After the first tenuous weeks/months of becoming a new parent eventually you are going to want to go out to eat again. These tips are by no means inclusive, but can make going out a much easier and enjoyable process.

Tip #1

Go Out Often

The best thing that you can do is go out often.  The more you go out the more comfortable your children will be with the way they should behave while they’re out with you.  They will understand better where your boundaries are and you will be more capable of being in charge and asserting yourself with your children.  All in all the more you go out the more fun you will have especially in the long run.

Tip #2

Plan ahead

You really can’t be too prepared for anything.  But, at worst you don’t want to be completely unprepared and scrambling to keep your kids attention.  Think of some verbal games you can play with your children while you’re waiting for your food to come out.  Sure you can bring toys [which you’re going to have to do before your child can talk with you] but verbal games can be more entertaining and it will help you bond with your child.  I-Spy was a favorite of mine growing up.  Like “I spy something round and flat” and everyone guesses what you saw until they get it right.  Then it’s their turn.  Also bring some crayons and coloring books along [or just bring blank printer paper…kids love this too] since coloring….never gets old.  Making eating out a fun and bonding experience will pay dividends.

Tip #3

Simplify Your Ordering

Menus are enormous these days with tons of tempting things for your child.  Don’t get into the habit of letting your young one choose from the whole menu.  That can be agonizing for both of you.  Give him/her two or three options to choose from without making it seem like your limiting their choices.  “Okay, do you want the chicken tenders or a hot dog?”

Tip #4

Know When To Leave

When you go out you also have to know when to go home.  Being a parent doesn’t give us the right to ruin everyone elses time just because we’re the ones with kids.  If your kid begins to go into meltdown mode you need to start thinking that it might be time to head home.  Children have a harder time controlling their emotions and it’s important for them [and for you] to not wear them down to the point where they can’t help themselves anymore.  Don’t think that you’re proving anything by making them stay.  If the problems begin mid meal…try taking the child outside while your partner eats.  Give the child an opportunity to calm down where they don’t have an audience and are trying to assert their power [and they will ].  If the problems don’t start until the end of the meal…eat quick and wrap it up. 

Tip #5

Tip…no that’s not a typo…TIP

Servers may give you the evil eye when you come in with a toddler.  Do you know why that is?  People bring in children….let them do whatever they want [because they’re so adorable] and then understandably and forgivably get angry at the wait staff when things go wrong.  These people are trying their hardest to make sure that your breakfast/lunch/dinner goes off smoothly and they can’t control the soup being too cold or the steak being too well done.  Give them a break and tip them well if they’re working hard.  It will work out better for all of us if they see children and think there’s a big tip on the way for good service rather than just hoping that you’re a fast eater.

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