Parenting Toddlers (1-3) Support Group

I know how it is...I finally ventured out to eat with all 3 of mine and they did ok...granted, it was just Taco Bell, but it was good.

Maybe when you get seated you could ask the waitress for for your sons food to be prepared first or see if you could get an appetizerfor him or something. We went to the Cheesecake Factory when Savannah was about 2 and the waiter brought out a small plate of cheese, crackers and fruit for her (no charge I might add) so that she would be more content. Come to think of it, maybe they did that so THEY would be more content, but no matter, it worked!

I know how frustrating it can be, but try try again. Good luck!

Kids will be kids, and they will cut up at the most aweful times and places. I have 2 boys ages 2 and 3, and we eat out right much with them. It is always a 50/50 chance that they are going to be bad. We discipline them when they do act up, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Just the other day while in Wendys, my 3 year old decided he was going to throw a french fry and a napkin. He did, and it landed on an elderly couples table. I was so humiliated. I took him outside and "dealt" with him, then took him back in and made him apologize to the couple. The elderly lady was so nice though, and said, "Don't you worry about it little boy, because you are behaving better than the employees that are working here." However, we have got those mean stares from folk before, but I am guessing they are the ones who have never had kids.

my son is OBSESSED with the book green eggs and ham. i keep it in the car and he can only have it when we go out to eat.if u bring things with u that they play with all the time they get bored quicker. try having that special toy thats only for restaurants

When my kids were 2 and 3 and we took them out to eat, we vowed every single time that we would NOT do it again. But of course, we did.

I'm still not sure which was worse: cooking and cleaning for 2 hours or dealing with restless and noisy kids at a restaurant.

If your son is super antsy, maybe you should refrain from restaurants for awhile... it may not be worth the frustration. But if you do want to dine out, here are a few suggestions:

1. Your Bag of Tricks: They now have triangular crayons (so they won't roll off the table. How awesome is that.. although it was about the only excercise I got for awhile there)... Anyhow... make sure you have paper and crayons. Here are a few other items that can help keep them occupied: Easy to do puzzles, rubics cube (they might solve it by the time they're 18), stickers, straws, play utensils, , tape (yep, they like scotch tape) and pop-up books.

2. Ask the waiter/waitress to quickly bring out crackers, veggies and dip and/or fruit. Also, my kids loved crushed ice. That would keep them busy (and hydrated) forever.

3. If all else fails, have a nice glass of wine. They won't seem nearly as annoying by the time you're done.

Bon Appetit!

Stack the deck in your favor. We go out early in time for the food to be on the table at our usual dinner hour. A bag of activities is great, but don't stop there. I usually bring some food, like dried fruit or carrot sticks or cereal, so my son can start munching as soon as he's strapped into the high chair. Go to restaurants where you can order as soon as the server greets you. Order everything immediately and there will be less wait time for antsiness to set in. If all else fails, don't be afraid to abort the mission and take everything to go. Your fellow diners will appreciate it!

I must agree, Cheesecake factory is wonderful for bringing little ones something right away, before you even order you drinks, that is always nice. I always have things with me from home as well to help hold her over until her food comes, fresh fruit, crackers or sometimes I bring what I know she will eat for sure and just give it to her when we sit down. I do find, if we are going somewhere that is a bit slower with service, I take the portable DVD player and let her watch just a small bit of Little Einstiens, she loves it and it keeps her full attention until the food comes.

My son doesn't usually fuss for me but I always try to be prepared in case he starts. My son likes cars so I always keep a matchbox car in my purse to keep him busy until the food comes. Also, if you ask, a lot of places will bring the food for your child out as soon as it's done rather than making the child wait until the rest of the food is ready. Another thing I did was ask for a dinner roll or crackers for my son. It held him over until his meal came.

My first child was so good in restaurants when she was a toddler. My youngest is just a little more (lets just say) curious. I LOVE my portable DVD player!!! We usually would have her sit where other people wouldn’t be distracted by it. Now she is a doing better in restaurants and we don’t use it as much. I would HIGHLY recommend using one if you have one. When I was doing all my Christmas shopping I even attached it to my stroller once. I got some looks from some mothers but, their kids were screaming and mine was as happy as a clam. Good luck.

I haven't actually done this but know others that have....feed them before you go, get them dessert while you eat your meal so 1. they aren't so famished when you sit down and 2. everyone can eat in peace cuz dessert is yummy!
Good luck. Have been there done that and the kids are definitely getting better with more practice!

I really liked the last idea and that's usually what we have done to keep restaurant patrons happy. Mostly because our boys like more of a variety in smaller portions than most places provide on a menu. Even when we go to somewhere like TGI Fridays, we'll feed the kids some veggies & mac & cheese, whatever their in the mood for, and then just get them an appetizer at the restaurant. (They LOVE Motzerella Sticks) We're not too big on giving our kids deserts at restaurants though, mostly because they get it everywhere and then it requires a change of clothes, but we usually bring some Choc. Chip cookies for them as well.

PS. Paper and crayons are a LIFESAVER