It is possible that before you became a mother when you went to a restaurant and a family with children was next to you, you snorted and inside you knew that it was not going to be a good evening, although it did not always have to be negative ... You did not understand why parents went with children to 'adult places' without realizing that they are simply 'places' and that depending on where it is exactly the children can go or not. If it is a restaurant, children can go.
But there comes a time in life when things change and suddenly you see yourself, with your children, sitting in a restaurant to enjoy a beautiful evening with the family. Suddenly you realize that if children do not bother their parents it has nothing to do with the children and more with what they do or do not do - whether they allow or do not allow - the parents. So today, if you don't want your children to bother you in a restaurant, don't think about what they can be a hassleBut what can you do to make everyone comfortable?
But before starting, I must also tell you that when you are in a restaurant with your children, if you receive bad looks, do not worry or get angry, they are looks that come from misunderstanding, ignorance and the lack of empathy that some may have. people. Do not be angry about that, and simply ensure that your children and your family in general spend a pleasant evening all together.
How to teach children if they are not welcome?
It's that sad, but it's that true. There are some restaurants that do not always accept entry with children, they do not deny it but they watch over you and if your children bother, they tell you. For this reason, how do you teach children to behave in a restaurant where they do not seem to be welcome? It is very important that you learn to act in the different situations that you may find yourself in these places. Because it is a priority for your children, seeing you act firmly will give the children confidence and that they are able to develop better social skills and appropriate behavior in a restaurant at an early age.
Whether you have a small child or if you have an older child, you need to know some tips to be able to spend a good evening with the family in a restaurant. Do not miss these useful techniques to be able to enjoy the restaurant without stress and without a negative feeling.
Techniques to enjoy the restaurant without stress
Call in advance to the place
As I have mentioned above, not all restaurants openly accept children and it is better to inform yourself so as not to feel uncomfortable once you arrive at the place. Do not risk it and call the restaurant before going and check if there are menus for children or if they do not accept children directly. It is better that you make sure there are places where children are accepted and that there are suitable menus for them. One way to find out is also if there are highchairs for children in the restaurant, if it is spacious to put baby strollers, etc.
The restaurants that are suitable for both adults and children are the ones you need to know so that everyone can enjoy this special moment. Children will not sit for two hours, they need to move and have fun.
Explain the expectations to your children
Before leaving home, you should tell your children the type of behavior you want to see in the restaurant, the respect they should have for the place and the rest of the diners. You need to convey to them what they can do and what you expect them to do. These expectations can help them understand what behaviors are appropriate: not making noise, using good manners, etc.
Attractive meals for children
For children to eat well in a restaurant you must be somewhat flexible in their diet and allow them to eat foods that they like or do not normally eat at home. You don't want to risk an unnecessary fight or your kids throwing a tantrum at the worst time. Allow your child to choose between several options the food he wants to eat and that you have previously thought about.
Painting games
In some restaurants there are painting papers for the children to entertain themselves, or they can give them paper napkins to make shapes and have a fun time. But don't underestimate children who are older either, as they also like to be treated like adults and enjoy a quiet evening eating as their parents do. The papers to paint or the entertainment can be used in the moments of waiting.
Don't go when the kids are very hungry
A child who is excessively tired or very hungry may be very irritable, but if you think well, being tired or being very hungry is not something that anyone likes ... If your little one has not had a nap, it is likely that he will feel too much irritated enough to 'put up with' an entire dinner or meal in a restaurant. If, on the other hand, you make sure that your child is rested and that he will not be excessively hungry, it is likely that the environment is calmer and that there is not so much danger that he will disturb other diners.
Prepare the exit to the restaurant without breaking your children's routines too much, Otherwise, children can become irritable and what could be a good time with the family can turn into a tense moment.
Prepare your distractions
Only in case of boredom or restlessness can you have some distractions prepared that you will surely know will keep them distracted for a while. You can have some toys, books, painting tools or anything else that your children like and that will allow them to be calm without making noise that could disturb the rest of the diners. Try not to carry any electronic device So as not to disturb the rest of the guests, if you want to take it out only in moments of desperation and limit time.