Preschoolers sitting still in cafés. Not quite an oxymoron, but definitely a challenge for parents. That’s why we’ve brewed up a hot tip for how you can enjoy a coffeehouse beverage and your little one’s (well-behaved) company.

“Er, pardon, but did you just say ‘enjoy’ and ‘coffee’ in the same sentence?” Oh yes. Pack a selection of bricks from the LEGO® DUPLO® Café set, or any other bricks you have, and get ready to order an iced chocolate caramel latte.

Naturally, we did a dry run for you first, and the proof is in the video above. We sent one couple out for a family coffee, and their daughter drank up the fun. She contentedly played with her parrot build and box of bricks; all while her mom and dad savored a coffee and a catch-up.

That parrot turned out to be a bit of a doozy, actually. After all, what do parrots do? Chat. And what do people in coffee shops do? Chat. So it’s a fun story-starter, should your little one get stuck for building ideas. 

For example, if your little one wants in on the conversation at any point, hand over the parrot and hear them out. Then, whoever wants to speak next holds the parrot. This is a good game for practicing turn-taking and listening.

So, next time you need a caffeine-fix, take a small box of bricks along with you. It’ll turn even the coolest of eateries into a kindergarten café.