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Mum shares how disappointed she is to see children being handed a device to keep them quiet when it’s really not necessary.

The mum wrote, “I just can’t believe the number of babies and toddlers that are sitting in prams or trolleys with some kind of device in their hands.

“They’re usually completely focussed and have no idea what’s going on around them.

She added, “I know how it is! Sometimes we just need to occupy our kids. But is handing your child a device becoming more of a habit than a necessity? Is this really the way of the future for our kids?”

Another mum also wrote similar on Facebook, “W H A T. I S. G O I N G. O N ?”

“Today I took my son out to the shops. We went up & down the escalators & looked in the shop windows at watches.

“I’m noticing something more & more every time I go out. And it’s really starting to get me down.

“Like, really upsetting me & making me feel quite sad.

“I just can’t believe the amount of toddlers & babies that are sitting in a pram or trolley with a device in their hands- totally disengaged from the world around them.

“Now, I’m honestly not meaning to sound like judgemental Jenny here. I get it. Sometimes you just need some peace & quiet whilst you do the shopping. I have worked with enough special needs families to know that sometimes kids just need to zone out. This is different.”

Many parents agreed, saying how frustrating it can be to see children outdoors at the park or even the beach playing on a device. (now that is something I don’t agree with either!)

Others have said we really just need to mind our own business and stop being judgemental about how other people parent.

“I mind my own pram not anyone elses.”

“If it’s not your child it’s not your business. Do what’s right for you and your child. As someone with 2 autistic boys who was followed and abused for 15 mins because my 6 year old non verbal child was in the pram – you do not know what another family is going through. So be supportive or shut up!”

“You also have no idea what has led up to that. I don’t often give my two year old my phone when we’re out, but sometimes I do. Maybe people see me in that moment and judge, but maybe I’m just really worn out that day and can’t handle another toddler tantrum, or I’ve been criss-crossing the city on public transport all day, or (right now) she’s in that nap-transition stage which means afternoons can be a NIGHTMARE but I know the stage will pass. So in short, mind your own.”

“Not my place to judge. Focus on raising your own children instead of others.”

“I think we should stop shaming other parents just because we don’t agree with something they’re doing. You have absolutely no idea of their circumstances, so why comment on it? I’m honestly SO sick of seeing these ridiculous debates, seriously, try focusing on your own life rather than those of others.”

“I just can’t believe the number of nosey-ass people passing by.”

“I think we should let everyone parent in their own way.”

“I think we should just all mind our business? What a novel concept that would be?!”

This comment was actually something to really think about, “My whole life the tv was on when people were home. The radio in the car. Is it any different? Technology just advanced.”

However this cafe owner obviously agrees, after banning iPads and iPhones from the table saying he just wants parents to “engage with their children” and for families to be “involved with the food and experience”. Read more here.

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  • I 100% agree. The thing is if you as the parent dont introduce these things then the child is none the wiser. Keep these things away from your children for as long as you can.
    I notice this sort of thing is used often in the Doctors waiting rooms where as years ago parents would tell the children to select a book and they would read to them while they waited.

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  • Definitely – I have watched my grandchildren with all these devices and they are not as rounded as my children were at their age. They have huge difficulties in conversing face to face.

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  • I don think it’s ideal, but it’s not my place to judge individual parents.

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  • I do believe it can become a habit but each to their own, no one has the right to judge.

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  • I do think most people use phones and iPads to entertain the kids a little to quickly or easy.
    I have only ever once used YouTube to keep my son awake in the car on a day that I really needed him to go to bed that night!
    I don’t judge other women around who have their kids on IPads though, I don’t know their situation.

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  • I personally know a Mum who did this. She fitted it to a trolley she found before she even entered the supermarket. The baby’s Grandma was with them and I saw them pick up what they needed and left the store within 10 minutes as it had very few customers. What’s more the Mum is an Ambulance Paramedic and had previously commented to me about the fact that she had been told in a lecture that it had been discovered that little ones held their heads down too long while using them and later developed pain in their neck and shoulders from it.

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  • Oh, the picture of the baby with an iPhone made me cry!! We are forever changing how we communicate with each other.

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  • It’s there life so, if you have any opinions about them, just keep it to yourself. I’m sure we wouldn’t like it if the tables were turned and they commented about me and my family.

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  • You never know the circumstances so no individual judgment but lives are busy and parents are using all their options.

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  • I agree and find it sad that devices are now being used as a babysitter. I totally understand there are times and situations where it’s needed, but I do think it is becoming the norm and a habit rather than situational. And yes, I am judgey, but let’s look at the next generation coming through and how they interact with society, their medical issues from overuse of screens, and lack of communication skills. The proof will be in the pudding then, I believe.

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  • Sadly it does seem to be becoming the new babysitter and I constantly see kids in shopping centres, cafes etc with devices and I’m sure it’s more for the carers benefit than theirs. Kids need to be kids and need that interaction with ‘real people’

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  • I agree they are the new babysitters! Why not sing a song, tell a story, play I Spy or just talk about your day. I’m happy to say my kids are device free!

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  • I just don’t like it when everyone in the family is on their phones and not having a conversation


    • Device free time and technology free time is so important to our family.

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  • I think it’s unnecessary for young children to have devices, what ever happened to gold old fashioned play, with toys or anything else that sparks imagination. We had to get our kids iPad’s when they went into grade 4. I hate it and find it unnecessary. They become obsessed with their iPad.

    Reply

  • We choose to have device free time when we are out and about and time at home when we are device free. We feel it is so important for our family to have quiet time and time to be focused on each other and other places and other happenings.

    Reply

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