Once we become parents, everything changes: from TV programs to cartoons to nights spent sleeping less than 6 hours interruptedly and dinner-time to three-ring circus. One area in particular that seems to take people by surprise when their toddler hits toddler age is dining out; though kids undoubtedly change lives they shouldn’t dictate or prevent you from visiting restaurants that serve up dishes you love like eggs Benedict which taste much better when served up by someone else than yourself!
Children are adaptable and capable of so much; with some guidance they can learn to dine out peacefully. So if temper tantrums, water cup tossing and other antics from your toddler in public settings are becoming an issue, rest assured there are ways that your little one could become an occasional diner!
Here are five strategies for dining out with your toddler (almost) without hassle or drama.
- Practice Dining Early. I knew when we had our daughter that I wanted us all to practice family dinner every single night from when she could sit up in her Bumbo seat. We tried finding ways to include her without making it all about her; while not perfect or quiet or long at times it did provide consistency that has continued through toddler years! With that foundation established our dining experiences at restaurants remain enjoyable experiences despite what might come our way in this aspect!
- Be realistic. No matter how well behaved a toddler might seem, they still possess more energy, less impulse control, and shorter attention spans than adults do. My two year old is generally eating what we give her with no need to entertain her for every bite; yet she occasionally throws temper tantrums which is to be expected at two years old! While you might teach your young one to sit still at a table without throwing forks around at meal times – don’t expect him or her to sit through an elaborate five course meal without throwing their forks around!
- Be Consistent. Once you know what your goals are, set specific standards to achieve them and stick to them consistently. For instance, if your aim is for everyone to sit quietly during meals and stay seated until everyone finishes eating; or you want the opportunity to talk freely without interruption from their child while simultaneously eating your meal and talking with others without them intruding on every conversation, find ways of including your child into meals as much as possible but still treat them just like another member at the table – eventually they’ll learn that it doesn’t revolve around them alone
- Be Prepared. This goes hand in hand with being realistic: since our children tend to have short attention spans, it’s essential that they be given ways to deal with this fact. Provide toys or activities only available when eating out so when they get to use it again it becomes an extra special treat – introduce new activities gradually over time for maximum effectiveness while decreasing clutter! Recommended toys/activities might include Colorform stickers, Color Wonder Books from Manhattan Toy Company Baby Cubes or Soft Books as possible ways of keeping children busy for as long as possible – here are just a few ideas: Colorform stickers/Color Wonder Books/Soft Books
- Be Patient. With Yourself and Them. They’ll sense when your energy changes, and if that makes you anxious or stressed they might respond with aggression at meal times. Take time out for you family while remembering they are learning – toddlers require guidance but will adapt given enough opportunities.