Read Mumsnet users top tips for keeping their DC entertained during dinner

[EllieMumsnet]

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Trying to keep your children entertained and not act like wild animals throughout meal times can feel like a bit of a struggle sometimes, especially if you go out as a family to a restaurant. Whether you have to make sure your children don’t throw food around or stay in their seat throughout the entire meal, Frankie & Benny’s would love to know what your top tips are for keeping your children entertained during meal times.

Here’s what Frankie & Benny’s have to say: “Launching this half term at Frankie & Benny's, we're giving away a free Squishie with every kids' meal. You're going to need to head down to your nearest restaurant to collect all ten before they’re gone! If you haven't heard about Squishies, they are cute foamy toys that you can squeeze to you hearts content, before watching them magically re-inflate. There are 10 different adorable Squishies up for grabs at Frankie & Benny’s, tick each one off on our Squishies Passport as you collect them!"

Do you only choose family friendly restaurants to eat out at? Perhaps for meals at home, you cut their food into interesting shapes to ensure there’s an element of fun? What about playing games at the table and if so what kind of games do you play? Or maybe you bring colouring and toys along with you to restaurants?

Whatever your top tips are for keeping your children entertained post them on the thread below and everyone who does will be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher of their choice (from a list).

Thank you and good luck with the prize draw!
MNHQ

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With a 15 month old I just have to take food he will eat that takes a while to eat to keep him occupied and a few small quite toys

Mine seemed pretty entertained by my whisper yelling atvthem to behave. Seriously though, we try to go to family friendly places (my youngest actually wanted to go to Frankie and Benhy’s last but I said no, we were eating at home) that cater for younger children, e.g. paper and pens/pencils/crayons for drawing.

Crayons & paper are a must!

Our youngest daughter has a two year old daughter who from a very young age has been shown how to sit properly at the dinner table etc. I was amazed about two weeks ago as i took them out to a very busy restaurant and our 2 year old Grandchild behaved impeccably. I was amazed to see her eating her meal properly with a knife and fork. Several other diners made comments on her behaviour and how nice it was to see such a young child eating with a knife and fork.

when we go out for dinner, its more of a problem, but we do finds that if we go somewhere where there is a play area too, it makes them sit still for the meal and doesnt matter too much if they do get up

We didn't eat out much when my son was young but when we did the focus was on the food as much as possible. I'd always have a bag of stuff with me for entertainment just in case, never went anywhere without it!

I plan the trip by organising a shopping day or visit the cinema first before visiting a restaurant then we have plenty to chat about while in a restaurant. I like to see families talking rather than parents and their kids on mobiles playing games or whatever they’re doing.

Take a bag of activities with us.

we used to take colouring books with us. I think its important for children to learn to be sat at the table when out for meals. This enable us to keep them occupied whilst waiting for there food.

Mix of keeping them engaged and also having activities on hand for them incase they lose interest. best to keep them occupied and not throwing a tantrum disturbing others as they are bored.

We talk lots, plus I always have random “stuff” in my handbag which is good for keeping both adults and children entertained! Mini colours pencils, mini colouring book, paper, a pack of playing cards ( mini of course!), and very weirdly - but surprisingly good for distraction- a tape measure.... if I’m going somewhere specific I have my magic tin too. ( a small tin, fulled with Lego and with adhesive Lego tape attached to the lid.

For little ones keep it short but for older children we talk about their lives, hopes, dreams and play word games or make teams to debate. I always have a few toys, books etc when eating out

Talk to them, find topics they are interested in and have a conversation

We always found chat and something to colour was enough.

We chat about the day as this is the time when we are all together. We also like to play little games, like the yes/no game as it distracts them from sitting there that long whilst not stopping them eating. Works everytime

We like to ask our two about their day.. talk about what our weekend plans are... ask if they have any worries...

playing simple games with what is available - eg what is missing from the things in the table

I like to stick to family friendly places to eat, if it has a play area then even better! Although I don't allow ipads to be used during meals! I prefer to keep my children engaged by talking to them about things they want to talk about

family friendly restaurants colouring books and crayons!

Just keep talking and asking about there day. I can't abide tv and phones at meal times. Mine are used to it as we have always had meals like that. Nothing wrong with good conversation

Generally choose family friendly. They like it when companies give them colouring/puzzle activities.

Don't have any? :)

iPad sometimes is the only way (hangs head in shame)

i just tell my daughter if others cant eat in peace she cant have dessert simple! i take some colouring books just in case but she knows we are out to eat and she needs to behave, nothing worse than screaming kids running round whilst you are trying to eat, with 8 kids in tow, ive never had an issue!

1. Firm persuasive talk before outing.
2. Choose a discrete corner.
3. Distraction techniques at table.
4. Lots of eye spy type games in your repotoire.
5. Lots of praise for good sitting/eating/listening etc.
6. A reminder of the nice things you'll do in the future because of good behaviour.
7. Don't prolong the meal into their tired zone.
8. Don't be afraid to cut the meal short if you sense impending anarchy!