Young parents: don't give your child a tablet or phone while eating

I get that you simply want to have a bit of quiet time while you have your meals but letting your young child watch a tablet or phone while eating can have several negative consequences.

Here are just some of them:

1. Negative impact on eating habits: Watching screens during meals can lead to mindless eating, overeating, or undereating. Children may not pay attention to their hunger and fullness cues, developing unhealthy eating habits.

2. Reduced social interaction: Mealtimes are opportunities for social interaction and bonding with family members. Screen time during meals can reduce conversation and interaction, leading to a sense of isolation.

3. Delayed speech and language development: Excessive screen time, including during meals, can hinder speech and language development in young children. Face-to-face interaction is essential for language development.

4. Choking hazards: Children who watch screens while eating may not pay attention to their food, increasing the risk of choking.

5. Poor table manners: Eating in front of a screen can lead to poor table manners, such as not using utensils, not chewing with their mouth closed, or not waiting for others to finish eating.

6. Nutritional imbalance: Children who watch screens while eating may be more likely to request unhealthy foods, such as those advertised on TV or online.

7. Dependence on screens: Allowing screen time during meals can create a dependence on screens, making it challenging to establish screen-free zones or times in the future.

8. Lack of appreciation for food: Watching screens while eating can lead to a lack of appreciation for the food, the effort that went into preparing it, and the company of others.

9. Impact on digestion: Eating in front of a screen can lead to stress, which can negatively impact digestion and overall gut health.

10. Setting a bad example: Allowing screen time during meals can set a bad example for children, who may mimic this behavior and develop unhealthy habits.

To promote healthy eating habits and social interaction, consider establishing screen-free meal times and engaging in conversations with your child during meals.