Should toddlers use ipads at restaurants?—The parenting dilemma divides moms and dads 

If you’ve ever taken a toddler to a restaurant, you already know: The struggle is real.

And a viral TikTok from @livingherbethslife perfectly captures the challenge. The video, captioned “fighting for our lives at restaurants to not make her an iPad baby”, shows a dad wrestling with a squirmy, restless little one while attempting to enjoy dinner out. The comments? A mix of admiration, solidarity, and a few side-eyes from parents on both sides of the screen-time debate.

@livingherbethslife It’ll be fine. Just a few more years 😂😳 • • • IB: @studiosomer #parenthood #parentlife #parentproblems #parenthumor #respectfulparenting #attachmentparenting #motherhood #momlife #dadlife #dadgoals #raisingtinyhumans #noscreentime #datenight #parentsnightout #momanddad❤️ #firsttimeparents #firstborn #babyhumor #babycute #husbandandwife #husbandandwifecomedy #wereateam #teamate #partnerinlife ♬ sonido original – dinoedits_superandom🦖

Let’s be real—I’m a mom who absolutely relies on screens. Long car rides? The iPad is coming. Airplane travel? Non-negotiable. Weekends when I need a moment to breathe? Screen time, let’s go. But every family negotiates their own boundaries with technology, and for some, the hard line is no screens at the dinner table.

And honestly? If that’s you, I salute you. Because in a world where Cocomelon is always just a tap away, keeping a toddler entertained at a restaurant without a glowing rectangle in front of them is no small feat.

Related: Study shows parents need to ‘practice what they preach’ when it comes to kids’ screen time

The TikTok comment section: the ultimate parent debate

The video’s comment section is a perfect snapshot of modern parenting dilemmas. Some parents are cheering on the effort, like one who wrote:

@Cynnycynnncynnn: “My baby thinks the iPad only works at restaurants and the car 😂”

Others acknowledge both sides, like Joanna Ramirez, who summed it up perfectly:

@Joanna Ramirez: “No screen time = good parents. Screen time to save your own sanity = good parents. We’re all just out here trying to survive parenthood, no need to tear each other down.”

And then there are parents who swear by the long-term benefits:

@Jay: “My best friend did this with her kids and trust me girl it’s soooo worth it! They’re 7, 7, and 10 now still with no iPad and we see a HUGE difference in their behavior from other kids!!”

Of course, not everyone agrees. Some argue that parents have always figured out how to entertain kids without screens, while others point out the struggles of modern life. As one commenter put it:

@Miranda: “People will judge you if your child is screaming or won’t sit still, and they’ll judge you if you stick them in front of a screen. We never win.”

The science of screens and kids

We do have an epidemic of too much screen time for kids. Research shows that excessive screen use in early childhood can impact attention spans, disrupt sleep, and reduce opportunities for real-world social interaction.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that screen time for kids under 2 should be very limited, except for video calls and that older children have limited, high-quality screen time. Of course, the reality of modern parenting means that those guidelines are more suggestions than hard-and-fast rules.

But here’s the nuance: While excessive screen time can have drawbacks, a well-balanced approach—one that includes intentional screen-free moments—is what actually matters. This is why some parents draw the line at mealtime, believing it’s one of the best places to practice real-world conversation, patience, and social skills.

Related: Former teacher shares her ‘secret weapon’ on reducing screen time

If you want to resist screens at meals, here’s how

For those parents fighting the good fight at the dinner table, here are a few strategies to keep little ones engaged without resorting to screens:

1. Pack a busy bag – Bring along small toys, coloring books, stickers, or a reusable activity pad. These can work as a sensory-friendly alternative to an iPad.
2. Make meals interactive – Let your child stir a drink with a straw, help “build” their meal, or engage them in picking what they want from the menu.
3. Play table games – Simple games like “I Spy,” counting games, or storytelling prompts can be lifesavers.
4. Time it right – If your toddler is already exhausted or starving, they’ll have zero patience. Aim for meals out at times when they’re well-fed and well-rested.
5. Set expectations – If your family’s rule is no screens at meals, be consistent. Kids thrive on routine, and if they always get a screen at the table, they’ll expect it.
6. Adjust your own expectations – Sometimes, no amount of tricks will keep a tired, overstimulated toddler calm at a restaurant. If it’s just one of those nights, takeout might be the best option.

And if the iPad is your only option? No judgment.

At the same time, we have to acknowledge the reality: We are the first generation of parents navigating this screen-saturated world while raising kids. We are figuring it out in real-time. And sometimes, the iPad is the best option. If handing over a screen at a restaurant means the difference between a chaotic disaster and an actual conversation with your partner? We get it.

So whether you’re out here battling for a screen-free dinner or you’ve already cued up Bluey so you can enjoy your pasta in peace, just know this: You’re doing great. 

Now pass me the Bluey.