Are your kids making you have second thoughts about going out for a nice meal? Has it been a while since the last time you dined at a restaurant? If you’re worried about getting the stink eye from other diners, consider the fact that some dining establishments are actually quite welcoming to families with young children. As 74 percent of American families report dining out more often to save time and effort, restaurants, bistros, and cafes know enough to expect some loud noises and a bit of mess from their youngest customers.
However, if you’ve found a few good places to have family meals, you’ll want to make sure that you’ll always be welcome at these establishments. As a mom, you need to have a few tricks up your sleeve so your kids will be on their best behavior, and the staff will always greet you with a smile whenever you drop by for lunch or dinner. Here are some smart tips for eating out at restaurants with young children.
Pick a Family-Friendly Restaurant
If your children are aged 12 years or older, you can take them to any type of dining establishment and not worry about them being too loud, throwing tantrums, or not liking the food at the restaurant. But if your kids are younger than 12, you may want to choose a family-friendly restaurant for your outing. Not only is the staff used to serving families with young children, but these places are also equipped to give you a hassle-free dining experience. These restaurants usually have high chairs, booster seats, and kids menus to satisfy even the pickiest eater, so find out which restos in your area are kid-friendly, then do a bit more research to know about these places.
For a safe experience, the restaurant should adhere to strict hygiene and cleanliness standards, so apart from regular cleaning they should also invest in professional restaurant cleaning services to get rid of odors, germs, and bacteria. If your child has allergies or food sensitivities, call ahead to know if they can accommodate you. Ask what safe meal options are available so you can choose a dish that your child will like.
Preparation and Timing is Everything
Preparation and timing is everything when it comes to dining out with kids. For everything to go smoothly, don’t let your children get famished before you leave in hopes that they’ll be hungry enough to finish everything on their plate later on. This will only lead to tantrums in the restaurant if it’s taking a while for the food to arrive, so let them have a small snack to settle their tummies. Plan on having lunch outside instead of dinner since some kids tend to get really sleepy early in the evening. The last thing you want to do is deal with a fussy, sleepy child while you’re trying to eat your food, so save the family dinners for when they’re a little older.
You’ll also want to bring a few essentials to keep your children occupied while waiting for your food. A coloring book and crayons, a small puzzle, or a drawing pad and pencil can keep your little ones entertained and prevent them from running around due to boredom. You can also hand them a tablet so they can watch some videos on YouTube, but save that as a last resort. This family outing is an opportunity for your children to learn certain skills, such as entertaining themselves and practicing patience, so keep that in mind before handing over your phone or another device. Don’t forget a change of clothes in case they spill something on themselves, as well as a pack of baby wipes to clean up messes.
Practice at Home
Instead of bracing yourself for the worst everytime you go out to eat, why not practice dining out while you’re at home? You can help your child develop good manners by preparing a simple tea or snacks, then to make things a bit more realistic, pretend to be their server. Encourage them to say please and thank you, and teach them how to order food in a nice way. Don’t forget to teach them how to use their utensils, and praise them for good behavior.
Don’t wait until your kids are grown to have a nice meal at a restaurant. By picking child-friendly establishments, doing a bit of preparation, and a little practice, your children will develop the right skills for dining out, and everyone will have a great time while having a meal as a family.
