A mother was asking me yesterday to share what I
did with my kids when they are out at a restaurant because she has two
very active kids. This was my reply.
Oirene, I was in your
position too with my twins and I was also guilty of just opting for the
easy way out by offering them gadgets especially when they were around the
2-3 years age. But soon I realised that wasn't healthy as they always
expected gadgets as soon as we sat down at a restaurant. Once they could
understand consequences well, I told them there would be no gadgets as
we want to spend time together as a family, talking and getting to know
each other better. If you have younger children, then I suggest you
bring colouring or sticker books along, or just any toys, puzzles or
Legos that will keep them occupied without resorting to them playing
iPad. My twins now no longer ask for gadgets when we go out. The only
time I give them gadgets to play is when we are out with friends and we
just want them to occupy themselves while we entertain our friends. But
even then I would set a time limit and get them to self entertain before
they resort right away to gadgets. I also do point out to my kids whenever we go out, how many tables of families with children who are all
looking and playing their gadgets and not even looking at each other at
all or spending time with one another. I think that is just such a sad
sight, don't you think? Call me old school, but I just remembered those
fond memories of families eating together and chit chatting and laughing
with one another. That is what I called Quality Time.
I think
as parents we need to set good examples to our children first before
they can model our behavior. I know it's tempting to use the gadgets as
our electronic sitters while we do our adults' stuff, but we got to
learn to cherish the time we spend together as a family. Because that's
what counts at the end of the day. Our family.
