Screen time at restaurants

Not sure you know the difference between causation and correlation….

So your post was just irrelevant hyperbole then. We’ve gone from parents running to you en mass to raise their children to a few children in the SEN department who have behavioural issues that might be related to screen use.

Did I mention ASD children? No I didn’t. SEND departments deal with many many different behaviour and academic issues. And SOME of these behaviour issues are definitely not helped by the use of screens.

Of course not all kids with behaviour issues are caused by screen use. But kids with excessive screen use have behaviour issues.

There was you thinking children with autism populating SEN departments were born this way when actually it’s because they had an iPad at the restaurant. A teacher said it so it must be true. They’re dragging up all our children, so they know

Yup, way to alienate the SEN parent community!

This isn’t relevant to the post I’m responding to which suggests parents like me expect the school to raise their child.

you’re just expanding it now to all parents who use iPads not only being judged by teachers but all their children ending up in the SEN department

💯 this thread is so 2010

I don't think that implied that you weren't or shouldn't? 🤔

I judge plenty of stuff, it's human nature and how we decide who our 'pack' are. Generally though I look at the broader context of the family however, not just one element of it.

The different families, different choices is what I say to the kids when they ask why they can't have or do things that their peers can. It was my recommendation to the OP.

And yes I have dealt with some EPIC meltdowns in public when they have become disregulated and have had people staring etc but I’m still here to tell the tale …. People can click their tongue at kids having a tantrum or asd kids having a meltdown all they like but it’s part of childhood and is a child communicating with you they are not happy about something and it’s up to us the parents to help them come back from that. I’m not proclaiming to be perfect absolutely far from it - I may have shouted at someone “you never seen an autistic meltdown before” a few times when they stare but who cares it helped my kids longer term not just frisbee an iPad to them

Have you ever set foot inside an SEN department? Teachers are leaving in droves because parents feel we are not doing enough for their children. It really is apparently all for us to sort out. If you think schools are there to deliver purely an ‘academic education’ you are either extremely ignorant or deluded.

I wouldn’t dream of asking a teacher to get involved in raising my child. They’re there to deliver an academic education. I am a much better parent to my child than they could ever be.

children who use iPads in restaurants aren’t extreme, it’s most children for the last 15 years. Don’t pretend all their parents are banging your door down insisting you sort out their behavioural issues

Absolutely. Parents are so scared that their kids might create a fuss or make a scene that they literally smother them with a screen before they get the opportunity to do so. Meaning the parent never learns to deal with their children’s tantrums effectively and the child never learns to sit with discomfort and start to regulate their emotions.

An awful vicious circle which simply intensifies to the point the kid can’t cope without having a screen to entertain them in any scenario that requires them to behave in a normal sociable way. We’re seriously f@cked as a society if these are the kids we’re bringing into the world.

Dc are now teens and I am happy screens were not so popular when they were young. They usually coloured what ever the restaurant provided. We only went Nando’s or Frankie venues style restaurant where a tantrum wouldn’t be so bad. Both now happily sit in restaurants without their phones.

Mealtimes are and have always been screen free, and I have two ASD children, doesn’t matter if we are out for a meal or in the house. The only way children learn how to behave in a restaurant is by showing them. I’m actually sick of seeing iPads everywhere! Toddlers in prams have them so their mums can shop in peace. We need to get used to the fact children make noise because they are children. Yes it means you have a few years of tough meals out but long term it pays off because you are then able to go out as a family and enjoy time chatting with each other and not be glued to devices. I am not against screens btw I have one child with a serious medical issue and spends a lot of time in hospital strapped to machines and there’s not much else she can do at that point but meal times are always protected if you like x

This 😂

Bizarre response. A child with social / emotional/ behavioural difficulties as a result of poor parenting will be disadvantaged whether or not a primary school teacher judges the parent.

Judge away, but it only makes you look small minded.

My 15 year old has autism and arfid (amongst many other conditions) taking his iPad means he is able to be part of family meals out, it goes away when he is eating but other than that he can use that (or the books, fidgets, colouring that are also in his bag) to help him regulate and enjoy the occasion. Generally he will be examining maps or researching his latest history obsession!

Secondary school teacher actually. And it’s parents like you that make our lives so much harder. What on earth has low self esteem got to do with it?

I’m working with kids that spend their whole weekend gaming and don’t go out. Screens are ruining their lives and the habit starts early. Please don’t come running to me to sort out all your child’s behavioural issues when it doesn’t work out for you how you thought it might.

This just about sums up the issues in a hilarious way!!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHu8uHjM0Fz/?igsh=MXV0dzk1bzd1eXpiMQ=s

TBH OP, the fact that your four year old even has an iPad means you're already fighting a losing battle.

I don't think my four year old has ever even seen one.

Cannot stand the sight of iPads in restaurants. How did we manage before?
I 100% judge.

Tell her screens will make her dumb

100% agree.

I literally couldn’t care less if a random
primary school teacher judged me. Not in the slightest. Why would anyone but those with very low self esteem give a crap?!

Yep!