Moms of a toddler and baby

ArcticFox

Do you take your kids out to lunch?  People always want to do lunch dates but it stresses me out so much.  Like let's say we even go to somewhere loud like Panera.. my toddler fusses with her food, makes a mess, wants lots of attention.  The baby just squirms, doesn't want to sit still, and it is really hard to keep her occupied.

So basically I don't get to eat, or I scarf down my food so fast it is not enjoyable at all.  Anyone else feel this way?

I feel like I'm antisocial, but I have one of those babies that just won't sit still for 2 seconds, she wants to crawl around and so being in a highchair is torture for her.  It is a little diff going out to eat when DH is there because we can alternate eating, but if I go on a lunch date with friends I'm not going to go off with the baby.

brittneycc1982

No way!  The only place I have ever gone to eat with them by myself is Peter Piper, and even that is A LOT of work.  Not so much with M, but S just wants to run everywhere, doesn't want to sit in the high chair, etc.  It's a total pain in the butt.

kada626

I don't do lunch dates at restaurants either. It's a PIA and you never really enjoy yourself. You could always pick up some togo & invite them over.

eta: it's a little better now that dd2 is a little older but it's way more relaxing just to stay home.

Erika6504

I do, but DS is still young enough to where he usually sleeps or I hold him.  As long as he can look around he's happy.  And, luckily DD has gotten to the point where she's pretty good when we take her out as long as I bring crayons or something for her to play with.

Halo79RN

I don't remember going out much when ds was 6m/o... dd was 2 at that time.  so no.  ds wouldn't have been the problem... but I remember dd was fiesty at that age.  we would bring toys, crayons and coloring books and then snacks... it was a well thought out thing. we do more now... but they are nearly 3 and 4 1/2.  it gets much easier.  hang in there. 

maybe suggest takeout to a playground/park for a picnic.  we did that a lot.  I'd take out from Panera or a mexican restaurant we liked.   

lite-bright

Nope. It's hard enough to eat when DH and I are out together, b/c he's usually busy with our toddler and I'm dealing with DD2, who can't really sit on her own yet and isn't very comfortable in the booster we bring along. 

I have gravy spots on my hotsling from the last time we went out and I was wearing her while eating. Either that, or she ends up with bits in her hair.  

My toddler is pretty good about restaurants, but it would still be really hard to wrangle both of them right now and I think I'd rather not deal with the stress.  

melly&jimmy

I wish!  I feel the same as you - you don't get to enjoy yourself b/c you're too busy fussing over the LOs.  In my case, the toddler won't sit still.  What about picnic lunch dates.  Kids get to play and run while moms enjoy each other's company. 

Andys_Candy

HELL NO!!  McDonalds would be okay but we don't even do that....every so often we go out as a family but I never take them by myself, I *can* do it, but like you said it's just not enjoyable.  Takeout at home with friends is way way better, you should suggest that  

izzybella

OMG I know, eating out with them is really stressful. And it's usually just me with them, so I'm trying to put enough food on DS's tray to keep him satisfied (since he's a shoveler) and give me enough time to eat. Thankfully DD is pretty good and can eat on her own but man. . . I amaze my non-mom friends with the chaos that is mealtime for the 3 of us.