How to Teach Children to Behave in Restaurants

Teaching your child to behave well in restaurants will allow you the flexibility to eat out in a variety of settings. Follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Set expectations. Talk to your kids--no matter how young they are--about proper behavior in restaurants. This includes staying in your chair, using "inside" voices, asking the server for things politely, and waiting for everyone to finish eating before asking to go home.

2. Prepare for the visit by bringing along a few small toys, coloring books and crayons, or books. Many restaurants provide coloring books and crayons, but it is best to be prepared. If your child is not drinking from a regular cup yet, bring his or her sippy cup and some crackers to snack on until the food arrives.

3. Include your child as much as possible in choosing menu items and in the general conversation. A child who feels included is less likely to whine or act out for attention. This is part of teaching a child that eating in a restaurant is fun.

4. Compliment your child on good behaviors, such as staying in his or her seat, using a quiet voice and being polite to the server and the other diners. Praise is a very effective teaching tool.

5. Back at home, talk to your child about his or her behavior. Reward him or her for good behavior and discuss any problem areas constructively.

6. If your child has a favorite restaurant or two, let him or her choose to go there once in awhile. This is a good way to include your child in family decision making, and it offers another opportunity to make eating out in a restaurant a fun experience for the whole family.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not let your child run through the restaurant or disturb other diners. While most people enjoy children, they also want to relax and have a quiet dinner and conversation free from distractions.

• Do not be afraid to take your child to a "nice" restaurant. More and more restaurants are becoming "kid-friendly," and most welcome a well-behaved child. A fine-dining experience offers your child the chance to practice good table manners!

• Insist on good table manners from an early age. While no toddler behaves perfectly all the time, the sooner they learn expectations, the better. This means eating from your own plate, using utensils instead of hands, using a napkin, and chewing with the mouth closed.