When you have a toddler, eating at a restaurant can seem impossible especially if your child has a history of picking eat. You don’t want to spend what’s supposed to be an enjoyable meal out arguing with a toddler about why they have to stay in their seat or eat what’s on their plate before dessert.
If you’re taking your toddler out to a restaurant, consider the following tips that will help them remain on their best behavior.
Have A Conversation Beforehand
At 2-years-old, you can’t expect your toddler to understand proper restaurant etiquette. But it can be helpful to prepare them for the experience by explaining what a restaurant is, if they’re not already familiar with the concept.
Use words and phrases that encourage your child to be on their best behavior. For example, tell them that going to a restaurant is only for big kids, and that big kids are those who listen to their parents. This won’t guarantee your toddler will be perfectly behaved, but it can help motivate them to do their best.
Choose A Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Not every restaurant will be suitable for an outing with your toddler. It’s best to choose one that’s family-friendly. Not only will this ensure the environment (and people) are prepared for young children, but the restaurant may have features that help encourage your toddler to behave. For example, some restaurants will have activities for children, like things to color with. They may even have special treats or toys.
Conversely, you wouldn’t want to choose an upscale restaurant that’s mostly frequented by adults. Not only is it not the right atmosphere for a young child, but you’re more likely to encounter grump diners who’re surprised to see a child in the venue.
Go For A Convenient Time
You need to consider what’s the best time to go out based on your toddler’s schedule. You wouldn’t want to take them to a restaurant at nap time, since they’re unlikely to fall asleep at the table. This will just leave them grumpy, and more resistant to eating their food or staying still.
You want to choose a time when you know your child will be hungry. Make sure they didn’t fill up on snacks before the restaurant. That way they’re more likely to eat the food in front of them.
Bring Along Distractions
Just like an adult, a child isn’t going to be eating their food the whole time they’re at a restaurant. Make sure to bring along some distractions to keep your toddler busy while the adults enjoy talking. Bring along an assortment of portable activities in your diaper bag, like coloring supplies or small figurines. Make sure whatever you choose isn’t going to involve a big mess to clean up.
Consider allowing your child to have screen time on a phone or tablet. You can put on a video for them or find an age-appropriate game. Allow them to use headphones if they need to hear the audio, so the sound doesn’t bother other diners.
You may assume that bringing activities for your child will distract them from eating, but that’s not necessarily the case. Rather, it can help them stay busy and focused at the restaurant instead of restless, so you can fully enjoy the experience. Remember, a well-behaved toddler is more likely to eat what’s in front of them.
Don’t Stress Their Food Choices
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As a parent, of course you want your toddler to have a well-balanced, nutritious meal. But when you’re taking a picky toddler out to a restaurant, you have to pick and choose your battles carefully. It’s best not to stress about what your child wants off of the menu (so long as they’re not only insisting on dessert). Explain each choice to them, so they fully understand what they’re ordering.
You can dissuade your child from ordering something they won’t like (such as if it’s spicy), but if they’re steadfast in ordering it, consider letting them go for it to avoid a tantrum.
Bring Along Some Snacks
Even if your toddler is acting like an angel, you can’t guarantee they’ll eat their food once it arrives. They may not like the look or texture or have simply changed their mind about what they want.
To ensure your child doesn’t go hungry (or gets grumpy), have some snacks on hand that you can offer them. This is also a great fail-safe in case your child rejects everything on the menu. So long as the adults are ordering, a restaurant likely won’t mind if you distract your toddler with snacks.
Share A Plate Together
Finally, if you’re worried about your toddler trying new foods or believe they won’t eat a lot, consider sharing a dish together. Not only will this reduce your bill, but it can prevent food waste. Choose something safe from the menu you know you’ll both enjoy, or order an appetizer your toddler will like but that the whole table can get in on.
Sources: Parents, We Have Kids, Today’s Parent, Fatherly,
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