I remember when my first child was born. She was just a few weeks old, and I hadn’t left the house for anything! I was craving some Olive Garden and really needed some. Desperately. So, my Mom who was in town helping out, myself, and my husband along with our first child in tow all went out to eat. All was going well until my daughter started fussing. To me, it sounded like a scream so loud that it was disrupting the entire restaurant. I quickly picked her up and tried to console her. Too new to nursing, I didn’t want to try that in the restaurant. So, I tried to remain calm, but it was pointless. I made everyone pack up their food to go, and we left.
I laugh at that story now that I have 2 children, and am a more experienced Mom. While we try to cook most meals at home, usually we end up eating out once a week. I laugh because my daughter never cried that loud. She was such a sweet baby. It was more like fussing, than crying. But, to a brand new mother, I was sure everyone’s dinner around me was ruined. Looking back, I’m sure they didn’t even notice.
Eating out with children is hard. Especially now that I have a 4 year old and a 2 year old. I try very hard to keep my kids at the table, and have them behave. I used to wait tables, and know how frustrating it can be to have wild children running around. We always eat out at kid-friendly, casual places, but every now and then, someone will give us a crusty look like we are eating at a 5 star restaurant. I hate that feeling.
We rarely eat fast food, but there is one restaurant that I love that really caters to families. Chick-fil-A. They are always so helpful. When I lived in GA (their home base), I was frequently greeted at the door. Someone would open it for me. Then, when I ordered my food, they would tell me to go ahead and sit down, and they’d bring it to me. They had place mats for kids so that they didn’t set their food down on the table. And, the food was always good. That’s service!
When we go out to eat at other not so accommodating places, I always make sure to bring a few tiny toys to keep my kids busy before and after the meal. We have a strict rule that no one gets out of their seats and walks around. We explain to them before they go in that they have to behave, sit in their seats, and eat! Usually we get good results.
While it is definitely more difficult to eat out with children, it is possible. Just come prepared, and explain the rules, and usually, everything will be alright. If not, there is always take out.