You and your family are quietly enjoying a coffee and Farmhouse Breakfast when one of your kids decides they’ve had enough. Without warning, they let out a piercing scream that covers the length and breadth of the restaurant in milliseconds. Cue the stares and eye rolls from the surrounding tables. It’s obviously time to leave.
No parent wants to be in this position. .So, what’s a parent to do? Stay indoors until their kid no longer throws tantrums? Absolutely not. You’re probably already spending more time than usual indoors with your kid, and you know better than anyone that they need to get out of the house for a bit. Here’s how to make your next trip to a restaurant near you as stress-free as possible:
Choose the Right Place to Eat
Your best bet is a restaurant that’s casual and loud enough to let your kid have a good time. Order from the kids’ menu and make sure your little one has starters while they wait for their meal. If the meal comes with a toy, even better. Overall, look for a family restaurant that caters to young and old alike, and prioritise you and your kid’s safety by implementing the necessary health and hygiene precautions.
Go Early
The last thing you want to do is make your kid wait longer than they have to for their meal. That’s why it’s important to get the timing right. You don’t want to go too early when everyone is trying to grab a bite just before work. On the other hand, heading to a restaurant first thing after work is probably not ideal either. Try to arrive on the early side of mealtimes so you’re seated and served as quickly as possible. If you can, book a table or order ahead.
Make Sure They’re Distracted
You never know when boredom is going to kick in, so make sure you’re prepared. You can print out a colouring challenge or word puzzle from Wimpy’s Learn and Play section to keep your kid entertained. If you’ve been collecting the World of Animals AR cards, this would also be an opportune moment to take your kid on a virtual safari.
Lay Out the Expectations
Before you make your way to the restaurant, tell your kids what kind of behaviour is expected of them when they’re with other diners. Depending on your kid’s age, you should tell them to sit up at the table, say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, and ask to use the bathroom if the need arises. Also, let them know how long you might be at the restaurant so they can prepare themselves accordingly.
Practise
This may be a new experience for your kid, so they’ll need as much practise as they can get. The more chances your kid has to hone their skills, the better. Try to eat out with your kid at least once a month until they get the hang of things. Eating out with your kids doesn’t have to be the nightmare described in parenting forums. With a bit of planning and practise, your family can look forward to nights out together.
