I remember when they could only call. I would read it, rather than the dreadful not knowing state.

During times I don't want to be interrupted, I turn it to Airplane Mode, otherwise I would have read, ask my family to excuse me, dealt quickly with it and gone back to enjoying "down time."

A number of rules apply here.
But first an interesting story (at least I think so and enjoy sharing it 17 years later.): I was just a few months into my gig as Legislative Counsel to then Bronx Borough President (and all but announced 2001 mayoral candidate Freddy Ferrer. I had been working on a rather major initiative around transportation. I developed the policy proposals; We had already testified once on it; a major conference was coming up on the same day Marisa was to graduate elementary school. I did not know what to do -- whether to ask to take the day. I asked one of his long-time aide; still remember Joe Ithier's words: "Freddy will expect you to be with your daughter." And frankly it was a juggle I tried to follow as I believe it important to be at the life cycle and other events involving one's kids. In June 2001 I was managing a softball playoff game in Roslyn, coaching "my" girls including Marisa -- in my suit and tie standing on the dirt behind the backstop, sometimes on the cell with the campaign press secretary John Del Cecato (Currently one of those so-called agents of the city of New York.) (and yes we won that game.).
Back to rules. Generally no calls while driving with Shelly.
Family first at family gatherings. Return call or message or email as first moment practicable.
If something requires an emergency response, you generally know that even before you take a call and everyone is prepared; it initiates an allowable exception.
Finally no noisy or light flashing alerts; it allows for phone not to be off but empowers an ability to peak at text or emails and discreet responses when needed.

Technology is a blessing and a curse- we are always "on" - look at it but do not respond until after your special celebration

Given the circumstances described I would have read the message to determine if it was something that truly needed to be addressed at that moment. We generally know our clients and what can and cannot wait. Family has always come first, but we do have obligations to our clients as well, and generally I think we have all been able to find a way to balance them (to the best of our abilities---and usually with a dollop of guilt thrown in).

I struggle with this all the time and in the end mostly give in to reading the email. And then I say -- technology is both a blessing and curse. Before we had smartphones, there wasn't an option.

Any client should respect that there are times you are not available. If the bond of trust is in tact, they also know you will respond accordingly.

Read it...then forget it!

Family first! Look at the message afterwards...only my opinion. Life balance, not always easy!