Tips for How to Dine Out While Having Your One Year Old Child with You

Ideas for How to Have an Enjoyable Dinner Out and Keeping Your Child Well Behaved

Hello everyone, how many of you hate it when you go to a restaurant and you are seated near the screaming out of control toddler who is between 1 and 2 years old? I do too, but as a parent of a one year old I have figured out some ways to keep my son controlled and happy enough for my wife and I along with anyone seated around us to have a good dinner.

The first time is never take a toddler that has not slept all day out to dinner. They will be fussy and due to lack of sleep can be almost impossible to calm and control from having outbursts. Second, make sure you bring a small snack for them with you. You never know how long it will take to get your food at a restaurant, bring something like the little goldfish crackers or cheerios with you. Third, see if you can order a side for your child and have it delivered before the rest of your meal, that way he is eating as quickly as possible and is entertained that way.

Speaking of eating, when you order your meal try for each parent to order something out of either their main entree or sides that the child will like. This way the child will have a variety of food to eat if he decides he doesn't like something that night that he usually loves. Also this way with each parent having something to share with the toddler it will share the responsibility for feeding and keeping his attention.

Finally, if you want a dessert but you know your child is on the edge of throwing a temper tantrum because they have been seated for too long, try ordering your dessert to go.

Hopefully these tips will help you have a fun and enjoyable dinner with your spouse and toddler, and allow everyone around you to enjoy their meal as well.