Children on Ipads in restaurants

@doilooklikeicare I like to think this thread has made just one or two people think again about their attitudes, not to the "screens" issue only, but into what it might mean overall to have a disabled, or even just "different", child. Maybe next time you see me and my son, or our many counterparts, out and about, you will think, maybe there is something different going on here from what I assumed?

It has however been dispiriting for the most part, to say the least. The absolute refusal of some people to peer for a moment out of their own life and set of assumptions about others and into someone else's different reality is really sad. But I have very much enjoyed hearing from others who "get it". Keep on lunching!

Would you rather they were running around, screaming?

I admit we sometimes give our 3 year old his tablet when we go out to eat, although we start off with books and his colouring book and the tablet as a last resort. We don’t give it for our enjoyment we give it so that he doesn’t disturb people on the tables around us. He’s generally good for a 3 year old and will sit quite well through a meal out but he does have a limit.

Yep, I've made my child non verbal because I'm a shit parent who sticks her on the screen rather than talk to her.
Can this thread get any more low?

That's good of you, but it's only as a result of being massively pulled up on totally outrageous behaviour.

I hate judgemental people, that's my opinion.

There hasn’t been and personally I’m shocked at the way I’ve seen some people speak to others. I didn’t word my original reply right which is why I have apologised.
Hate was a strong word and the wrong word. Sorry.

@doilooklikeicare Better a backtrack and an apology than some of the entrenched nastiness we have seen here...for me at any rate.

@Pinkchilli People have watched TV while eating since the dawn of the television, don't beat yourself up about it!

@FosterMommy13 massive backtrack! You hate, people they use all sorts of excuses or reasons!, you can't stand kids being giff cd en iPads or iPhones, all of that directed at others parenting.

You totally judged others!

I absolutely hate people that judge others and then backtrack!

@FosterMommy13 well I appreciate the apology. There hasn't been a lot of graciousness in evidence on this thread.

As someone who has no children and no interest in children I would far rather they were on screens than disturbing one of my rare evenings out.

I have 6 yo & 3 yo and don’t have them on screens when out of the house if we are in a cafe or restaurant which is rare I don’t offer a phone.
however they do watch tv shows whilst eating at home which is a bad habit we have got into when we aren’t eating as family which is most of the time. This post has made me want to try to reduce this even more now I recognise how absurd I am that I wouldn’t do it in public but very much do at home 🫣

I have a toddler and we bring activities such as colouring, a toy etc. But we dont do devices everyday we dont own a TV. Toddler gets to watch 30mins on my phone on Friday as a treat and we watch together. Usually something educational and not mindless rubbish.

I am happy he gets bored becuase then he finds things and ways to play to entertain himself. We follow a similar style of Montessori but not 100% just what works for our set up at home.

We eat out and travel in a car on 3+ hour trips and it was hard when he was a baby but now he is used to it and we don't ever need phones or ipads. He happily looks out the window at cars and animals etc and when we go out to eat he happily sits and eats when he is done we give him his activities and we engage with him. If he gets bored of being sat down one of us will go for a quick walk about or change up the seating and that works for us.

Each to their own but it is sad to see such a disconnect over a meal. Meal times should be time to sit eat and talks and interact. What do I know I grew up in the 90's.

I apologise for my use of words but I can say for sure that I do not judge parents just because the choices they make are different to mine. I’m sure there are things I do that other parents don’t agree with and that’s fine.
I am sorry for using the word hate, I never meant to cause an issue.

@FosterMommy13 "absolutely hate" are strong words for something you now say you "don’t judge". Actually I think I'd rather be judged than hated, in the grand scheme of things...

The people who judge are probably the same people who think you can just parent the adhd out of your child.

@FosterMommy13 you're horrendously judgemental and you need to own that!

If you're not bothered by others, why not just tell OP to mind her own business, instead of describing your hate for something so simple and individual choice.

@periodiclabel you are not sure why people opining that my parenting of my disabled child (and the methods I use to let him access our "normal" lives and pleasures as much as possible) are "lazy", "disgusting" and worthy of "hatred" is upsetting to me? Hmm...maybe think a little harder, I am sure some empathy might come to you...or perhaps not.

“Reasons” and “excuses” are not synonymous and you absolutely do need to get a grip.

I never said it was and if someone wants their child to have screens then I don’t judge them! Just because I don’t like something or agree with it doesn’t mean I judge people who do. The OP made this thread for opinions and I agree with her - doesn’t mean I think badly of anyone who disagrees.
I dont do those things and that’s fine. Those who do do those things - that’s fine also!
I’m genuinely shocked that just because I disagree with some people, I am now being sworn at (not by you I know)

I’ve not been nasty at all with my original reply. It’s only my opinion and I have no issue whatsoever with those who’s opinions are different to mine.

Sometimes when we eat it out its because I want to spend quality time with my son and teach him how to function in society. We might colour together or read a book together as well as talk about what we can see/what's going on around us but it's all about sharing each others company.

Sometimes when we out it's because we have been out all day and are both tired and just want the easy option. If the tablet helps, then he can have it. I expect on holiday that would happen more!

DS2 is 14 and has adhd. He rarely eats full meals as it is as he gets distracted, on holiday the excitement and novelty of a new place means he will barely eat at all.if he has his phone he will at least sit for 20 minutes max and I can eat a bit. Being on holiday with his is very full on; a few minutes of peace is fine by me, even if people do think it’s terribly sad 🙄

@FosterMommy13 Don't eat mushrooms then, don't drink wine, and don't let your child have their phone at the table. It's no skin off my nose, I couldn't give a hoot!

I love mushrooms, I love wine and I love having a nice lunch with my contented chuckling child! So i will have all of them please, preferably all at the same time...and it's no skin off your nose either!

Of course its shockingly bad if it's all day every day.... but its not! A bit like Mcdonalds really I suppose

Hear, Hear. A young woman was pushing her child in the pushchair, chaild saying, Mummy, Mummy, Mummyy over and over but Mummy didn't take any notice of the child, just kept walking and looking at the phone.