Getting Toddlers to Behave well in a Restaurant
You might not think a restaurant and a toddler mix, but if you use the right techniques, you can get your little one to behave. What exactly will work will depend on you and your toddler, but the following tools might provide the key.
Model good behavior
Show your toddler how to behave. Many toddlers like to follow in their parents’ footsteps. Explain what you are doing as you do it. If there is someone that the toddler looks up to, like an older sibling, then let him or her explain what to do.
Bring distractions
One of the best ways to keep a toddler behaving well in a restaurant is to bring distractions. A lot of restaurants have coloring pads and crayons, and you can bring your own. Bring a small etch-a-sketch or magnetic drawing pad. Bring a little tub of play-doh or age appropriate characters. Bring books to read to him or her or activity books.
Practice
Practice being in a restaurant at home. Talk about the importance of behaving nicely. Explain to your toddler how you behave and why it is important.
Do not get the child’s food first
Some restaurants bring out the kids’ food ahead of the adults with the idea that the child won’t have to wait for the food to come. The problem occurs when the child finishes eating and then has nothing to do. Get all of the food together so that you are eating at the same time.
Choose your time wisely
Do not go to a restaurant with a cranky toddler desperately in need of a nap. Consider when your toddler is on his or her best behavior. If that is right after his nap in the afternoon, then consider going for a lunch.
Bring a calm child
You can also get your child into a calm mood before you go. If he or she has a lot of energy, perhaps take him or her to a playground so that he or she can run around. Read to your child before you go.
You should also consider the types of restaurants that you visit with your toddler. It will be much more difficult to get your toddler to behave in a fancy restaurant where you eat a two-hour, four-course meal. A quick pizza jaunt may work much better and appease your toddler. Choose the right place and try the above techniques to have a pain-free visit to a restaurant with your toddler.