Helpful tips for dining with kids at restaurants
An overtired or over-hungry child is no fun for anyone.
It is the holiday season which means families will probably look for entertainment and times. However not all parents are prepared for the challenges that comes with keeping children contained and well-behaved in restaurants.
Below are some suggestions to help you get the best out of your time with your children in restaurants.
• Feed your child a small snack before arriving at the restaurant and keep juice or water on hand; a thirsty child is an irritable child.
• Order the children’s food with your drinks order.
• If there is bread on the table, allow your child to butter a piece not only does it keep them occupied it is also good for developing fine motor skills.
• Let your child play with a small piece of play dough on a side plate with a fork.
• Drawing or colouring-in is always fun. Find small activity books and crayons you easily take with you wherever you go.
• Don’t make a big fuss about things, rather divert your child’s attention to something else.
• Be in control. Be firm but proactive, if your child is having a tantrum you need to firmly pick them up and go and find a new space where they can calm down, such as walking outside.
• If there are two adults you may need to take turns eating and attending to your children, especially if they are small.
• Make sure there is a blanket and pillow in the car. You can usually find a corner somewhere to lay down a tired child.
• Before you leave home, tell your kids what kind of behaviour you want to see at the restaurant as a sign of respect to other diners.
• Request a corner table rather than one in the middle of the room.Your kids will be out of the way of other diners and more contained in a private area.
• An overtired or over-hungry child is no fun for anyone, so hit your favourite spot in the mid afternoon, after your little one has had a nap, or while the breakfast specials are still available.
A 17:00 or 17:30 dinner also means staying on track with evening routines and allotting extra time in case the evening’s plans get derailed.
