DIGITAL DINE OUT

Having the opportunity to enjoy a few dine out options away from the stove and kitchen sink seems 
a treat at times. Holidays allow those moments and as a family we made a conscious effort to enjoy a few new places this year. We do enjoy eating out and over the years it has become easier to manage this feat as a parent now of teenagers. I was reminded of a visit to Dingle years ago and attempting to enjoy a trip to a notable fish restaurant with small children in tow. Short story? In this social setting of appreciation for the culinary work small children did not add to the ambience. We bailed out early. Teaching children to adapt to social settings is one of the tasks of parenthood. An unhappy screaming child is not conducive for a relaxing meal out for anyone. That said I have to draw attention to the dining etiquette that seems to be a common go to for parents now. At a recent hotel breakfast with many young families I was struck by how all set up individual screens for their small children and toddlers to watch while they ate or were spoon fed. No direct interaction. Mindlessly placing food in mouths with little engagement in the present. Peppa pig prattles on while you chew on sausages? This isn’t new behaviour but I must admit that the “normality” of it now is disturbing. Roll on a few years and parents may wonder why their children feel anxious in social settings!
 
Food is your gateway to society and an opportunity to learn how to be together and converse. Learn this skill as early as you can and practice it. #connect.
 
……I had to add to this story since I wrote it. Another family restaurant dining experience since and we noted a family of 2 adults with 6 (!) small children contentedly eating their meals with relish and without screens. I overheard the waitresses comment to each other about how unusual it was to see. It certainly made me breath a sigh of hope! 

Anne Maher