Almost two-thirds of the UK’s toddlers are using technology at dinnertime.
According to the research by GrowingUpMilkInfo.com, more than a third of those toddlers watch TV or a DVD at the table, followed by iPads, smartphones and hand-held games.
They are also more likely to be able to identify cartoon characters than what is on their plate, with Peppa Pig being the most recognizable. Leading child nutritionist Dr Carrie Ruxton says: “Offering your little one a healthy balanced toddler diet can be a struggle at the best of times but, as the survey reveals, it's only made more difficult when they're distracted by technology.”
Three quarters of mums and dads admit to using technology to persuade their little one to finish a meal and prevent tantrums, many toddlers would kick up a fuss if the TV was switched off. Worryingly, one in five spend less than five minutes of the meal talking to their child about what they are eating.
It is not just kids though, the survey discovered that six in ten parents admit to spending up to half of mealtimes keeping an eye on social media or sending work emails.
GrowingUpMilkInfo.com Child Psychologist, Dr Richard Woolfson says: “The family meal can be such a wonderful time for parents and children alike. It allows them to share their feelings, thoughts, and ideas through face-to-face communication, while also giving parents the opportunity to encourage positive eating habits.”
