When my son was about two, we used to go to our local diner almost once a week. Our secret? A box of his favorite toys that we kept in the car and only brought out at the restaurant. Oh yeah, and a family friendly staff who always stuck us in a corner away from other diners, especially those without kids. Eating out as a family can be a lot of fun and great experience for all…or it can be a parent’s nightmare.
If your kids are young, it can be a challenge, so here are some tips to make those special nights out a real treat.
1. Know your kids. If they are in a stage where every meal is battle, just suck it up and wait six months.
2. Get your kids excited about the idea, and then practice at home. Kids love to pretend, so pretend you are
in a restaurant. Make it special and see how they do.
3. Pick a restaurant that has entertainment, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is launching new “Ziosks” at each table with tablet games (for $1.99 per visit). Or do like we did and bring your own toys.
4. Check the menu in advance. Make sure there’s something your child will like. Red Robin just revamped their kids menu (available June 15) and there are plenty of options, including healthy ones. Also, check the menu for allergens your kids may have.
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(Some of the healthy sides at Red Robin)
5. Take support with you. Don’t take your kids out with only one parent, if mom is out of town, bring a buddy who’s good with kids. Trying to manage your kids alone in a new situation can be overwhelming.
5. Take support with you. Don’t take your kids out with only one parent, if mom is out of town, bring a buddy who’s good with kids. Trying to manage your kids alone in a new situation can be overwhelming.
6. Get a table away from other people, particularly those without kids.
7. Going back to number two, make the trip a reward and let them know manners are must…or no reward.
8. Don’t take them when they are starving. Bring a snack and feed them first. When my daughter was little, her behavior fell off a cliff the moment she got hungry.
9. Set a good example. Be chill, your kids will pick up on that. If you’re tense, they’ll be tense.
10. Be ready to leave before your child gets bored or starts freaking out. At Red Robin, the Ziosk Tablet at your table will let you pay the bill without having to track down your server, a handy option.
And last if your child does act up, don’t add fuel to the fire. Stay calm and quickly defuse the situation, or end the meal and leave. People and restaurants will forgive a child for getting upset, but not an adult. So when you think your kids are ready, give it a try and enjoy.
The writer was hosted by Red Robin to learn more about their new children’s menu and dining options. All opinions and advice are his own.
