To the author of yet another open letter criticizing parents who let their kids use iPads in restaurants:
Honestly, why do websites keep publishing these repetitive rants? It’s like a never-ending cycle, and none of you seem to have anything new to contribute. Instead of droning on about the Mommy Wars, I’m here to ask you to kindly mind your own business and dial down the judgment. Your letter wasn’t meant to enlighten parents; it was more about showcasing your own superior parenting style. Congratulations on taking a break from clutching your pearls to write some condescending nonsense!
Let’s take a moment to address your so-called reasons for why parents shouldn’t let their kids use technology for a brief respite in a cramped booth at Chili’s.
“Your children want your attention.”
Let’s be real: if given the option, my kids would choose a tablet over me any day. Sure, they appreciate my attention, but they also adore binge-watching Minions on Netflix. I’ll happily cheer them on as they leap off the second step of the jungle gym 38 times, but I also relish a night where I can enjoy a conversation with my partner without refereeing a sibling squabble until the check arrives—no guilt attached.
“You’re going to lose their attention.”
Just because my kids will eventually become teenagers who roll their eyes at me doesn’t mean I need to be their all-consuming focus from ages 0-12. If I hovered over them constantly, I’d bet they’d be more than ready to have some space when puberty hits. Balance is crucial, both for them and for me.
“You’re failing to teach the art of conversation.”
You might want to reconsider your judgment based on a brief snapshot of a family’s dining experience. They could very well engage in meaningful talks over dinner at home. Regardless, how they choose to spend their time is none of your concern.
“You’re setting terrible examples.”
And you’re being a bit of a jerk. Suggesting that a moment of family peace is detrimental to a child’s future relationships is totally unfair. Handing a child an iPad doesn’t equate to paving the way for them to become detached adults.
“It’s annoying to patrons.”
Guess what else annoys patrons? Kids. They can be loud, whiny, and prone to accidents, not to mention they announce their bathroom needs like they own the place! For every diatribe against iPads at the table, there’s another rant about parents daring to bring children out in public at all.
The patronizing attitude you display when suggesting device-free dinners—like it’s an entirely novel concept for parents—is infuriating. If I see a family enjoying a meal with their kids watching Paw Patrol, I’m giving them a thumbs-up for prioritizing some time to themselves. Not every family has the luxury of a babysitter, and if a tablet is the worst parenting choice someone can find to criticize, then they deserve a round of applause.
For more on family dynamics and parenting, check out this resource.
In summary, the next time you feel the urge to judge a family for using an iPad at dinner, maybe take a step back and remember: everyone has their own way of parenting, and sometimes a little screen time is a blessing in disguise.
Keyphrase: Parenting and Technology
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