Eating out is both fun and sociable. To make this easy when you have small children, read these 5 tips for dining out with toddlers.
Taking a young child to a restaurant may seem scary to new parents, but you never know unless you try!
Certain events may cause parents to swear off eating establishments until their children reach the age of 18, but this does not have to be the case.
It is possible for families with young children to dine out without causing havoc. It simply requires some forethought, both prior to and during your visit to the restaurant.
If you follow these simple steps, you and your family may discover that you genuinely like eating out together!
5 tips for dining out with toddlers:
1. Begin by practicing at home:
Take time for training at home during quiet moments before venturing out to a restaurant. Invite stuffed animals or pals to a tea party or snack to practice proper table manners.
Positive choices such as sitting still, using utensils, and waiting patiently can be modeled through role play.
Never underestimate the value of emphasizing manners at the dinner table each night – your children will be more likely to obey the rules when dining out if they understand what is expected of them at the table.
………………………………………..
2. Select your restaurant carefully:
This may not be the best moment to try sushi at the fashionable new downtown establishment for the first time. Be realistic in your expectations when dining out with young children.
Choose a restaurant where you are confident your children will find something they enjoy on the menu, where you can order swiftly and receive your food quickly.
If your children are small, choose a location where minor spills and messes are not a problem–not a posh establishment where you’d be concerned about the tablecloth and china.
Restaurants with greater bustle may be preferable so that children are not forced to converse in low tones–and the action can also provide them with something to observe.
Make note that restaurants with a large number of televisions may distract children from conversing or eating their meals.
………………………………………….
3. Be mindful of your child’s attention span:
While waiting for lunch in a crowded restaurant can be challenging for hungry adults as well, keep in mind that children have a shorter attention span than adults.
This is not the time to attempt a hometown favorite that is so popular that you anticipate a lengthy wait for a table.
If you’re aware that the deep dish takes twice as long as the thin crust at your neighborhood pizzeria, save it for another occasion. Certain establishments will bring out children’s meals first upon request.
…………………………………………
4. Get the timing perfect:
Plan to eat early to save your child from being unduly weary or hungry – and to avoid long waits for tables and service. You may not be hungry at 5:00, but factor in the drive and the wait for food – you may not eat until 5:45 or later.
…………………………………………..
5. Provide them with things to keep them occupied:
When dining out with young children, pack miniature coloring books, puzzles, and games to occupy children while they wait for their dinner. Simple games such as “I Spy” or “Simon Says” are ideal.
Instead of handing over your phone or allowing your youngster to bring a tablet or video games to the table, focus on activities you can do together.