Eat Out with a Toddler

‎Steps

←Older revision		Revision as of 23:38, 25 June 2016
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	[[Category:Parenting]]		[[Category:Parenting]]
	== Steps ==		== Steps ==
−	#Choose a time when the child is well rested and the restaurant is not likely to be busy. Late mornings or late afternoons are often a good choice because there is not a wait for a table, service is usually faster and the staff has time to clean up after you leave.[[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]	+	#Choose a time when the child is well rested and the restaurant is not likely to be busy. Late mornings or late afternoons are often a good choice because there is not a wait for a table, service is usually faster and the staff has time to clean up after you leave. Giving your child a quick snack before you leave may help if they are overly hungry, just make sure that it doesn't destroy their chance of eating. [[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 1 Version 2.jpg|center]]
	#Select a kid friendly restaurant. Anywhere that has crayons and special children's menus are a good place to start. Call ahead. Ask about seating (do they have booster seats or high chairs available?) and if toddlers are welcome (you can ask this question straight out) and about entertainment provided. A growing number of restaurants have play areas!		#Select a kid friendly restaurant. Anywhere that has crayons and special children's menus are a good place to start. Call ahead. Ask about seating (do they have booster seats or high chairs available?) and if toddlers are welcome (you can ask this question straight out) and about entertainment provided. A growing number of restaurants have play areas!
	#[[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]		#[[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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	#After ordering pull out some small quiet toys, crayons and a drawing pad, books (pack a bag before you go) or your smart phone to occupy your child through the wait. Another idea is for one adult to walk around with the child outside or in the lobby until the food is ready. You can also ask if crackers, bread or side dishes can be brought out right away.[[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 5 Version 2.jpg|center]]		#After ordering pull out some small quiet toys, crayons and a drawing pad, books (pack a bag before you go) or your smart phone to occupy your child through the wait. Another idea is for one adult to walk around with the child outside or in the lobby until the food is ready. You can also ask if crackers, bread or side dishes can be brought out right away.[[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 5 Version 2.jpg|center]]
	#When the meal arrives if there is more than one adult let one focus on getting the child's meal cut up and helping him eat while someone else eats quickly and then switching places. This format of adults taking turns with the child also works when the child needs a diaper change or potty break, needs distracted, or taken out. [[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 6 Version 2.jpg|center]]		#When the meal arrives if there is more than one adult let one focus on getting the child's meal cut up and helping him eat while someone else eats quickly and then switching places. This format of adults taking turns with the child also works when the child needs a diaper change or potty break, needs distracted, or taken out. [[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 6 Version 2.jpg|center]]
−	#Try to leave the table and surrounding area somewhat clean. You don't need to get on hands and knees to clean under the table, but picking up the larger pieces that are at risk of being stepped on is polite.[[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]	+	#Try to leave the table and surrounding area somewhat clean. You don't need to get on hands and knees to clean under the table, but picking up the larger pieces that are at risk of being stepped on is polite. Bringing along some disinfectant wipes to wipe the table off after your child eats or spills is also a good idea, though you may need to make sure the restaurant allows these on eating surfaces. Pick up ALL of your belongings: your purse, your toddler's books, crayons, and toys, your receipt, your phone, your toddler's comfort object, etc. [[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]
−	#Leave a good tip. The stain on the carpet and the special requests, the noisiness, and anything else, the waitress and others who dealt with you and your toddler deserve a tip. [[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 8 Version 2.jpg|center]]	+	#Leave a good tip. Depending on how your toddler behaved and what you asked for, you may need to leave a tip as much as ten dollars ($10). The stain on the carpet and the special requests, the noisiness, and anything else, the waitress and others who dealt with you and your toddler deserve a tip. [[Image:Eat Out with a Toddler Step 8 Version 2.jpg|center]]
	== Tips ==		== Tips ==