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going out to eat

meg1974meg1974 member
in Toddlers: 24 Months+

My kids have started behaving terribly when we go out to eat. DD1 runs around, talks loudly, bangs her plate, etc.We tried taking her out of the restaurant, but that doesn't bother her.  

DD2 screams so loud people hold their ears. We've tried ignoring her, but I honestly don't think she does it for attention. I think she just likes the sound of it. I try telling her 'Shhhh" and that stops her for a little while, but then she starts again. 

Is there anything we can do, other than not going out to eat anymore? 



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Re: going out to eat

  • WorcbrideWorcbride member
    This is what helped us:  before we walked into a place we would lay down the ground rules and told them we'd leave IMMEDIATELY.  I know it's a PITA but you have to stick to it--no warnings, no bribing, no threats.  Just silently pick them up and leave.  You dont go back in (its not a time out).  "Shh" isnt working if she keeps on doing it.  Like you said, its for attention--when you leave the attention goes away.  After a few times of doing this if they dont get it, you dont go out for a while.
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  • dragon_chicadragon_chica member

    imageWorcbride:
    This is what helped us:  before we walked into a place we would lay down the ground rules and told them we'd leave IMMEDIATELY.  I know it's a PITA but you have to stick to it--no warnings, no bribing, no threats.  Just silently pick them up and leave.  You dont go back in (its not a time out).  "Shh" isnt working if she keeps on doing it.  Like you said, its for attention--when you leave the attention goes away.  After a few times of doing this if they dont get it, you dont go out for a while.

    My cousin did this and it worked like a charm.

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  • jannv11jannv11 member
    I take a bag of toys and only eat out at off hours so the restaurant isn't busy.  DS isn't loud but doesn't like to sit still.  Coloring books, ipad,.....anything to keep them busy.
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  • superauntsuperaunt member

    imageWorcbride:
    This is what helped us:  before we walked into a place we would lay down the ground rules and told them we'd leave IMMEDIATELY.  I know it's a PITA but you have to stick to it--no warnings, no bribing, no threats.  Just silently pick them up and leave.  You dont go back in (its not a time out).  "Shh" isnt working if she keeps on doing it.  Like you said, its for attention--when you leave the attention goes away.  After a few times of doing this if they dont get it, you dont go out for a while.

    THIS.

    also, i have a tub of playdoh in my bag and raisins- both are things she only gets when we're out to eat so it keeps her well occupied (along with her meal) for a good hour.

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  • Max'smomMax'smom member

    We mostly do take out because DH cannot stand the work that it can be to eat out. IMO our boys don't have bad behavior they just have trouble waiting. Also if you don't eat out they won?t learn what is appropriate restaurant behavior. I recommend sticking to places that they act up less for us it is Mexican restaurants (chips and queso right away) also Outback (they love the bread) and like another poster said lay down the law before you go in and the first time they act up leave.

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  • MamatoA2010MamatoA2010 member
    I'll give you my tips for dining out with my 2.5 year old: I bring lots of snacks (ie Gerber Graduates cheddar flavored little crunchies), coloring books, stickers, crayons and a little etch a sketch I purchased at the Dollar Tree. These things keep DD busy until her meal arrives. She's usually pretty well behaved at restaurants though. GL!
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  • Kingston54Kingston54 member

    We had a few weeks/maybe 2 months where DS was acting up when we went out to dinner.  We just stayed consistent.  Making him sit, making him stay quiet, etc.  Not giving in.  As soon as we get to the restaurant, I have something for him to eat - keeps him busy right away.

    I also bring my iPhone and let him play with it after he eats.  Might be frowned upon but I think it's a fair compromise so that DH and I can eat in peace once in a while.

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