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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When the DC were younger we did not take them out very often as we could not afford it and when we did they were so interested in everything and the attention they got that was entertainment in themselves. Meal times are family times - a chance for catching up and entertaining each other with the days events (even if it is bad things) - all electrical things are banned and food is enjoyed!

In the past we have bought along colouring/sticker/activity books to keep our son entertained...although the promise of dessert is always a good incentive to behave in our family.

Colouring and drawing and conversations that interest them. My daughter loves talking about her day :)

The best thing to do in my view is put your phone away and talk as a group, if the adults aren't 'playing' on their phones, then the kids are less likely to want to 'play' too. Come up with games you can play quietly round the table if there is a long wait or maybe bring a colouring book if that's something your kids like.

Crayons

Whisper in their shell likes and say "if you don't behave wait till i get you home" Well used to work for my mum anyhow. We use some tablemats that have actvities on them and a pot of lego each.

We have what is called the spinning plate, a dodgy dinner plate that wasn't fired properly when it was in the kiln, and we put our bread on it, we spin in round in the middle of the dinner table, and wherever it stops, that person has to tell a joke or sing a little song, or make up a rhyme about what we are eating, also we have a set of animal cutlery that they adore, so each one takes turns to have a different animal knife fork and spoon! Hours of fun! :)

At home its just conversation but if we go out we take some (quiet) toys and his kindle.

We've always held the discipline of mealtimes being about the company and food and no other distractions! We all try to help cook or prepare together (in whatever way possible, big and small) so mealtimes are something to be appreciated and respected. We also try and keep mealtimes as a social catch up time for everyone. This has always seemed to work for us so far, thankfully!

We always bring a colouring book and some trains or cars!

No way would we ever attempt to take them to a non-child=friendly place. That direction lies misery for all.
We tend to have some back-up puzzle books for while we're waiting for food in case there are none provided and we join in the mazes etc.

We would expect the kids to behave when out as they would at home - they dont throw food around at home so why would they do it at a restaurant?

We have family meals together and chat about our day - admittedly at 5 and 8 they are perfectly able t keep up with the conversation but even as younger kids they would join in.

We have a strict no phone/tech at the table policy but at a restaurant we would let them take a puzzle book or colouring book

I have to admit that recently I've been letting him take a book on the odd occasion that we eat out!

Drawing and music. Also try to keep meals interesting and varied.

we used to take colouring book and pens, or playing cards to keep my DD entertained but now she is a it older she doesn't need constant entertainment at restaurants so sometimes we people watch or have funny conversations.

Simple. Involve them in the conversation. They only mis behave when they are bored. If I know the converstion is going to be to adult then I bring them colouring in or will let them play on an iPhone with headphones. You can't expect someone little to sit and be perfect if the aren't involved xx

Not ignoring the little ones is a good start, involve them in the conversation. Talk about the food too - tasting each other's is also good fun.

We take things they can draw on and with to keep them occupied.

We do tend to revisit our favourite family restaurants as they'll have some kind of colouring/puzzle sheets. If they have a Funny Face Sundae dessert (or similar) it creates a good blackmail tool for behaviour in order to get pudding! We do also tend to put an iPad in my handbag just in case!

I always take a colouring book and some pencils as my daughter loves to draw and colour in and the sheets that restaurant gives children are often just basic. These are mostly only used when there is a long delay.

We usually discuss what's on the menu, what they like and talk about our plans for the rest of the day or what we have just done that day/week at school etc. It's a great opportunity to give her our undivided attention; children can teach adults a lot.

With a baby or toddler my top tip is to go to an Italian restaurant where they will be showered with love and attention by the waiting staff 😊

Not to formal restaurants for a start, crayons, new books and including them in conversation.

Never underestimate the enduring effectiveness of “here comes the aeroplane” :)

animal shapes!

Was there a winner @EllieMumsnet