Eating Out

Em&Bee

Although we don't eat out very often anymore, when we do, we have trouble entertaining our 2 yo and keeping her in her high chair.  Anyone else have the same problem?  I've tried books, crayons, games on the cell phone, magnadoodle, etc.  What do you do?

stever

DH is our appointed DS walker so usually spends about a third of the time showing DS around. It sucks but we're used to it and it's better than either staying home or having DS causing a ruckus.

BrideBuddies

Make sure your kid is pretty hungry by the time you get to the restaurant.. and not overly tired. 

The second your server comes around, order the kids' meal immediately and tell them you want it ASAP.   And be prepared to take most of yours (or DH's) home in a to-go box.

Also, ask for crackers or carrots or something to tide them over until the food comes.

Then.. hope and pray you can keep the kid entertained long enough to get some food in you.

Break out a new toy (or one that the kiddo hasn't seen in a long time).

GL

jlw2505

At age 2, we only took the kids to family friendly places and not that often and one of us would typically walk around or sit in the waiting area near the door with the kids.  Now at 4 and almost 6, they do really well most of the time with the things we bring along. 

EastCoastBride

Yeah - we basically RARELY went out for awhile w/ DS!  But when we did, I always went to places where I knew the menu (i.e. basically knew what I wanted when we sat down and could order ASAP), and where I knew the service was fast. 

I actually did the opposite of BrideBuddies, though.  When we'd first get there, he was usually good w/ sitting in the highchair.  So we'd entertain him, maybe have a little snack for him.  Then when all our food came out together, that kept him happy and actually gave us a chance to eat before having to run out.   I did NOT want them to bring his food out first because that basically ensured that DH and I wouldn't really get a chance to eat. 

pahokie

We didn't put DD in the high chair until the food arrived.  She was happier on our laps or walking around (with parental escort, of course).  Once the food arrived she was occupied with eating for at least a while. Not a great scenario, but better than trying to eat with a screaming child.

RaeAnt

I always have snacks in my bag for DS for stores and restaurants, otherwise DS get out of hand. He'll snack on cranberries or raisins,etc He's real good about behaving as long as he has that "snack".

ateytelb

Of course we do have the same problem. A couple of brand-new toys and walking around a little before the food comes may work. Also, we always ask the waiter to bring the kids' food at the same time with ours. This way we get to eat, too!

robynlesley

We play videos on our phones/an old iPod Touch. That's what keeps him occupied when we, occasionally, eat out. Books help too. But the videos work the best and we have a 90 minute window--the last half hour is trickier, but that's the max.