Dining out with your child can truly be a hit or miss experience. Sometimes it’s a wonderful, calm, and enjoyable experience. Other times, your child may become upset or even cause a scene. While there’s not certain way to ensure your experience goes smoothly, here are a few ideas to keep in mind next time you’re dining out with your child in tow.
A Drop in the Bucket
When choosing a restaurant to dine at with the whole family, opt for a restaurant that is already fairly noisy. This is important because if your child starts crying or yelling, it wont be as noticeable as a very quiet option. Plus, it won’t be as disturbing to your fellow diners.
Need for Speed
It’s no secret that children don’t enjoy sitting in the same spot for prolonged periods of time. Therefore, in choosing a place to eat, try to choose a place that you know will provide you with quick service. When you’re in and out quickly, that makes your child a happy customer; and a full one at that!
Entertainment
Just as at home, your child wants constant entertainment. It’s important to take into account, as mentioned prior, children do not do well sitting still in a single place for a long time. Bring along a favourite game, book, or toy to occupy your child throughout the meal in case they begin to get fussy.
All About Timing
It’s important to take into account the mood your child is in, and at which times. If your child hasn’t napped yet, or it’s getting later in the evening, eating out may not be your best bet. You want to go when the conditions are optimal and align with your child’s mood, so be sure to keep that in mind!
Do you have any tricks to keeping your dining out experience a pleasant one? Share with us in the comment below!
