How to Eat Out With Your Toddler (Tablet-Free)

Taking a toddler to a restaurant doesn’t have to mean screens or chaos. In this video, I show you a simple, repeatable plan to keep little ones engaged, teach real-world manners, and actually enjoy your meal together.

Apologies for the video framing, as I didn't realize the tripod tilted a little bit before I started recording!

00:00 Tablets aren’t required
00:42 The viral claim & why it’s wrong
01:35 Your no-tablet toolkit
04:10 Engage without hovering
06:58 Set the restaurant script + simple rewards

We’ll cover what to do before you leave the house, how to set clear expectations, and five screen-free activities that work in any booth, from crayons to quick card games. Use this to build attention span, connection, and confidence so dining out becomes calm and predictable for everyone.

What you’ll learn: how to set the “we do this first” script, the one spot your child should always sit, how to be present without hovering, a mini break rhythm that prevents blowups, and small rewards that reinforce great behavior. No tablets. No meltdowns. Real skills.

Dr. Andrea Mata (affectionately known as "Dr. Dre" by her friends) is a PhD clinical psychologist who is on a mission to throat-punch the mental health crisis by reversing the devastating damage that gentle parenting has done to Gen Z!

To learn more about her work, inquire about 1-on-1 coaching, or request her to speak at your next event, head to: https://www.andreadmata.com

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Grab a copy of Dr. Andrea Mata's best-selling book: "The No. 2 Parenting Book: Practical Tips For The Pooped Out Parent" here: https://www.brightspotfamilies.com/book