Dining out with kids without relying on screens

Many parents find themselves relying on mobile devices to keep their children entertained during meals out. However, this habit can rob families of valuable bonding time and hinder the development of essential social skills. As Ms Jacinth Liew, a parenting coach and founder of Our Little Playnest, points out, "Devices are a quick fix, but they don't help children learn how to behave appropriately at the dining table or how to engage in conversations". This article explores effective strategies for creating joyful family meals without resorting to screens, fostering stronger connections and teaching children important life skills.

The Importance of Device-Free Dining

Family meals serve as a crucial opportunity for bonding, communication, and social development. When screens are present, they can significantly detract from these benefits. Dr. Lim Boon Leng, a psychiatrist at Dr BL Lim Centre for Psychological Wellness, emphasizes that "meal times are important bonding moments for families". By removing digital distractions, families can focus on meaningful conversations, share experiences, and create lasting memories.

Benefits of Screen-Free Meals:

• Enhanced communication skills
• Improved family relationships
• Better table manners and etiquette
• Increased mindfulness and appreciation for food
• Development of patience and self-regulation

Strategies for Engaging Children During Meals

Creating an enjoyable dining experience without relying on screens requires creativity and preparation. Here are some effective strategies to keep children engaged and well-behaved during meals out:

1. Bring Along Engaging Activities

Ms Liew suggests packing a "restaurant bag" filled with screen-free activities such as sticker books, puzzles, or small toys. These items can provide entertainment without the drawbacks of digital devices. Consider including:

• Coloring books and crayons
• Magnetic play sets
• Finger puppets
• Travel-sized board games

2. Utilize Restaurant Resources

Many family-friendly restaurants offer activities for children. Dr. Lim recommends taking advantage of these resources, stating, "Some restaurants provide crayons and drawing paper, which can keep children occupied". Look for establishments that cater to families and offer kid-friendly amenities.

3. Encourage Conversation and Storytelling

Engage children in age-appropriate discussions about their day, interests, or future plans. Ms Liew advises, "Parents can also bring conversation starter cards to get children talking". Some ideas include:

• "What was the best part of your day?"
• "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"
• "Tell us about your favorite book or movie character."

4. Play Word Games or Guessing Games

Simple games can keep children entertained while waiting for food. Try:

• I Spy
• 20 Questions
• Word association games
• Rhyming games

5. Involve Children in Menu Selection

Allow children to participate in choosing their meals, which can increase their engagement and excitement about the dining experience. Dr. Lim suggests, "Get them involved in ordering food and drinks".

Preparing for Success

To ensure a positive dining experience, it's essential to set expectations and prepare children for the outing:

• Discuss behavior expectations before leaving home
• Choose family-friendly restaurants with shorter wait times
• Consider timing meals to align with children's regular eating schedules
• Bring snacks for younger children to prevent hunger-induced meltdowns
• Practice dining etiquette at home to reinforce good habits

Handling Challenges

Despite best efforts, challenges may arise during meals out. It's important to remain calm and have strategies in place:

• Take short walks or breaks if children become restless
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior
• Have a backup plan, such as asking for the check early if necessary
• Model the behavior you want to see from your children

The Long-Term Benefits

While it may take time and patience to adjust to screen-free dining, the long-term benefits are significant. Children learn valuable social skills, develop better eating habits, and form stronger family bonds. As Dr. Lim notes, "When children learn to behave well in restaurants from young, it becomes second nature to them".

By prioritizing engagement and connection during family meals, parents can create positive experiences that contribute to their children's overall development and well-being. Remember, the goal is not perfection but progress in fostering meaningful family interactions and teaching important life skills.