It’s Saturday night. You’ve promised a sum equal to a king’s ransom to persuade the last responsible baby sitter in town to stay with your children. You and your husband are showered and dressed for a special evening. You arrive at that elegant restaurant and are led to the romantic corner booth that you had to reserve two weeks in advance. As you are sitting contemplating the wine list, two small heads appear behind your husband’s head. Their little fingers are greasy with butter. Their parents are engaged in conversation and seem to be totally unaware that their precious blessings are about to ruin someone else’s evening.
Is this scene familiar to you? Now, before you decide to label this writer as some kind of child hater or comment that the writer surely doesn’t understand that the parents may have had to bring the little darlings in order to get out at all; let me reassure you. First I have children and for the most part, they are pretty likeable. Second, I work with children and I love every minute of it. But the reality is that there are adult places and family places and restaurant manners do not suddenly appear just in time for grandma’s birthday celebration at the best restaurant in town.
Restaurant manners need to be developed. Here are some strategies that worked for us.
Expose your children to restaurant eating early and often.
Respect your child’s schedule. Asking a 3 year old to go out to dinner at 7 is asking for trouble.
Start with fast food and buffets. Children are most likely to get into mischief if they are bored. The shorter the time from seating to eating, the better. Breakfast is also a good choice as the foods typically don’t take long to prepare.
Rather than letting the child fill up on crackers and rolls, place the order for their meal when you make your beverage order. This way, their food will come more quickly and they might actually eat it. You will also be able to help cut their meat etc. before your dinner arrives.
Bring some quiet activities. Yes, some restaurants will have crayons and paper but some won’t. We kept a special little bag of items only to be used when waiting(restaurants, Dr’s office etc.). Paper, crayons, books, simple puzzles, small character figures are all good choices.
Make the rules clear before you go. No running around, inside voices etc.
Be prepared to leave if your children misbehave. If your child is crying or not listening and becoming a nuisance to other patrons, you need to leave. The waitress will gladly pack up your food for you and your child will know you mean business.
Once you are comfortable that your child can handle it; occasionally go to more formal restaurants.
Now you can relax and all have a great dinner out together! Bon Appetit!