Taking 2 year old to fancy restaurant

[vincettenoir]

My brother is having a big birthday and the whole family is going to a fairly posh restaurant for Sunday lunch for the occasion. I have never been there before but I understand it is reasonably formal although they do allow small children.

My 2 year old daughter is invited because my brother wants us all there (also we wouldn’t have any childcare if she wasn’t invited).

When we go for a pub lunch my daughter obviously struggles to sit for long periods so we take turns to take her for a walk around the pub and keep her occupied at the table by giving her lots of attention. In a pub there is no pressure to keep the noise and activity down. But the atmosphere here will be different and I don’t want to be a nuisance to other diners at the restaurant.

I am not dead against using a tablet with headphones although it’s not ideal and it will only keep her occupied for so long anyway.

Does anyone have any tips on how to keep her occupied in a way that will minimise inconvenience to others?

I have a 2/yo and I would say sticker books too. My local home bargains sells them for 99p.

@vincettenoir

DB’s kids are older and you’re right, I think they have forgotten what it’s like eating out with small children.

But a key point for me is DB doesn’t usually do anything for their birthday as they don’t like the limelight, so the last thing I want to do is slag off their plans. I would really like to enjoy it with them and make it work the best I can.

Are DB's kids old enough to take your toddler for a short walk? If so I'd be bribing them to keep your LO occupied.