Dinner out with the Kids {Guest Post from Author Ava Carroll-Brown}

DINNER OUT WITH THE KIDS

We are all familiar with that look as people are being escorted to the table next to yours and your kids are acting out for whatever reason. The anticipation of a child standing up in the booth and pouring the contents of his sippy cup down the back of someone at the table next to yours can be horrifying and the meltdown of a toddler because he missed his nap or it is past his bedtime will surely send chills up the backs of the surrounding guest. It is also more than mom can bear. Well, I think I can help! First, it is not realistic to put a child in an adult situation and assume the child will act as an adult – In fact, often times adults do not act like adults in a restaurant. A few tips that will certainly make the situation more enjoyable while out to dinner are:

• If the restaurant you have selected is a formal, more adult establishment, select a more child friendly restaurant and reserve the formal site for a date night.
• When making dinner reservations, call the establishment prior to the reservation and confirm that they serve child friendly foods and that children are welcome.
• Make the dinner reservations for the same time or a bit earlier than dinner time at home. This way there is no interruption in the child’s mealtime.
• If the reservation is for a later time, try feeding the child before leaving for the restaurant.
• If the reservation is scheduled for after the child’s bedtime or if dinner will exceed past their normal bedtime, make sure that the child gets a late and good nap or… call a sitter.

If little Jimmy and Suzie are tired or not feeling well and are taken to a restaurant, it will be a recipe for a disaster! A few additional tips would be: when going out to dinner, bring a few munchies for the kids to enjoy while the orders are being taken and the food actually is served. Also, bring small, busy projects such as crayons and coloring books, small reading books, booklet puzzles and games – busy fingers make for a more enjoyable evening out. Always be in control of the child’s behavior. When at the table, the child must be seated at all times in a high chair or booster chair or seated next to an adult. If for any reason the child has a meltdown, remove him from the restaurant until he has calmed down. If that quiet time cannot be achieved, the meal is basically over.

Teaching good table manners at home at an early age is the first step. Following these few tips will ensure an enjoyable evening out for your family and those seated around you – Try it!

– Ava Carroll-Brown. Author of Where IS Your Mother?

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@AvaCarrollBrown