We went out for dinner, with the kids, last night for the first time in years. I think it's fair to say that by the time dinner arrived we were wishing we hadn't. At least without a strait jacket or restraints to hold Charlie in his chair. He was determined to go for a swim in the pool just outside the restaurant (motel restaurant in town that had been recommended). D took him outside to look at the pool, while explaining why he couldn't go swimming (ie you can't swim yet little man) and turned around to find Charlie in the process of stripping off. Finally he got him back into the restaurant with promises that he would behave, only to have him run off again, several times. So I just wanted to ask, is it possible to take small children with you when you go out to dinner, or should we just give up?
Friday, January 19, 2007
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Hmm, I think that you can take Gemma out to dinner but probably not Charlie.
We used to take Oliver out a lot when he was teensy and didn't move a lot. It was excellent! Now that he crawls and has developed vocal chords, it gets a bit harder. I can only imagine that Charlie would be 10 times harder.
having said thta, if you do it often enough, he will get used to it.
Heh!
On the weekend Andrew told a story of a 5 year old that was still being breastfed occasionaly.
The story goes that they were at a party when said 5 year old has a tanty 'cause he wanted some booby buit Mum didn't figure the setting was right.
He subsequently attacked Mum and tried to pull her shirt open.
Just translating that to the restaurant .... : )
Yes it is possible! Don't get too down hearted... It takes planning and perservance (as does everything with small people!)
First play restaurants at home - strictly! And maybe with just do you want something different in your sandwich... Then progress to local chinese/pizzeria/family oriented restaurant (I realise you may have a more limited choice there Min). Get the menu beforehand so you know exactly what you're going to order for everyone (or even pre-order via phone). Also bring toys/colouring in/whatever gives you 5min peace. I'm completely evil - I will bring out a new colouring in or short story book so you get the novelty factor + activity...
After going to the restaurant - play restaurants at home again (if you can stand it) and vary the "polite & nice" behaviour with the "get out of my restaurant & don't come back" behaviour - let the kids be the ones who decide whether you're being well behaved enough to stay... this can help give them the general idea.
Small doses at regular intervals - and it does get easier! At our local chinese we order the 5yr old's fried rice, spring rolls & apple juice before we even sit down and they have it on the table within 5-8min. It helps that we turn up at about 6pm when they are practically empty and are out again by 7... Be realistic - yes you aren't going to have a lovely long meal - but hey someone else is doing the cooking AND cleaning up - so it's all fine with me...
we used to play resturants at home, it was fun.
we also did it at the Centre, complete with little vases of flowers and dim lighting, and tablecloths. hilarious, and the kids LOVED it. and they get really interested in the food because it seems more 'special' when it's presented like that. sometimes we did themes (apart from national days) like Italian or Chinese.
try during the day when they aren't as fractious, and as Fliss says, go family-friendly first and know the menu. make your first visits short and sharp and get out before the trouble starts (ha)!
Thanks guys, the playing restaurants sounds like a great idea. We went as soon as it opened, but so did a lot of other people unfortunately. Also with the swimming pool just outside we didn't really stand a chance. But we will keep trying. We have a wedding reception in March, so we will have to see how it goes...
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