Babies and young children are sovereign individuals – they have their own minds, thoughts and ideas. Controlling babies/children can be challenging. Following these simple tips will help you avoid a complete disaster while dining with babies/children.
1. Select Restaurant Wisely
When possible, select an age appropriate restaurant when dining with children. Consider sticking to casual dining establishments, which are family friendly. If you absolutely have to take a baby or child to a fine dining establishment, then do so during off-peak hours.
2. Do Not Wait Until Baby is Starving to Dine
Children turn into unrecognizable and often times uncontrollable beings when they are not regularly feed. For example, if your young child normally eats lunch at 12:30 PM, avoid arriving to a restaurant for lunch at 12:30 PM or after. Young children expect to consume food at their regularly scheduled dining time – waiting is not always an option for them. However, if you do sit down for lunch during or after your child’s regularly scheduled mealtime, make sure you have sufficient snacks. Restaurant crackers and bread are usually sufficient deterrents until the meal arrives. The only negative is that your child may be full on crackers or bread by the time the meal arrives.
3. Do Not Dine at Restaurants when Baby is Tired
Again, young children turn into unrecognizable and often times uncontrollable beings when tired. Consider avoiding public dining options when your child is tired.
4. Order Baby’s Food FIRST
When the waiter comes to ask for drink orders, be prepared to order food for your child. This serves two purposes: (1) ensures your child is feed as quickly as possible, thus avoiding any potential break down or tantrum and (2) food serves as a great distraction.
5. Bring Familiar Utensils, Plates and Cups
Children are universally adaptable; however, to encourage eating in unfamiliar surroundings bringing familiar utensils, plates and/or cups providing additional comfort. Additionally, restaurants usually utilize glass plates and cups and metal utensils. As mentioned above, children are sovereign individuals with their own thoughts and ideas – meaning having a plastic plate, cup, spoon or fork hurled across a table is less significant and safer than the alternative glass or metal.
6. Keep Baby Occupied
Coloring books and crayons are often a temporary deterrent. Make sure to have an arsenal of toys, books or gadgets (silent of course) to occupy your child’s attention while dining. A cell phone or iPad with headphones is also a good distraction mechanism – preferably for children at least 2 years old.
7. Tip Big
Leave a 20% tip at the minimum. Children, while cute, often make a mess one way or the other. A big tip often times forgives any child indiscretions in the eyes of the wait staff.
Good luck and happy dining.