Before smartphones came along, we would have a good time having a meal together and chatting. Nowadays, my children are more drawn to the screens. So I thought I had to do something.”
Mr. Hoa didn't ban screens in his home, but created a "tech-free zone" whenever everyone has a meal together. This small break from electronic devices makes way for stories and shared concerns among family members.
Mr. Hoa's son, Nguyen Van Trung, said: "I thought my dad was a bit too strict at first. But after having several meals together like this, I started to pay more attention to little details like what groceries my mom bought or if my dad was happy or tired today, and how my wife's day was."
These seemingly "little details" are easy to overlook, unless family members listen properly to one another.
Every weekend, Tran Dang Luu sets aside his busy work schedule to sit beside his daughter Tran Dieu Anh, and listen to the piano pieces she has been practicing.
"We don't usually spend a lot of time interacting with one another. We would be on our phone, surfing the web, or playing video games. Some of us would have private matters to attend to. But this summer vacation, I want to spend more time with my children," according to Luu.
"My dad and I would sometimes talk but it's usually about serious things and school. This is the only time we can laugh, have fun, and listen to each other," said his daughter Dieu Anh. For her, these seemingly ordinary moments she spends with her dad are invaluable - a sentiment shared by many families today.
Some have shared with VOV their recommendations for a happy family. “Parents and children need to make time for each other, during meals, while exercising, or watching TV. Don't just look at your phones. We need to communicate and connect with one another. That's how you build a strong family."
“After dinner, my family would gather around and share stories. We tell each other how we feel and I believe my family's quality of life and bonds have improved," another person said.
Many experts consider family the foundation of a person's character, of love and respect for others and the wider community. “Family is a fundamental and unique social institution. A stable home will bring about a stable society and vice versa. Building happy families and a happy society is both a need and a responsibility of every citizen", one expert said.
“A person's ethics and characters are heavily influenced by his or her family. A good family is a healthy environment that fosters personal growth and nurtures citizens that can contribute to the nation's sustainable development,” another added.
Digital technology can bring people closer together. But genuine connection requires family members to truly spend time with each other, having family meals without phones in hand, and sharing heartfelt conversations.
