This is a sponsored conversation on behalf of MyBrightFamily. Prizing, samples, and compensation provided by sponsor. Opinions 100% my own.
I hear from friends and readers all the time that they wish it were easier to dine out with their kids. From worries and concerns to negative past experiences, many families simply choose to either stay at home or limit their dining out to restaurants with playgrounds.
You do not have to resign yourself to ordering off a menu board for the next 18 years! It IS possible to have a positive experience at a sit-down restaurant with your kids. Today I wanted to share with you a few tips that my husband and I have learned over the years while dining out with our four children.
Talk About Expectations….BEFORE You Go
Before you leave the house, or in the car on the way to the restaurant, talk with your kids about behavioral expectations. Let them know the rules, and how you expect them to behave.
Be Consistent
Keep the same set of expectations at all dining establishments. Let your kids know that even though some restaurants have playgrounds or climbers, that while at the table, we always remain seated, use an indoor voice, etc.
Bring a Disposable Placemat With You
We’ve all had that cringe-worthy moment when our child puts their sandwich on that dirty restaurant table-top – the one they’ve just wiped down with that germ-laden rag…..gross! As parents, we want to protect our kids from germs while also doing our best to keep the area clean for the next patrons. Disposable placemats like MyTableMannersMat® are a fantastic and economical solution!
These table top placemats are individually folded, adhesive (designed to stick to any eating surface!), high-quality, cheerful, and a must for parents wanting to protect their kids from germs!
Enjoying a muffin at a coffee shop using a MyTableMannersMat! She loves the happy sun!
Quiet Table Games
Be ready with some quiet table games to keep boredom at bay and help kids wait. Games like “I Spy”, Tic-Tac-Toe, Hangman, etc can help pass the time and keep kids occupied while they wait for their food.
I always make sure to bring a notebook and something to write with so kids have the option of writing or drawing as they wait.
Talk About the Food Ahead of Time
If you have a picky eater, it may be a good idea to look at a menu before you arrive at the restaurant. Most restaurants have an online menu, allowing you to look over what your child’s choices will be. Some kids need to wrap their heads around an idea before accepting it.
Knowing things like if the restaurant offers your child’s regular “kid’s menu” choice (ie- mac and cheese, chicken fingers, etc), or any familiar foods, etc will help both of you. You may be able to steer your child towards a desirable choice while at home and prevent a possible meltdown or disappointment at the restaurant.
I hope a few of these tips will help your next dining out experience to be a positive one!
And now…..a giveaway!!!
TEN lucky Chasing Supermom readers are going to win a 60 count value pack of the MyTableMannersMat® from MyBrightFamily. These mats are adhesive, biodegradable, high-quality, versatile, and a must-have for parents! Whether you’re hanging out at the park or dining at your favorite local restaurant – you can rest easy knowing your kids can eat on a hygienic and fun surface!
You can check out these placemats on Amazon! (I always keep these in my car! Whether we’re having a picnic at the park, a snack outside the library, or a meal at a restaurant, I know my kids will be clean and safe!)
Get those entries in, and please go check out this awesome product!!
Disposable Table Top Placemats from MyBrightFamily® & Chasing Supermom
I’d use them for lunchtime!
I take them with me when we take our grandson out for meals to keep him entertained
I would use these when we go out to eat together.
These would be great for picnics.