Dining Out: Tips for Going to Restaurants with Your Child How to Create Success at Mealtime When Away from Home 

Taking your child out to eat is a great way to help them build social and other life skills that will serve them well as they grow older and become more independent. As with most things, a successful dining-out experience takes practice and preparation.   

Here are some tips to help you and your family. 

Do Your Research  

Read recently written reviews by other diners to make sure the restaurant you choose is kid-friendly with fast service and a helpful wait staff. Also, look at the menu online and review it with your child so they can pick out a few things they’d like to eat before you get there.   

Prepare Your Child  

Before you go to the restaurant, set up your dining table with menus and have your child practice ordering their food. Go over some ground rules in advance, like staying in their seat and speaking with their quiet voice.   

Reduce Exposure to Stimulation  

Visit the restaurant during off-peak hours when it’s not busy. This can help keep your child from becoming overwhelmed and anxious. If the restaurant has booths, ask if you can be seated in one. Tucking your child into a booth can further shield them from unwanted sensory stimulation.   

Bring Snacks and Activities  

Just in case the food at the restaurant doesn’t agree with your child’s tastes or if it takes a while to arrive, bring along some of their favorite snacks. This can help keep meltdowns at bay. While your meal is being made, you can also occupy your child with fun activities such as drawing, coloring, reading or viewing videos on a tablet.   

Reward Good Behavior  

Shower your child with praise throughout the meal for being on their best behavior. Consider setting up a token economy where your child can earn a certain number of tokens while they’re at the restaurant that they can exchange for a reward like a dessert at the end of the meal or a favorite activity when they get home.  

Minimize Time at the Restaurant  

Long waits are no fun, even for adults. Find a place that takes reservations or has a call-ahead policy so you don’t have to wait for a table to open up. Make sure to ask for the check when your food arrives. Then you can pay promptly and leave right after your family has finished their meal.   

Plan B 

Even with the best-laid plans, you may find your child is too stressed out or overwhelmed to enjoy themselves when they’re at the restaurant. If this happens, you can always take your food to go and try it again later. Your patience and persistence are sure to pay off and you’ll soon be able to enjoy spending quality time with the whole family at your favorite restaurant.