Having trouble getting the kids to be calm in a restaurant? Use dramatic play to ground them and give them tasks to keep them happy and engaged (so you can get through your appetizer at least!).
- Pretend they are the waiter. Address them respectfully and ask them questions about the specials. Get really specific with your order!
- Give them a crayon and paper to "draw down" what you are having.
- Take the role-play even further and pretend to be an animal or a favorite fairy tale character who eats something really specific and silly.
Once they understand the structure (psychologists call this scaffolding), they can do this game on their own! Have them take the orders of any stuffed animals or toys they brought and they can busy themselves as chefs preparing food, too.
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