There’s only so many meals I can handle where the menu is on a light-up board next to the kids’ meal prize pictures or the playground is just out the door.  I can only take so many meals in boxes and ketchup from a pump dispenser on the counter before I say ENOUGH!  Mama needs a REAL restaurant experience!

The fact is, our kids can benefit from a “real restaurant” experience as well.  It is the perfect venue for teaching proper dining etiquette and manners.  While working on those skills at home is extremely important, sometimes going out in the “big people” world of eating gives children the chance to “practice what we preach”. 

Going to a sit-down restaurant takes a bit of planning.  Plan on going early, not during prime dining time.  Remember that there will need to be time to be seated, to order and for the food to be prepared before the actual eating will take place.  So, if children are used to eating at 6, plan on being at the restaurant around 5:15 or 5:30. 

If you suspect your crew may be a rowdy group that night, ask the hostess to seat your party in a more secluded place, such as a corner or towards the back.  Or, ask to be seated near other families, as they will be more understanding of any exuberant behavior from your table.  Many restaurants will take the initiative and plan to seat families in a common area, and while I used to take it personally, I completely understand and enjoy sitting around other parents who are experiencing the same thing.

The time between ordering and actually eating can seem like a lifetime for a small child.  Plan on a couple of quiet toys for little ones or even a small snack to hold them over, such as crackers, carrot sticks or trail mix.  Avoid sugary snacks as children will be less likely to be interested in dinner when it arrives after enjoying candy or cookies.

Older children can also have a tough time waiting.  Pack a small notepad and pencil to keep on hand.  Kids will enjoy drawing pictures or playing tic-tac-toe.  Make your own dot-to-dots or mazes for kids to solve, and have older children design one in return for you.  WonderBrains has an excellent assortment of toys and products that are ideal for taking to restaurants, such as a Baby Whoozit for little ones and brainteasers for older kids.  The key is to find something that doesn’t make a lot of noise and can be easily transported.  We also save certain toys and puzzles specifically for restaurant use.  That way, our children don’t grow tired of the toy before we even get to sit down.

Remember that if the experience turns sour, it is okay to leave the restaurant.  We have all been there at some point, and sometimes it is simply better for everyone to step away and try again later.  The key, though, is to plan on doing it again.  Persistence pays, and with time, children can learn to enjoy a lovely evening where the menu doesn’t include the words “value size”.