A newly appointed German federal family minister has expressed concerns over the lack of quality time parents spend with their children, citing the widespread use of smartphones as a major issue. According to Minister Karin Prien, many parents are too engrossed in their mobile devices, neglecting to engage in activities with their children.
Prien, a Christian Democratic Union (CDU) politician, believes that the dual burden of work and family life, as well as a changing self-image of parents, contribute to this phenomenon. She notes that modern parents are increasingly focused on self-realization and individualization, leading to a sense of uncertainty and a lack of time for family bonding.
As the new family minister, Prien plans to focus on promoting a more balanced approach to parenting, encouraging parents to engage in activities with their children and to prioritize family life. She emphasizes that her goal is not to dictate how parents should raise their children, but to promote a sense of responsibility and community.
Prien also criticized the previous government, accusing it of prioritizing minority issues over other important policy areas. The minister, a mother of three grown sons, has a personal experience of engaging in lively debates with her children, often at the dinner table. While she may not always enjoy the confrontations, her youngest son reminds her that this is a natural part of family life.