Dining out with kids can be a delightful family experience, but it can also become stressful if they’re not on their best behavior. Whether it's fidgeting, boredom, or restlessness, managing kids' behavior in public spaces like restaurants is no small feat.
However, with a little preparation and strategy, you can make your family meals out smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.
In this blog, we’ll explore five practical tips to help ensure that your kids behave well in restaurants. These tips focus on preparation, engagement, and positive reinforcement to turn dining out into a more pleasant experience.
Tip 1: Set Expectations for Kids’ Behavior Before You Arrive
One of the most effective ways to ensure good behavior from your kids is to set clear expectations before you even step foot in the restaurant. It’s important to let them know in advance what you expect of them during the meal. This simple conversation can go a long way in guiding their behavior, especially if you emphasize the importance of manners in public settings.
Be Clear and Specific
Before you leave the house, tell your kids exactly what kind of behavior is appropriate when they’re outside. Use language they can understand, and keep it simple. For instance, you might say:
- "We need to use our quiet voices."
- "We have to stay seated until the food arrives."
- "We can’t run around in the restaurant."
This pre-dining conversation allows them to understand the boundaries, and you can remind them of these expectations throughout the meal if necessary. Repeating these expectations also reinforces good habits, which helps improve kids’ behavior over time. Setting clear expectations not only establishes the rules but also gives your child a sense of control because they know what’s coming and how to act.
Use Positive Language
Instead of focusing solely on what they shouldn’t do, try framing expectations in a positive way:
- "Let’s see how nicely we can sit in our chairs!"
- "I’m excited to see how you use your restaurant manners!"
Positive language encourages cooperation and makes kids feel excited to show you their good behavior, rather than anxious about avoiding bad behavior.
Tip 2: Choose a Kid-Friendly Restaurant
Another key to success is choosing the right restaurant. Not every dining environment is going to be suitable for young children, and trying to make kids behave in a setting that isn’t designed for them can set everyone up for failure.
Look for Kid-Friendly Features
Many restaurants cater to families by providing kid-friendly menus, booster seats, high chairs, and even activities like crayons and coloring sheets. These small features can make a big difference when it comes to keeping kids entertained and happy.
You might also want to check if the restaurant has a more casual atmosphere, where kids’ natural energy is less likely to disturb other diners.
In a kid-friendly restaurant, there are often other families dining with young children, which means there’s less pressure to maintain perfect behavior. The environment is usually more forgiving, making it easier for kids to relax and enjoy the experience.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t reinforce good behavior, but it certainly helps when you’re in a space that understands the needs of families.
Familiar Environments
Kids thrive on routine and familiarity. If you frequent a particular restaurant, they may be more likely to behave well because they know what to expect. Going to a familiar place can reduce anxiety and help your child feel more comfortable, which often results in better behavior. If your child knows the restaurant layout, the kind of food available, and even the staff, they’ll feel more at ease and less likely to act out.
Tip 3: Keep Kids Engaged with Activities
Kids have shorter attention spans than adults, so keeping them engaged throughout the meal is critical. If they get bored, that’s when you’re likely to see fidgeting, restlessness, and possibly even disruptive behavior.
Bring Along Quiet Activities
One of the best ways to keep kids occupied is to bring along small, quiet activities that they can enjoy at the table. Some ideas include:
- Coloring books or activity sheets
- Puzzle toys
- Small action figures or dolls
- A small notebook for drawing
- A tablet with headphones for quiet games or videos (if screen time is allowed)
Keeping their hands busy will keep their minds engaged, helping to prevent boredom before the food arrives. By offering these activities, you can help kids focus their energy in a positive direction rather than on behaviors that might disturb the meal.
Involve Them in the Dining Experience
Another way to keep kids engaged is to involve them in the meal itself. If the restaurant offers a kids' menu, let them choose what they’d like to eat. This can make them feel important and involved in the dining experience.
You can also encourage them to be curious by asking questions like, "What are you most excited to eat?" or, "What colors do you see on your plate?"
By making the dining experience fun and interactive, you’re less likely to encounter behavior problems because your child is actively engaged in the meal.
Tip 4: Praise Your Kiddo’s Good Behaviors
Positive reinforcement is one of the most effective strategies for encouraging good behavior. Children respond well to praise and rewards, and this can be a powerful tool in helping them behave during meals.
Be Specific when Giving Kids Praises
Be sure to praise your child as soon as they demonstrate good behavior. If they sit still, use their inside voice, or wait patiently for their food, let them know how proud you are. For example, you might say:
- "I love how nicely you’re sitting at the table!"
- "You’re doing such a great job using your quiet voice!"
- “I really like that you’re waiting patiently!”
This kind of immediate positive feedback helps reinforce the behavior you want to see, and your child will be more likely to repeat it.
Use Rewards Wisely
You can also incentivize good behavior by offering small rewards. For instance, you might promise a dessert or extra playtime after dinner if they follow the rules. However, be careful not to rely too heavily on rewards, as this can sometimes backfire and lead to behavior problems if the child expects a treat every time.
Instead, use rewards as a fun bonus for particularly good behavior, while focusing primarily on praise and encouragement.
Tip 5: Be Flexible When Dining Out With Kiddos
No matter how well-prepared you are, it’s important to remember that kids have shorter attention spans than adults. Even the best-behaved child will have a hard time sitting still for long periods, so it’s crucial to manage your expectations accordingly.
Time Your Meal Wisely
If possible, try to time your restaurant visit to align with your child’s natural rhythm. Avoid dining out during times when your child is likely to be tired, cranky, or hungry, as this can increase the likelihood of meltdowns. Going out earlier in the evening or during lunchtime might be better than pushing for a late dinner.
Know When to Call It
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your child may start to get restless or act out. In these situations, it’s important to know when to wrap up the meal. If your child is showing signs that their patience is wearing thin, it’s okay to ask for the check early or box up the rest of your meal to go. Knowing when to end the outing is key to avoiding a meltdown and ensuring that your dining experience remains a positive one.
You could also take brief breaks, like stepping outside with your child to get some fresh air if you notice they’re getting restless. This can help reset their mood and make it easier for them to finish the meal without further disruptions.
Wrapping up
Dining out with kids doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. Remember, kids learn to behave nicely in public settings over time. Be patient with them and use each outing as an opportunity to reinforce positive habits.
With these tips in hand, I'm sure you can feel more confident about dining out with your kids, knowing that you have the tools to help them behave well and enjoy the experience!