I know many parents avoid taking their children out to restaurants. I’ve been there and I get it. But just because you have young children doesn’t mean you’re trapped in your own dining room forever. Instead, you just have to plan ahead a little and be prepared.

I have found that keeping my girls engaged and busy while we are waiting for our food is the key to a successful waiting period which is phase one of a restaurant outing. It can be as simple as bringing books, coloring pages and crayons for some kids while others need something a little more captivating. Magnet books or sticker books where they have something “to do” might help. Or, you can try items they might not normally play with at home. Like a calculator. It may sound strange but we have a number of them we picked up at a discount store (all different shapes and sizes) and they hold our kids attentions for quite a while, no matter their age.

 The second phase of dining out is the actual meal itself. And here’s when things often get dicey. Most kids don’t last long enough for their parents to even come close to finishing a meal and this is why we parents never bother going out to eat. However, a little strategy can work wonders. I got into the habit of taking food for my youngest. It seems wrong to take your own food with you out to eat but she’s so picky that I know I’m more likely to get some added time to the meal, if she is busy eating. And if she’ll only eat a pb&j sandwich then I’ll pack one! It saves us money on a kid’s meal anyway. And instead of giving her a variety of foods right away, I try to pace it a little. This peaks her interest every time a new baggie comes out of my purse. And now that she’s gotten a lit older, I give her foods she has to use a little knife with (yes, I have brought my own little baby knife before). She likes to spread cream cheese or peanut butter on things and although she’s a master at it, it still takes just a little longer than if she were just eating her food without the extra work. And it’s this kind of work that will keep her occupied and me able to enjoy a few more bites of my dinner.

 And last but not least, when I’m really trying to savor our outing and my meal, I will bring out a lollipop. I know that’ll give me another 15 minutes. And that much extra time at a restaurant is golden!

 It takes some work and effort on our parts as parents but when we load up a bag full of toys, books, and food, dining out can be a pleasure, even with kids!