How will our children act as adults?

I think about this everyday when I am at work. I can forgive the screaming child that isn't getting the toy they want. I can also understand why a child would find it funny to hide in a clothing rack while their parent frantically searches for them. (Not that I condone that sort of behavior.) When your little, life is a game. However, I often wonder what kind of adult my children will grow up to be. Funny, although I think my parents did a good job of raising me, it wasn't until I had kids that I realized that life doesn't revolve around me. What is hard for me to understand is the parent who is "connected". By "connected" I mean talking on their cellphone, while their child hides in a rack. I don't believe these people are bad parents. I just think that society in general is growing farther apart, even when it seems like we are "connected". Let me explain further....

Since I had children, I am trying to be a better person, even when they are not with me. I often look around me while I am working and wonder why people seem like they don't care? Are we raising a generation that isn't going to have to talk to one another face-to-face? Will our children learn to communicate through computers and cell phones before they learn how to give a proper handshake?

There are many opportunities on a day-to-day basis that we could use to teach our children great "people" skills. How would you feel if someone told you that your child made them feel insignificant? Would you take it personally?
Would you admit that you unintentionally set that example for your child?

Take this scenario: Mom is talking on the cell phone in the check-out line. The child is playing with all of the candy on the display in the check-out aisle. Mom stays on the phone during the entire transaction and doesn't say a word to the cashier. This was a missed opportunity. What about simply saying, "hello" when it is your turn to pay? Thus, setting an example of simple politeness. Incidentally, the cashier might appreciate being able to do their job and engaging you in polite conversation. You also give the impression that the cashier isn't significant enough to even acknowledge. (No, I am not a cashier, but I do work in retail.) Oh, by the way, said mom then either a.) yells at their child for making a mess, but doesn't clean it up or b.) simply isn't paying attention and doesn't notice that their child has made a mess.

I'm not a perfect person and I'm certainly not a perfect mom. My goal is to raise my kids to be great adults. Hmmm....looks like I should heed my own advice and cuddle up with my little one. It won't be long before I am hearing, "ewww mom, I can't give you a kiss my friends will make fun of me."