So many of today's children either go to an 'after-school child care facility or arrive home to an empty home. Only the tv, computer is there to greet them, to provide a 'simulation' for them. Their 'day at school' isn't asked about and is soon forgotten. Hollywood/MTV/advertising has more influence on their lives than the parents.
The working parents come home later, harried and distracted. Dinner is later or is from the 'fast food' neighborhood joint. Dinners are eaten 'on-the-go'.
Homework may or not be assigned, may or may not be finished. Family time is somewhat nonexistent. There are numerous scedules to be met, whether they are of the various in season sports practice, any arts/music, martial arts meets.
Homes now have multiple televisions with cable hookups, numerous computers with multiple phone/cable lines. The family withdraws off to their separate rooms.
And tomorrow the repetition continues.