Well behaved children in a restaurant? This is not a myth! Just because you have children does not mean that you are restricted to family restaurants with playgrounds and arcade games, or worse, doomed to eating at home all the time. Here are strategies for raising restaurant friendly children so parents can once again get out and experience the restaurants they enjoyed B.C. (Before Children).

Begin modelling table manners at home – Sitting together at the table for a meal, saying ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ and asking to be excused are all ways to model restaurant etiquette. It also builds vital family communication skills.
 
Follow through and expectations – Explain to the children that you are going to a restaurant and that you are expecting good behaviour from them. Be prepared to follow through with a time-out or other appropriate discipline.
 
Keep them busy - Bring along several quiet activities for them to do. Colouring books, drawing paper or word search books are a few options. Small toys such as Polly Pockets, G.I. Joes, Zoo animals or similar options are also a good idea. Also, playing cards or travel-sized board games together as a family can stimulate conversation.
 
Keep on schedule – Children thrive on consistency and routine. If dinner at home is at 6pm then try to go to the restaurant around 5.45pm. If you know that dinner will be later than usual give them a small snack at least an hour before. That way they will be ready to eat quietly.
 
Order your meal promptly – This will avoid the fidgeting and fussing associated with hungry children. Research the menu ahead of time and discuss choices prior to arrival at the restaurant. Allow them to select from those choices what they would like to eat.
 
Include them in conversation – Invite the children to participate in table discussions. The conversation doesn’t have to revolve around them completely, but imagine yourself having to sit at dinner without being allowed to share… you would misbehave too!
 
Be flexible – Obstacles may present themselves: children not feeling well, lots of homework, mom/dad working late or any other mitigating circumstances, so be prepared to change your plan and involve the entire family in the decision making process.
 
Restaurant etiquette is a life-skill that is beneficial to the development of children of all ages. Adults are responsible for role modelling in a positive way. Therefore, keep in mind, that if you are expecting your children to behave in a certain way, be aware they are watching what you do. If you are rude to the server, grumpy if you are hungry, or forget your table manners then be prepared to go into time-out! Understood?   WH