Screens can easily stop a tantrum in its tracks, but is it a bad idea for parents to turn to screens to keep their children calm?

This woman and her toddler were having dinner with her husband’s family.

She gave her toddler an iPad to prevent a meltdown, but her in-laws made some pretty passive-aggressive comments about her parenting decision.

Check out the full story below for all the details.

AITA for giving my toddler the iPad in a restaurant while my in-laws judged me?

We went out for dinner last night along with my husband’s parents and his sister.

My 3-year-old was getting cranky, and I could already feel a meltdown brewing.

This woman gave her toddler an iPad during dinner.

I tried crayons, snacks, everything.

Nothing worked.

So, I pulled out the iPad, and I let her watch some cartoons with the volume on low.

She immediately calmed down and started eating.

The judgement from her in-laws was too obvious.

My MIL gave me the look.

It was followed by a passive-aggressive comment. “Kids these days don’t know how to behave at the table anymore.”

SIL nodded and added, “Back in our day, we didn’t need screens to sit still.”

Her husband later said she should’ve tried harder.

I just smiled and kept feeding my child who was now quiet and content.

But later, my husband said I could’ve “at least tried harder before giving in to screens.”

I feel like I did what I had to do to make the dinner go smoothly for everyone.

She doesn’t know if she did the right thing.

Yes, I get that screen time isn’t ideal.

But honestly? A peaceful dinner without a tantrum felt like a win.

So, AITA for using an iPad to keep my toddler calm at a restaurant?

Was resorting to screens a good idea or a bad idea?

Let’s see what others have to say about this on Reddit.

This user shares their personal thoughts.

This person gives their honest opinion.

Put headphones on, says this one.

Here’s a valid point.

And lastly, people are calling her out but for a different reason.

A little screen time doesn’t hurt, but headphones are a must in public spaces.

If you enjoyed that story, read this one about a mom who was forced to bring her three kids with her to apply for government benefits, but ended up getting the job of her dreams.