Would it be unforgivably tacky if...?

[Pumbaa_]

no no no - it is all about meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!

 

[verticalchaos]

no no no - it is all about meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!

Now, now. You're both pretty!

 

[Pumbaa_]

and matching raspberries on our left knee...but that is a story for another day

(Tricia had to give up her to her DH for a while, so it is all about me)

Have I completely hijacked this thread yet? Watch, nala will come along and delete me as off topic

 

[TDC Nala]

Of course, he would have his ear buds

As long as the kid has earbuds I don't think it's a problem. Couldn't care less if they're having family time at the table or not as long as the noise from the thing isn't bothering other diners.

There was an off-topic post up above somewhere - sorry I have to go back to work tomorrow (finally) so I can't really pay attention...

 

[Rosiekins]

I have to say this and I do not mean it as a personal attack. I agree with PP, an 11 year old boy should be able to sit and enjoy a dinner out. He will not be able to bring a DS everywhere he goes for his whole life, he will have to learn how to sit and have a conversation. Why not teach this to him now. It drives me crazy to see older children with video games, earphones and Ipods in dining establishments. Put the device down and learn how to socially interact!
That said I don't really see the trouble with younger children (under 8) having a distraction, sitting that long can be tiresome at that age and be over the abilities of some children (though I have to say I have regularly dined out with children 4 and older and they have all made hour plus meals with no distractions other then crayons and conversation)

 

[Pumbaa_]

There was an off-topic post up above somewhere - sorry I have to go back to work tomorrow (finally) so I can't really pay attention...

Phew, safe again

 

[waltskids]

Although I would rather the Nintendo compared to a child behaving poorly in a restaurant, don't you think 11 (a PP stated the OP's child is this age) is a little old to keep your child 'occupied' while you dine? Perhaps he isn't ready for this kind of meal yet

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

If child were under 5, I'd say no big deal. I understand little kids can't sit for very long to begin with. An 11 year old, though, should be able to sit for a formal dinner to celebrate his parents' anniversary.

 

[quinnc19]

If it were my child, I would prefer that he be able to have a nice dinner interacting with the family. As a fellow diner at the establishment, it would not bother me at all that a child at another table was viewing an electronic device. I have dined at California Grill and can't imagine that glow from the screen or sound from ear buds would be a distraction to other diners.

 

[waltskids]

I have to say this and I do not mean it as a personal attack. I agree with PP, an 11 year old boy should be able to sit and enjoy a dinner out. He will not be able to bring a DS everywhere he goes for his whole life, he will have to learn how to sit and have a conversation. Why not teach this to him now. It drives me crazy to see older children with video games, earphones and Ipods in dining establishments. Put the device down and learn how to socially interact!
That said I don't really see the trouble with younger children (under 8) having a distraction, sitting that long can be tiresome at that age and be over the abilities of some children (though I have to say I have regularly dined out with children 4 and older and they have all made hour plus meals with no distractions other then crayons and conversation)

Well said! DS is 3 and he uses crayons and books and is learning to enjoy conversation with us. If he begins to go downhill, we simply leave the restaurant and try another time. But honestly this happens very rarely, as we always have the same expectations. We will do the same thing with DD. We personally won't ever use an electronic device in a restaurant but that's what works for our family. I know it seems like we expect alot from our 'little foodies' but it's all about teaching them how to act and socialize. It's quite fun when we go out to eat now, especially in Disney

 

[quirty30]

Please don't be so quick to judge the OP. I am a single mom and have an 11 year old son who happens to be autistic. You would never know from his appearance that he has any "behavioral issues." I cannot leave him at "kids club" type venues and would never enjoy a meal out of the house (at Disney or otherwise) if I did not have something like a DS or an Ipod to keep him "occupied" while I savor an occasionally leisurely meal. I do not think it is disrespectful any more than it would be disrespectful for a solo diner to have a book at the table while they enjoy a meal. I think most of you would rue the day you sat next to us at a restaurant if I didn't have something to entertain my son.

 

[GraceLuvsWDW]

OP I see no problem. I find it much more acceptable than a child bored or running all over the place. Everyone will be minding their own dinner experience and shouldn't be concerned about those at neighboring tables as long as it's quiet.
Do not be concerned about how others feel your son should behave at the dinner table.

 

[Pumbaa_]

ok, let's not head down the disability path. OP did not mention it as an issue but asked a general question

many have unique situations and needs. In this scenario we were asked to comment on, was a general do you think

and people are sharing what they think based onthe question at hand

 

[webbmom]

If its not disruptive to other diners I say it doesn't matter what someone is doing at their own table during their dining experience. You are footing your bill not your "annoyed" neighbour

3 Floridarays I am in agreement with Harlie. It's your anniversary and if its not going to bother you let him have the game. You have to do what you have to do to have a nice dinner with your hubby. You cant please everyone all the time. Go For IT

 

[buzzrelly]

If it doesn't bother you or your DH, don't worry about what other people are thinking. They most likely won't notice anyway. Would you let your DS listen to his ipod in public with earphones in? Same thing IMO and it won't disrupt anybody else's dinner, so go for it and have a nice time.

 

[2shortpeopleruleme]

OP, do it. I would. Who cares what you are doing at your table. Those things DO NOT let off that much light for goodness sake. It isn't like he is going to be sitting there guiding ships into the harbor!

As a side note, my DH had an idea... check with California Grill to see if they have a policy about.

 

[kiwicassie]

A child playing Nintendo at their table wouldn't annoy me in the least. It's Disney for the love of Pete, people.

 

[Figment1990]

I personally could care less what your child is doing at the table as long as he's staying at your table and not running around mine!

I'm sorry but the comments about teaching your child to behave at meals are completely unrelated to what you actually asked us. However, they are a good example that some people may give you dirty looks.... If they notice your table.... which is unfortunate for them because they must not be enjoying their own meal or each others company! (See how I now deflected the flaming from you to me... ha ha. ) No, seriously - the tables at California grill are a bit further apart, which is one of the things I like about it. I don't think I would notice your child sitting quietly (or even fidgeting a bit) playing his DS at that restaurant. I'd be WAY too busy enjoying the sunset, my wine, delicious food and attentive service!

For what its worth, I have sat near countless children on planes playing their ninetendo DS and I have never once been bothered by them.

If you are uncomfortable about it though, why not YOU take it with you discreetly and only bring it out if you feel its necessary. Your son might surprise you. But if you're cool with it, why shouldn't your DS have a treat that night, just as you and your DH are enjoying a treat.

 

[quirty30]

A child playing Nintendo at their table wouldn't annoy me in the least. It's Disney for the love of Pete, people.

Amen.

 

[gina2000]

CG is a noisy venue. I suspect no one will even notice your son's Nintendo and any small noise that might come out of the earbuds.

If you talk about WDW and the things you are enjoying each day you may find that your son's interest level in conversation will be greater than expected.