Scripts · what to say when…

Waiting for food at a restaurant

The wait is the hard part. Here’s a script that has worked at our table:

• Before you go in: “At the restaurant we’ll play I Spy and draw while we wait. Phones stay in the bag.”
• When they ask for the phone: “Phones are resting. Want to draw the person who brings our food?”
• If it’s melting down: “Let’s take a little walk to look at the fish tank and come back.”

Why it’s worth a try

In an observational study of 55 caregivers eating with young children in fast-food restaurants, 40 used a mobile device during the meal. Researchers noted that caregivers who were highly absorbed in their devices often responded more harshly when children sought attention. It’s a qualitative study meant to generate hypotheses, not a verdict, but it’s a nudge to put our own phones away too.

Source

Radesky JS, et al. Patterns of mobile device use by caregivers and children during meals in fast food restaurants. Pediatrics. 2014. PubMed 24616357 · doi:10.1542/peds.2013-3703