Last updated on November 25th, 2023 at 02:06 pm
Dining without the whining is not always easy, and when you have multiples it can add some new challenges. Yet adding to that challenge is the “no kids allowed” movement that is popping up in restaurants among other places. Is this discrimination or a smart move on the part of these businesses? You might expect this at upscale restaurants where a quiet atmosphere is favorable.
Some parents would agree with Bronwyn R., mother to three year old twins, that it is “irritating to schedule a very RARE night out with [your] hubby and without [your] screaming kids, only to have to listen to somebody ELSE’S screaming kids.” Tracy L., mother of seven year old twins adds, “[There is] nothing like a much needed date night and the kid in the booth behind you is throwing a tantrum. I don’t mind kids in a chain-type restaurant, but in a more upscale place, I’d like to not hear kids when I’m trying to escape mine for a couple hours.”
But unfortunately some casual dining restaurants have also joined the “no kids” movement too. Why is this a trend? Is it that a growing number of people who choose not to have kids of their own have a low tolerance to children? oo many misbehaving kids? Is it the parent’s attitude about their children’s behavior?
Mike Vuick, owner of McDains restaurant outside Pittsburg PA, recently banned children under six years of age. He commented to the Today Show that when a child is being disruptive and “you go to the offending table ask ‘would you kindly, temporarily remove the child?’ Rather than cooperating, half the time they would look at you like ‘you don’t tell me what to do with my child!’”
Whatever the reason for the movement, we ALL wish for an enjoyable dining experience. How can we as parents make dining out a pleasant experience for us, our children and those around us?
Choose the Right Place for Your Family
There are many places that welcome families and even cater to their specific needs by having high chairs, supplying crayons and having a menu just for kids. Many places have an age or certain night where kids can even eat for free! Buffets are a good choice for eating out with young children since you have a variety of foods to choose from for picky eaters and you can eat right away. Other places serve bread or chips when you are seated to help satisfy eager children.
A place with built in distractions can be very helpful. There are a couple places our family goes to that have large fish aquariums that our toddlers love and we try to get seats next to them. If you have small children and bring them in a stroller, confirm that the restaurant has the space to accommodate. Remember if you have children who are still in diapers make sure they are clean before you arrive since many restaurants do not have baby changing stations in the restrooms!
Know When to Eat
If you go slightly before your usual dinner time you don’t risk your children becoming hungry which leads to crankiness very quickly! By doing this you may also miss the crowded mealtime rush so your children will be less likely to get overwhelmed. If your children are hungry when you arrive make sure to order an appetizer or bread to be brought right away.
Other parents have said they will bring a small snack for their little ones, it’s best to be discreet about doing this though. Also be aware of not going out too close to your children’s nap or bed time. Always make an honest “behavior reality check” and assess your children’s mood before you dine out.
Teach Your Children How to Conduct Themselves
Having well behaved kids at a restaurant, starts with training at home. Susan R. mother of six year old twins states “At home we stress really good table manners and we don’t let them get up and wander off and keep returning back to the table. When they are done, their hands are washed, and no more food. Also we don’t let them wander around the house with food, we eat at the table only.”
Miny O., an early childhood special education teacher and mother to one year old twins adds, “If we want our children to develop social skills they must be able to have experiences in public. I make a point to take my boys to a restaurant at least once a week for a fun family outing and to keep them familiar with the experience and the proper etiquette.”
Know Your Children’s Disposition
Natalie M. knows her twins disposition and says “I never put mine sitting together. They get into more trouble when they sit together.” Keep in mind too that babies little hands tend to grab for anything in their reach. So try to keep food and drinks at a safe distance to prevent them from spilling it all over themselves and the floor; and this happens quicker than you think!
Be Considerate of Others
No matter how excellent of a parent you are you will eventually experience a child having a “moment” in public. Kids get tired or bored or overstimulated and they don’t always know how to handle their emotions. Then what can you do? Michelle C. mother of 21 month old twins says “When mine start to act up I promptly correct it and if I can’t then I just pack it up.”
Tiffany E. mother of three year old twins says sometimes “it starts out good but goes south quickly; we [then] ask for boxes and leave a.s.a.p.” Hopefully you can correct the behavior and return to dining, even if it is stepping outside for a moment to redirect the child’s focus. When you do leave and there is a mess, make sure to show your appreciation to your server who has to clean it by leaving a decent tip.
If all else fails, hire a sitter and go out without the kids! You deserve Dining without the whining every now and then!
By: Jill Marcum
