For many Baby Bunchers, the thought of going out to eat (other than fast food) may make you run and hide. And as I started this post last week, I was going to mention how it's become easier now that my kids are older. But with my husband out of town all week and us frequenting even many kid-friendly places, I realized this is never easy. As I left our local Chinese restaurant, I had to leave an extra tip to make up for the spilt water, carpet of rice and crushed fortune cookies on the floor.
So here were my tips for making your trip out easier. I have been reminded that even when you're prepared mishaps happen, and you have to be quickly ready to readjust and go with the flow.
1. Go to someplace kid friendly. How do you know? See if they have a kid's menu. Even if you aren't going to order from it, it means they are prepared for kids in some way. There are some ethnic restaurants that are almost always kid friendly: Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Arab, Italian. Sure many are upscale, but your average Mexican establishment is very happy to serve you and your Bunch.
2. Bring distractions. Crayons may not be a big help if your child is 18 months old and just eats them. Bring what will help keep your kid happy while you wait for food--even if it's Goldfish.
3. Know your kids and their eating style. Some kids take forever to eat so ordering as soon as you sit down might benefit everyone if they have food ahead of the rest of the table and can take their time to eat. If your kids scarf down their food in 10 seconds and then are ready to eat, don't order ahead of time.
4. Order what they like. Don't use this time at a restaurant to experiment. Get something you know is a sure bet for everyone and go with it.
5. Sit in the back. Uh huh! No one else wants to be around Baby Bunchers. No one else wants to sit near the kitchen. Sit near the kitchen.
6. Make everyone go to the bathroom before the meal. The the time before the food arrives to go to the bathroom and make everyone pee and wash his hands. It's a great time waster AND it helps from having to get up in the middle of a meal.
7. Be conscientious about WHEN you go out to eat. Hitting the favorite lunchtime spot at 12:30 p.m. is not going to be good for you OR your kids. Try to arrange non-primetime eating times for busy restaurants. It will just add to the stress if you're fighting all the power lunchers while you try to feed your kids.
8. Grab a high chair as soon as you enter. Many places that are non-fast food have limited high chairs. If you know you need, grab it as soon as you get in and get your table. I've been known to grab one as the hostess is walking us to the table. Because sometimes they only have one, and if you need it, you're screwed if it's suddenly gone. (Note: If you have a stroller in your car, like you should, that can double as a high chair in a pinch.)
9. If your kids are old enough, set the expectations ahead of time. What you will not tolerate--running, screaming, climbing under tables, etc.
10. Have an exit plan. Get your check and pay as soon as your food comes so you can leave quickly if you need to. Before you leave, always do a last inspection for cell phone, pacifier, lovey, keys, credit card, etc. ALWAYS!
We usually have the most success at breakfast out. I guess because dinner time is like prime breakdown time at our house.
Or we go to dinner early. NO ONE is at the restaurant at 5pm.
Posted by: Motherhooduncensored | Feb 24, 2009 at 09:20 AM
I have found lollipops to be very helpful at restaurants. If they're losing it before the meal has arrived, a lollipop keeps them occupied and doesn't fill them up. They are getting a treat before the meal but oh well!
Posted by: Lisa | Feb 24, 2009 at 09:45 AM
I second the recommendation for 5pm dinners out. There's no wait for a table, the elderly "early birds" will think your children are adorable, and you'll be home in plenty of time for bed.
Otherwise, feed the kids before you leave home. I feed the toddler dinner and nurse the baby. The baby stays happy almost until the end of the meal. By the time we drive, get a table, and order, the toddler's ready to eat again or at least graze off our plates. Dinner out is really about the grownups anyway.
Other tip: Smile a lot and talk to your kids remembering that everyone around you is listening. BabyBunchers ALWAYS get attention in public. It's our responsibility to show that children are a GOOD thing and that we enjoy them.
Posted by: Jenny P | Feb 24, 2009 at 01:44 PM
I just took my two (11 months & 2) out to lunch at The Cheesecake Factory this weekend by myself. At first I thought it would be a disaster since the baby kept throwing his bottle and my two year old knocked his cup of milk all over the place within a minute of having (albeit unintentionally). However, things got much easier when the bread came. Ask the waiter to bring the bread basket as soon as possible! Little bits of bread or chunks for the baby keep him endlessly entertained, and are much less disruptive than a bottle getting thrown around. And my toddler loves dunking break in olive oil. By the end I realized we'd had a civilized meal and I'd thoroughly enjoyed their company. I second the suggestion to request the check as soon as you've received your food. This also makes the threat "If you do that one more time we'll have to leave" something you can act on quickly if necessary. So, will I be able to do this when my 3rd arrives this Spring?
Posted by: Cori | Feb 24, 2009 at 03:34 PM
I agree with the early dinners, though I would prefer 4pm. Another positive to this is there is usually a fresh waitstaff...they can deal better with multiple little ones. (Just cross your fingers you don't get someone doing a double-shift!)
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