Tips for taking kids to restaurants
Not all parents are prepared for the challenges that come 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 can 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 are 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 5pm or 5.30pm dinner also means staying on track with evening routines and allotting extra time in case the evening’s plans get derailed.
Also read: Stay safe over the festive season
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