Eating out with kids...

Just found a good article on eating out with children.  We've had really similar experiences to those outlined in the article, except we're not quite such serious "foodies".

Sal used to be great during meals when he'd sleep through them. We thought it was great. Happy hours had the right amount of buzz/white noise to put him to sleep. A co-worker with a 5 month old who is really into crying, has noticed that she too calms down and sleeps during the happy hour buzz.  It doesn't have to be happy hour, but louder restuarants are better - because of the background noise that soothes the child as well as it helping to mask the noise if your child isn't so quiet.

Now, he's much more into socializing. It's really great for him to notice another baby sitting a table or two away. They make some sort of baby connection and that's usually entertaining for everyone. We figure that getting him out and about sooner will make experiences later much easier. He'll know what going out is. He'll be used to interacting with a variety of people. And hopefully, he'll get a little more patience at the table.  That just isn't here quite yet.

The tip that I agree with the most strongly is to order early. If not your meal, at least your child's.  Ours doesn't do so good during the early dead time of the dining experience.  Isn't into the predinner chit chat.  He'll look around, play with silverware, and then want to do something.  If the food can get there quickly, we've got a better chance of him eating and being a good little diner go way up.

The tip I think that is missing is patience and giving up on having a "schedule".  They emphasize the rush and the "timer" - but it's really just about enjoying the moments at hand I think.  Don't worry about scripting out the meals too much.  Don't get stressed out when things don't go "as plannned".  All that extra stress won't do anyone any good. 

The habit of joyful family meals will be something you can enjoy for years.