I’m a first-time mom, and I really don’t know if I’m doing it right. I need my son to eat, and the only trick that works for me is the cell phone. Before, I tried everything: singing songs, doing the airplane with the spoon, even sitting and eating with him—but nothing worked.
Now, I put on videos of cartoons or songs with catchy tunes, and it’s like magic. He opens his mouth and eats. The problem is that, even though it works, I feel like I’m doing something wrong. Sometimes he gets so into the videos that he doesn’t even realize what he’s eating. And I think, will this hurt him?
I also worry he’s getting too used to needing the phone. I don’t want it to become the only way he’ll eat. But when I see him eating happily, the thought of going back to fighting at the table feels impossible.
What do I do? Is it as bad as people say?
I feel this way too. I was against screens before I had kids and now my toddler thinks peppa is part of the family. 
I don’t love it but sometimes you just need them to eat right? You’re not alone I promise!
Honestly, don’t beat yourself up. This stage won’t last forever. Toddlers are so tricky, and we do what works to survive. Maybe try slowly introducing other ways to distract him, like toys or books? You’ll figure it out, I believe in you
You’re doing great, mama! Feeding toddlers can feel like an Olympic sport. I used to feel bad about using screens, too, but then I realized, my kid is fed, and that’s what matters. Don’t let the guilt take over. You’re not alone in this struggle
Something I learned with my older kids: try a toy or a story as a distraction instead of a screen. It’s still a distraction but less intense than a phone. Also, I kept meals super simple and didn’t stress if they skipped one. They’ll eat when they’re hungry, I promise
Wait, does your son actually eat better when the phone’s on? Mine zones out so much he forgets to chew half the time. 
Does he at least seem to enjoy the food once he’s eating
As a mom of three (my youngest is now 8), I can tell you this: the screen thing is super common and doesn’t have to be forever. You can ease away from it by offering fun alternatives, like finger foods they can play with, or making mealtime a family event where everyone eats together, no screens. It’s hard, but it gets better
I’ve been there! What helped us was cutting back the screen time gradually. Start by turning it off halfway through the meal or using it for the first few bites only. I also tried letting my kid ‘help’ make the food, which made them more curious about eating it
I swear my kid only eats broccoli if it’s in front of a YouTube tractor video. You’re not the only one turning to screens for sanity! Maybe one day, they’ll eat without a circus act, but today’s not that day
Thanks, everyone! It’s such a relief to hear I’m not the only one dealing with this. I’m going to try some of the ideas you’ve shared, like cutting back slowly or swapping the screen for a toy. Hopefully, it’ll help me feel less guilty. Appreciate all the support!