Dining Out with a Toddler
One of our biggest challenges lately has been taking our daughter out to restaurants. At almost two years old, she is able to entertain herself for longer periods of time, but also gets bored and antsy when seated for too long. While this presents a challenge at home ? sometimes after her breakfast or lunch, when she is still strapped into her high chair, is the only time Mom or Dad get a chance to go to the bathroom or let the dog out ? it can be especially difficult on the few occasions when we eat out.
Previously, we?ve just avoided eating out as much as we could, for our sake, for our daughter?s sake, and for the sake of anyone dining with us or anywhere near us. We feel like no one wants to hear someone else?s kid fussing and whining when they?re out trying to enjoy a meal ? unless it?s a very casual dining establishment. But sometimes eating out is unavoidable. Here are some of the ways we?ve been able to keep our daughter occupied at restaurants ? before, during and after the meal.
- Plan ahead. Sometimes this isn?t possible, but if you can keep restaurant kit in the car, it can help. I have a bag that includes crayons and paper, some small toys she doesn?t usually play with, and, of course, some snacks such as Cheerios and a bottle of water or juice.
- Time it right. Try to avoid going out during times of day when your child is cranky, fussy or tired. We also try to choose “off” times at restaurants, such as before noon or the evening dinner rush.
- Select seats wisely. Try to get seated near other children; other parents will understand if your child starts whining more than that couple who look to be out on a romantic date.
- Order quickly. Especially if your child is near meal time, order for him or her as soon as you sit down, or as soon as possible afterwards, and ask for that food to come out as soon as it?s ready. Nothing keeps a hungry child busy like food!
- If necessary, make a quick exit. There have been a few times where our daughter was so over-tired or just plain done that we needed to make a quick exit from a restaurant before she made a scene. We simply apologized, asked for take-out containers and the check, and left.
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Multi-Tasking Mommy says...
When my daughter was that age, I went to the Dollar Store and purchased a bunch of things that would occupy my daughter when we ate out, when I was on the phone or when we are at a doctor’s appointment. Sometimes new “toys” provide a great distraction!
Sounds like you’ve got all the right things in place for the most positive eating out experience with a toddler! It does get so much easier…until you have another one like me
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