Read the following article, written by a parent, about taking young children out to eat, and then answer the questions on the opposite page
YOUNG CHILDREN IN RESTAURANTS
Eating out with young children needs careful planning. Here are my tips for a successful visit to a restaurant with young children.
Quiet entertainment
It is a good idea to take an activity for young children to enjoy if the restaurant does not provide anything. I suggest a colouring book, a toy car or an action figure. I always take my iPod and headphones as a backup plan. Make sure you take toys that are quiet, because other diners will not want to listen to a loud battery-operated toy while they eat.
Limited options
Too many choices can often lead to young children getting upset. It is best to limit your child’s options for food and drink. The restaurant might offer fizzy drinks, milk, fruit juices and water, but that might be too many drinks for your child to pick from. I suggest offering children only milk or water. I also advise that you limit the choices of food. There are often many choices on a menu; select the two healthiest options and allow children to pick one of them.
Choose the right restaurant
You could find out which restaurants are child-friendly before choosing one. You can ask friends for advice or search for information on the internet. It will be miserable for you, and for everyone else, if you try to take a young child to a formal restaurant only to find yourself trying to comfort a screaming child. It could also turn out to be an expensive waste of money if you don’t even finish the meal because you have to leave quickly. Save the expensive restaurants for adult-only occasions, and choose a less formal place with a relaxed atmosphere for the children.
Childproof the table
There are all kinds of items on a restaurant table that are not suitable for young children. As soon as you get to your table, make sure you childproof it – or at least the area of the table within your child’s reach. When I say childproof the table, I mean move the knives, salt pot and breakable objects out of reach.
Before you go
It is a good idea to talk with your child about how to behave at a restaurant before you go there. You could have a special meal at home; you’ll be able to enjoy it while helping your children learn what is expected of them at a restaurant.
It is important that children learn how to behave when they are in different situations. Eating out in restaurants is one of life’s pleasures, and children should be taught how to enjoy the experience.
What is the most important thing about any toy that you take to a restaurant?