“I have noticed that restaurants'
kids' menus have mostly high fat, poor nutrition choices. While choosing
between cheeseburgers, hotdogs, chicken fingers (covered in high-fat
breading), and macaroni and cheese may sound fun for the kids, these
foods are extremely high in saturated (bad) fats. Here's a tip: if the
kids' menu doesn't have anything reasonable, order something off the
regular menu for your children.”
—Dr. Sears
(Ask Dr. Sears)
pdf version - print it, copy it, pass it out!
print on heavy orange or light-orange cardstock, back to back, and cut into three.
before you copy it, stamp your logo in the space provided so customers remember your business!
12 Tips - For Dining Out with Children
1. When planning your outing, call ahead and mention that you are dining with a child.
Ask if the restaurant can recommend any special seating that would make the dining experience easier for you and for other diners.
2. Go early!
If you're going out to eat, make sure it isn't on the verge of naptime or sleep time, when kids tend to be most fussy. The best time to go to dinner is between 5:00 and 6:00 p.m., when children are most likely to be in good spirits, and the main dinner crowd has yet to arrive.
3. Bring light snacks to stave away hunger pangs while waiting for your meal.
You can request specific foods or dietary restrictions as well. Make sure to bring a bottle or sippy cup of milk, since the kind your child drinks may not be available on that flight.
4. Pack some small, quiet toys or coloring activities to keep your children occupied throughout the meal.
Crayons and paper, Play Doh or small figurines often help pass the time while waiting for food and after finishing, so you can eat your meal without rushing.
5. Practice table manners at home, so that visits to restaurants are not such a foreign experience.
Talk to your children about sitting at the table, eating with utensils, not throwing food or climbing under tables. Make conversation and teach the social value of eating together.
6. Ask your kids what they want rather than making assumptions
They'll be more likely to eat what they choose for themselves. If your children are old enough, let them give the waiter their order. You'll be amazed at how empowering this small act of independence can be.
7. While waiting for your meal to be served, take young children for a walk outside if possible or inside somewhere that does not disturb clients or waiters with serving trays.
When the meal arrives, your little ones will be more likely to sit still.
8. If your child becomes agitated or upset, try taking a walk outside the restaurant.
Fellow diners will be glad to eat without hearing a crying child, and you and your partner can take turns eating. If this behavior continues, ask for your food to go and enjoy your meal at home. It will ultimately be a more peaceful experience for you and those around you.
9. Bring bibs for infants and child-size utensils for toddlers.
Restaurant silverware can be rather large for kids, and forks and spoons from home provide a sense of familiarity.
10. A mess is often inevitable, but leaving that mess is not.
Try your best to clean up as much as you can from the table and floor. While straightening up, you will also find any toys or crayons that have been misplaced.
11. Since waiting on families often requires more energy and effort, give your server a generous tip.
It sends a message that good service is truly appreciated.
12. Keep a sense of humor about you, and don't expect to dine the same way you would as a couple.
Take your kids to restaurants that tolerates the noise and energy of children. Save visits to quiet, upscale restaurants for special one-on-one occasions.