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Original poster

Eating out with kids?

193 replies

Lovingeachday · 22/09/2018 20:53

How do you find the best way to entertain your children when eating out? I’ve found that I hardly do it now it’s just me and them as they often act up when out.

OP posts:
JustDanceAddict · 24/09/2018 20:10

Barely when they were toddler, although DD was ok, DS was terrible and we only ate out if we had to (ie on holiday) until he was around 4. Once he could eat out without screaming about the food, we took colouring stuff mainly and things like uno on holiday. Didn’t like screens although they are teens now and smartphones not around when they were really young.

LaPufalina · 24/09/2018 20:59

Our toddler has eaten out a fair bit so is reasonably used to it... my strategy is not to put her in the high chair until food arrives, so walk around with her if possible and not annoying to others. When food arrives, in chair, then once she's done and I'm not, the big guns (Hey Duggee) might come out if it's not a place that has colouring etc/if it's a spontaneous outing and I didn't pack stickers/toys.

Deadbudgie · 25/09/2018 11:42

Don’t you just talk as a family whilst waiting and maybe do the colouring/puzzles on the kids menu. Some places have kids corners (the loungers group are exceptional with this). Otherwise watch something on iPhone. Start off taking them out as babies and they grow up knowing how to act when out for food

TinklyLittleLaugh · 25/09/2018 12:21

We've been pretty lucky with our four. They're mostly grown up now and were little in pre iPad days and we got by easily with colouring, chatting and choosing restaurants with speedy service times where possible.

We eat at the table for pretty much every meal though and always employed a no screens at the table rule so it's just normal for them. Eating out is a real family pleasure.

JayDot500 · 25/09/2018 12:24

"Tabraaaaaat!"

Not all the time though, depends on his mood. We don't always take the tablet, and don't always use it when we take it, but it definitely gets used if we have it and he's playing up. If I don't have the tablet, he's the kind of child I have to take outdoors to let off steam. I'm not always going to be in that mood.

Son is 2 and 8 months.

delphguelph · 25/09/2018 12:25

Yeah we don't eat out with our kids. Too much like hard work and expensive?

It's a no from me.

BestBeforeYesterday · 25/09/2018 12:30

DS1 is nearly four and has become quite good at sitting still and waiting. Before that, he was a nightmare, and DS2 still is. The only thing -literally the only thing - he wants to do is walk around the restaurant with me dragging behind. Seeing as that is my idea of hell, we avoid going out for meals unless it's absolutely necessary.

HugoBearsMummy · 25/09/2018 12:42

Makes me laugh how some people seem to have an ‘attitude’ in regards to parents allowing their child to look at their phone for few minutes, watch peppa pig or play a game, what’s the issue?? I’d much rather a toddler was calm and entertained than screaming the place down disturbing everyone eating their meals around them! No I don’t give the phone to my DS the second we sit down it’s only if playing, books, colouring, etc gets a bit meh & he’s beginning to get fed up that we’ll offer it to him (if he asks for it) but people saying ‘oh no definately no screens’ get over yourselves & stop being so judgey!! I’d rather be out and about with my child from as young as possible than saying stay at home till they’re 3?! 😐

sugarbum · 25/09/2018 12:46

We don't do it much. We never have. DS1 was a bit of a nightmare from day 1 (couldn't be still, couldn't be entertained with colouring) and it wasn't any fun. DS2 has always been happy to eat out. He chats, colours in, plays with whatever is about (napkins, cutlery if you let him - we don't) talks to staff. Reviews the toilets. etc.

DS1 is now 11 and he still whinges and fidgets. DS2 is 8 and is still easy.

DitchingTheDye · 25/09/2018 12:47

I have two young kids so I find eating out quite stressful if I don't have help. I tend to bring snacks so they have something to eat straight away, gobble my food as soon as I get it then make a swift exit!!

Whiskeyjar · 25/09/2018 12:47

@Acitywallandatrampoline

Totally agree!

SemperIdem · 25/09/2018 12:51

My daughter is allowed to bring two small toys and a book with her. Broadly speaking she’s happy to chat away rather than play with the toys but they’re useful to have on hand.

Notso · 25/09/2018 12:56

HugoBearsMummy
The last four family meals we've had have been peppered by annoying music blearing out of phones/tablets being used to distract kids.
I find it really irritating, I'd rather hear a tantrum.

TryAnotherOne · 25/09/2018 12:57

My 4 & 5 year old we just chat really, although they’re pretty good at being able to wait.
The toddler we take small cars, colouring stuff, books etc, although none of it works and we usually just resort to letting him watch Hey Duggee on our phones.

5foot5 · 25/09/2018 13:08

Have a conversation with them.

^This.

After all, you wouldn't take an adult out for a meal and proceed to ignore them or have a conversation with your DP that excludes them. Or expect them to take a book, the newspaper or a tablet to keep themselves occupied while you had a peaceful meal. That would just be rude. So why would you do it with a child? Include them in the conversation and keep it at a level they will be interested in and can join in with.

twinkledag · 25/09/2018 13:21

Talk and play I Spy mostly. Involve them in the conversation. I'm not one for iPhones and iPads when out and about - sorry.

stressedbeyond123 · 25/09/2018 13:35

My DD loves playing an alphabet type game - you name a food beginning with A and the next person has to name a food beginning with the last letter of what person before them said....

Another one is go through the alphabet in your head, the person next to you says stop and you have to describe the animal beginning with the letter you stopped on.

once bored of those she has a go on someone's phone lol

BigGlasses · 25/09/2018 13:41

We normally do colouring, top trumps, dobble, uno etc. Or like others, distracting coversation. I'm not adverse to using phones, but we have 3 kids and one (2 if DH is there) phone so ends up being much more disruptive as they will fight over who gets to use the phone!

Luxembourgmama · 25/09/2018 13:47

Colouring books and jigsaws at the moment. Also etch a sketch. I also make sure to go to places where the food comes quickly.

TeddybearBaby · 25/09/2018 13:51

@5foot5 that’s a weird comparison. I suddenly had visions of picking up my crying friend and taking her outside for a stroll or changing my husbands nappy. Yuk!

BluebellCockleshell123 · 25/09/2018 13:52

I try to keep them away from their phones / ipads so we sometimes play dominos or cards or play word games.

Went out this weekend & they spent ages making funny things out of the napkins - sailor hats, nun's habits, burkas, ears, bras, smurf hats, etc, etc.

They sometimes get screens between ordering & food arriving (depends how shattered DH & I are and how hangry the kids are) but they are never allowed any volume.

lolarose896 · 25/09/2018 13:54

I am actually writing a thesis about this at the moment for my Masters in Developmental Psychology. It is lovely to read all of your posts about mealtimes in your households.
It is so fascinating to understand how different families and cultures spend mealtimes together with their children.
You would be surprised by how many cultures do not see a need to 'entertain' children whilst eating out together. Many cultures integrate the children into the meal by including them into the conversation and eating tapas type of foods where everyone shares what is served. On the other hand, some cultures find that mealtimes are purely a necessity and not viewed as a valued part of family life.

flipflopping · 25/09/2018 13:55

When DS was small we occasionally took a mini aqua drawing mat, about A4 size. Other than that, nothing. Find it quite a weird idea TBH. Definitely wouldn't get into the habit of giving them a phone or tablet. You wouldn't let a child use a tablet during dinner at home so why do it in a restaurant?

Gromance02 · 25/09/2018 14:04

I assume all of you that give your children an ipod or play nursery rhymes on a tablet are using headphones? I don't want to hear some fucking nursery rhyme when I'm out for a drink or meal with friends.

GunpowderGelatine · 25/09/2018 14:07

that’s a weird comparison. I suddenly had visions of picking up my crying friend and taking her outside for a stroll or changing my husbands nappy. Yuk!

Haha yes, I don't have to move the cutlery away from my friends in restaurants and be worried they get too tired and start whingeing. They also don't have an overwhelming desire to run about between chairs