So this couple walk into a restaurant with an oldish toddler......

[Flum]

... sit down at a table, get out a portable DVD player, plonk it in front of him and switch it on.

Is this normal behaviour? Would you do this?

Judge, Judge, Judge away.....

Well, we put In The Night Garden on on the laptop for Tom at the services on our way back from my parents in Febuary. Tom was 22 months and a pain in the butt at mealtimes, lol. Still is a bugger. We wouldn't do it in a 'proper' restaurant though.

i must admit to taking our dvd player to the hairdressers when ds (2.5) is having his hair cut, prevents wonky hair!! but am shocked that people would take one into a restaurant!

Last year on holiday in a very nice restauant some children walked in with their parents at about eight oclock. Their eyes were on stalks and clearly they were being kept up. It ended up with two of the children falling asleep with their heads on the table whilst their parents had their dinner, its not a great idea and looked awful as the parents just ignored them.

maybe the couple just wanted some couple time and didn't want to use babysitters in aa foreign country. Don't think there's any harm in it as a one off when on holiday - not for every meal though

I'd do it if we had a portable dvd player - especially on holiday. Parents get a relaxing, enjoyable meal, child is entertained, other diners are undisturbed.