There’s been a new addition to some family friendly chain restaurants like Red Robin and Chilis. It’s called a Ziosk:

  
Initially, when my son was younger, I thought these were a godsend. If you need something, just order it from the Ziosk or hit the button to summon your server. Instead of waiting for your server to pay your check, you can pay right from the Ziosk. It was absolutely amazing. 

Now?  Not so much. 

The Ziosk is more than an ordering service. It also has a lot of games for purchase. It gets added right onto your bill. Better yet, it’s right at your two year old’s  eye level. It’s a distraction.  It appears to be a toy for them. It’s not. 

Basically, the Ziosk is a parent of a toddler’s worst nightmare. It’s exacerbated by the fact that there really is no place on the table to hide it. It’s just there the entire meal. Getting two year olds to focus can be a frustrating experience at times. It’s even worse with a giant distraction at the table. That’s what the Ziosk is. 

Fortunately, when you want to leave with your child upset over his/her inability to play with the Ziosk, you can use the Ziosk to pay the check and get out of there. In that respect, I guess the Ziosk has served its purpose of being convenient.