How to Make Restaurants Fun for Kids

In theory, dinner out with the family is a time to enjoy the company of those who mean the most to you. But with kids, sometimes the reality is a little more stressful--from waiting for your table, to taking trips to the bathroom, to upholding at least one adult conversation. By making a few minor preparations, you'll savor a calm and intimate family affair--instead of wishing you'd brought along a babysitter.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Children's arts and crafts supplies
• An imagination (you'll need to keep your kids entertained during the more restless points of the meal)
• Some nutritional knowledge, so that you can teach your kids about what they're consuming

1. Keep convenient arts and crafts on hand at all times. When you arrive at the restaurant, allow your children to occupy themselves with crayons, markers, coloring books and stickers; this way they'll be asking you to critique their artwork rather than wondering how many more minutes it will be before they get to eat. Also, since this is a family event, get involved with the activities. Take turns playing tic-tac-toe or creating your own family portrait. You'll be surprised at how meaningful small events like this can become--and to think you were just trying to keep them from being bored!
2. Make it about more than just food. In fact, use the food as a way to make them think. Tell your kids that every time they try something new, they get to make a wish. It may sound silly, but the concept provides them with an unexpected incentive to try otherwise intimidating healthy foods. And who knows what you'll learn about them based on their wishes (that is, if you choose to share them with the table).
3. Keep it educational. Teach your kids about the new foods that come to the table--where they come from, how they are culturally valuable and what health benefits they provide. Let them know about the importance of nutritional choices by allowing them to order "grown-up" food. If cost is a concern, split dishes between them. They'll be able to stay away from the kids' menu and feel like they're enjoying a feast!
4. Be healthy and fun. Introduce them to beverages like club soda (bubble water) to make them feel mature. Staying away from sugary Shirley Temples and Roy Rogers will keep them from growing restless at the table.
5. Give them some authority. To you, asking for the check is standard procedure, but for them any direct interaction with the waitstaff could be exciting and important. Let them order, sign the bill, tear off the receipt or count the change. Usually at these points in the meal children are wondering, "how much longer?" But if you put it in their hands, they'll love the opportunity to act as an adult.

Tips & Warnings

• Plan ahead. Have a weekly family dinner night. This will ensure that you maintain valuable family time, and it will also give you time to prepare for the meal.
• Talk to the restaurant staff. The waitstaff and chef could be highlights of your children's meals. If you form a relationship with them, they can add to the entire experience.
• Expect some difficulty. Whenever you are restricting kids to sitting for a prolonged period of time, they're bound to grow a little impatient. Just remember to emphasize the entertaining parts of the meal; this will help to overshadow periods of waiting or rushing.
• Have patience. It's going to be an effort, but you can keep the meal running smoothly for everyone involved.