Eat Out at Restaurants With Small Kids & Enjoy It! Here's How! by Kristen Yarker, MSc, RD

Parenting
7 years ago

Eat Out at Restaurants With Small Kids & Enjoy It! Here's How!

Yes, it is possible to enjoy eating at a restaurant with young kids! They key is to practice the skills at home. Eating meals at a table is a learned skill. We need to give kids the opportunity to practice when there aren't the extra distractions in a restaurant. Here’s how!

  • Eat meals at the table.
  • Eat meals together. Practice having an adult eating with your child. Being a good role model speak volumes.
  • If you leave the table you’re “all done.” It doesn’t teach kids how to sit and eat if you allow kids to take a bite, run off to play, come back to the table for a bite and repeat.

Practice these skills at home and your child will know how to behave at a restaurant. (Bringing along a toy and some crayons helps, too!)

Jennison Grigsby
Great tips! My little one is 8 months old and I try to eat with him during all his mealtimes to create these habits. Glad to see you suggest that... Hope it pays off!

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Take Selfies? Here’s Something Parents & Kids Need to Know!

Kids & Lying: Children Who Lie & The Parents Who Love Them

Telling Your Story: The Gift of Storyworth & Passing Down Your Legacy

Why You Need to Stop Multitasking & Really Listen to Your Kids!