Eating out but not talking.

The other week in the play park, I chatted and laughed with not only my own small DGC but with a serious little boy who joined us...his own Daddy was sitting on a bench nearby glued to his phone, not speaking into it, but playing games or texting.This was for almost an hour.The child didn’t want us to leave.
I think this scenario is happening wherever you go, in the park, in coffee shops pubs and public spaces, and you do wonder what’s happening at home, parents sitting looking at phones/tablets while the children try and fail to engage their attention? Whilst gadgets are useful it’s sad for children not to engage with their parents and vice versa.

Seems to be the way of the world at present annep phones take precedence over everything. I agree social interaction is reduced to people passing round pics on their phones. I think there should be a ban in restaurants, no screens at the table.

Mind you, phones or no phones, you sometimes see couples out to eat together and they can't think of a thing to say!

And at some point the parents with the older child will wonder why he finds it hard to socialise and the parents with the baby will wonder why he's not talking. Why do people who I assume are reasonably bright have to act in such a stupid way. Surely eating out is a treat to be enjoyed together.

Poor child Allegretto. And I wonder what the staff thought Dora.. I like my phone and internet but definitely not when you are with other people.

We booked a meal in a restaurant in Edinburgh forgetting it was Valentine’s night. We were the eldest couple in the place by many years, the other diners being young people in their 20s and 30s. We were the only couple talking, however, the others intent on instagramming their food. It was eerie eating in near silence from the other tables!

I so agree, annep. I watched something very similar recently where a baby had his first birthday meal out with mum and dad. Mum and dad had phones out throughout and baby had iPad. The 1st birthday balloon was tied to the high chair.