Restaurant dining with young kids can be a big challenge for parents, particularly if the children seldom have the chance to eat at restaurants. However, educating kids early on about the fun of dining out will benefit everyone in the family and prevent them from becoming a nuisance to their fellow diners.
Here are some practical ideas on how to dine at restaurants when kids are around.
Find Kid-friendly Restaurants
Obviously, it’s best to find kid-friendly restaurants if children will be coming along. Many websites such as Kidspot have search engines to look for restaurants that provide high chairs, crayons, coloring books, children’s menu and children’s utensils. All it takes is a few mouse clicks and the ideal family restaurant is located. Alternatively, ask friends and relatives with young kids to recommend their favorite family restaurants.
If possible, avoid formal dining establishments as the kids will get restless and bored with all the waiting. Try casual eating places or restaurants that are more tolerant towards young kids. Many Italian and Chinese restaurants do. Yum Cha or Dim Sum at Chinese restaurants is great fun for kids as the dishes come in small or bite sizes and they get to try a variety of food. Some restaurant chains also have playgrounds that cater to children.
Teach Children Desirable Table Manners
It’s the parents’ duty to teach children basic, desirable table banners before they even set foot inside the restaurant. Remind them not to belch, throw food at each other, run around the restaurant, crawl under the table, argue loudly, spit or eat with fingers unless that’s how the food is supposed to be eaten! Instead, encourage them to be polite and pleasant and teach them to use utensils properly.
Practice this at home. If the family is attending a formal dinner, have an in-house formal restaurant night to practice a few days prior to dining out. Get everyone to dress up, use all utensils correctly and make it real fun. The kids will look forward for the real big night out!
Practice Restaurant Safety
There are many hazards lurking inside a restaurant, hence the need to practice restaurant safety when kids are dining out with their family. Hot foods and drinks as well as sharp eating utensils can be dangerous to kids. Keep children away from hot dishes when they reach the table. Let the food cool for a while first. Tell the kids to wait until Mum or Dad says it’s okay to eat.
If a meat dish is ordered for a child, make sure it is thoroughly cooked. Cut the meat open to see if there is any red meat left. Return it if it’s not cooked. Cut meat to small bite sizes for children. Never let a young child use a knife while eating.
Restaurant dining with kids can be a fun family outing, as long as parents prepare for it first. To eat at restaurants with kids, first find a kid-friendly family restaurant. Parents should also teach children basic table manners before entering the restaurant and practice restaurant safety while dining there.
Found this article useful? Read also Restaurant Dining with Babies, Enjoyable Restaurant Dining for Families and Choosing Good Family Restaurants.
References:
Hotel Fun4Kids Website – Tips for Eating out with Children
Doyle, Melissa and Scard, Jo. The Working Mother’s Survival Guide. New South Wales: Allen & Unwin, 2007.
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