Tip No. 1 Manage expectations
Have an exit plan, whether it’s a walk outside, ipad, or requesting the check right after you order to get out easy, make a plan and trust your gut. If they scream try not to reinforce the behavior by overreacting but instead let them know they are inside and need to use their inside voice and offer a new activity.
Tip No. 2 Request the highchair in advance
Put in the dinner reservation note that you will need a highchair or booster and/or space for the stroller. This will help smooth the process when you arrive by letting the restaurant prepare a good spot for you hopefully with more space, an available highchair that’s clean and perhaps a location that’s say, more kid friendly?
Tip No. 3 Pack a restaurant bag
Filled with toys, books and coloring sheets. Make this a special bag only for restaurants so they are excited! Maybe they can even pick one of the toys just for this bag. Screens are also great in a pinch but I try to hold off for as long as possible so he can participate with us and take in more of the value in being at a restaurant before we defer to the iPad to avoid a meltdown!
Tip No. 4 Go early!
Around 5pm fits with most kids typical mealtime and restaurants tend to be less busy and more kid friendly given nobody aside from other families dine that early! They are also easier reservations to snag so it’s a win win for everyone.
Tip No. 5 Plan their meal
Whether you bring food or order it there plan the meal out to coordinate with yours so they are incentivized to wait for dessert or stay seated. If you have an appetizer before an entree, make sure they do as well! And don’t hesitate to make special requests that you know will work, for example butter noodles or grilled chicken, even if it’s not on the menu. Try to order things your kid is more likely to try so they get to feel a part of it!
Tip No. 6 Curiosity that’s safe
Whether it’s letting him take a sip from a real water glass, play with a napkin, look at the menu, or even grabing real silverware (we ask for a seafood fork) let them explore as much as possible. We can also try to position him with the best people watching view as he finds everyone else much more entertaining than his toys or a screen.
Tip No. 7 Consistency is key
If you go to restaurants often, your kid will likely become more comfortable going. And you can also prep them for the experience by talking about it beforehand, for example: “did you know they will have yummy pasta to try and I’m bringing a new coloring sheet for you to try?” Half the fun is always the anticipation!
Tip No. 8 Interact
Talk to them about what’s going on and what they think. Offer them to try your food or ask questions about what they are observing. Praise the little things they do, even something as simple as using a fork, even if they have mastered it at home, this is a new and often overwhelming environment for them!
It’s also perfectly okay to go without your kids and enjoy your hard earned time in peace! Your kids won’t be missing out by leaving them at home but you might by taking them with you!
Trust your instinct!
Sincerely,
Monica, xx
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