Believe it or not, I am not against screen time for kids. I've often found myself placing my child in front of the TV just to have a moment of tranquility or get some household chores done. However, my husband and I strictly adhere to the rule of no iPads or tablets at the dinner table, especially when we're out at a restaurant. It seems we're not the only ones with this stance!

Parenting Expert's Perspective on Screen Time at Restaurants

During an appearance on the Him & Her Podcast hosted by Lauryn and Michael Bosstick, parenting expert Dr. Becky Kennedy joined the polarizing discussion. Michael firmly stated that he believes there should never be iPads inside restaurants and labeled parents who do so as "selfish." He said, "I think it's a selfish thing that parents do personally - and this is where I'll get shit on the internet - to say, 'Well, I need to be able to go to dinner with my spouse and I want to bring my kids, so this is the only way I can bring it. And I don't have childcare.' But if you fast forward, you're creating a behavior for life. Are you really doing it for yourself, for them, or considering the long-term effects? In my perfect world, there would never be iPads at the dinner table. If that's a requirement for them to come to dinner, then they don't come."Dr. Becky nodded and added that if parents want their kids to be able to sit at the dinner table without distractions or entertainment, we as parents need to provide them with the necessary tools. She also follows the rule of no screens at the table and sees it as a message to her kids.She said, "I feel like what I'm telling my kids is that the world is not entirely designed for their pleasure. In every moment, they should not be entertained. Sitting at a restaurant, ordering, and waiting - those are life skills that lead to the most important adult life skills, like waiting. It's an actual skill.""We don't expect kids to swim in the ocean without first having training in a pool. We give them swim lessons to prepare them. The same applies at a restaurant," she continued.Dr. Becky then gave an example of how parents can help prepare their kids for a screen-free restaurant visit. She said, "Okay, tonight is the first night we're going to have a screen-free dinner, and that's for everyone. Even a two-year-old can understand this. Sometimes mommy and daddy have screens at the table. You've probably seen that. Starting tonight, we're not, and if you see us sneaking, you can say, 'Screen!'"She also gave another example, demonstrating a simple game parents can play with their kids involving timers. She said, "I'm going to set a timer. Do you think we can do it?" She would start with a one-minute timer. The next night, she would increase it to two minutes. By doing this, she not only set a boundary but also set her kids up for success. Instead of having a chaotic first-time experience at a restaurant, they would be accustomed to the situation.It's important to note that all kids have different needs, and some parents may not be able to afford to keep their kids at home when going out. We should not judge those who choose to have their kids use tablets in a restaurant. However, there are likely more benefits in the long run if we remove the screens.

During the winter and early spring months in Quebec, the weather often presents challenges. However, a remarkable experiment took place during February, March, and April. Over 500 children aged 10 - 12 were given outdoor classes for two hours each week. The aim was to determine if time in nature through art, meditation, or environmental learning could have an indirect impact on a child's mental health. Led by Dr. Tianna Loose from the Université de Montréal, students were randomized into the outdoor intervention or regular classes.

Our Suspicions and the Study's Findings

There has been a long-held suspicion that exposing children to nature away from screens is beneficial for their mental health. The spikes in anxiety disorders seen in classrooms demand solutions. This study shows that time in nature with structured programming can significantly reduce children's self-reported symptoms of depression and anxiety. But a critical finding is that only those children who already scored above average for internalizing problems showed a significant change after the 12 - week intervention. This doesn't mean the other children didn't enjoy being outdoors or didn't experience physical health benefits; it just means those factors weren't studied.

Understanding "Differential Impact"

This study reminds us of the concept of "differential impact." It means that the most disadvantaged, traumatized, and vulnerable children often benefit the most from our efforts to help them. Our team has observed this with mindfulness training as well. Those children with the most challenges are the ones who gain the most from mental health interventions. In practice, children who spend a lot of time indoors and online are likely the ones who need an outdoor classroom the most. Their lives are often not of their own making. Overly stressed parents may use technology to occupy their children instead of letting them enjoy time outside.

The Challenges of "Outside"

It's easy to say "let your kids play outdoors," but for those living in high - rises or areas lacking green spaces, "outside" may mean busy streets rather than the mythic suburb with leafy trees and sidewalks. Finding affordable recreational activities can be a struggle. On the other hand, schools often have access to the outdoors just beyond their front doors, and the cost and risk of taking kids outside are relatively low.

The Takeaway for Parents and Educators

The more depressed and anxious a child is, the more they need time outdoors. This is an important lesson for both parents and educators. By providing outdoor experiences, we can help these children improve their mental health. It doesn't have to be a grand adventure; even a short time outdoors can make a difference. We should encourage schools to make more use of their outdoor spaces and help parents find ways to get their children outside. After all, a child's mental health is just as important as their academic achievements.