<back

Dine Without the Whine!

By Jennifer Farrington, Vice President of Education, Chief Operating Officer, and mother of two, mostly well-behaved children

You're seated in a restaurant, about to enjoy a wonderful meal, when a nearby child goes into a major meltdown, complete with screaming and other forms of auditory torture. You...

a). Wince at your dining companion and hope it will end before dessert.
b). Glare at the parents and/or child.
c). Ask for your food to go and wait by the door.
d). Throw yourself on the floor and pitch your own fit.
e). None of the above, since, oops, itís your child.

Perhaps youíre wondering: why bring kids along? Besides the simple need to eat together as a family and/or avoid the extra expense of a babysitter, children can gain a great deal from eating in a restaurant. In addition to acquiring social skills, children have a wonderful opportunity for language development and, depending on your choice of restaurant, may learn about a culture or cuisine beyond your own.

Assuming you want children along, what can you do to make sure the experience is positive for everyone involvedóincluding the people at the next table? Here are a few tips that Iíve gathered from parents and non-parents alike:

Dine out early: Breakfast out is often the safest bet. Rested children are prepared to give their very best. Once youíve mastered the pancake scene, feel free to move on to lunch outings. Dinner, especially in finer restaurants, should be reserved for the well practiced, well behaved, and, generally, older child. If you need to eat supper out, go early, before the rush and romantic dinners get going.

Dine out often: Babies arenít born understanding the rules of etiquette. It takes practice. Donít wait for Aunt Lindaís fancy 50th birthday party to try out those table manners. Regular jaunts to your local diner or pizza joint can help children get used to restaurants and the social expectations that go along with them.

Be consistent: No matter where you eatóeven fast food jointsósend a consistent message about behavior. No squirting jelly packets, dipping fries in your shake or standing up in a chair. Ever. Start with family-friendly places. Many restaurants provide childrenís menus, high chairs, coloring sheets and plastic beverage cups. Yours probably wonít be the only table with childrenóa great way for your kids to see how their peers handle the situation. But no matter how welcoming the establishment, and other familiesí behavior, remember to be unwavering in your expectations.

Be prepared: When I see a child misbehaving in a restaurant, I often think to myself, "That poor child! Her grown-up hasnít brought a thing for her to do!" Create a restaurant survival kit, complete with crayons, pads of paper, coloring books, and a few toys. I like finger puppets or small plastic animals (a menu can make an excellent tent or stage.) Maintain the novelty by reserving these toys for restaurant outings.

May I take your order? Prepare through role-play at home. Most young children love playing the role of server or customer in your own ìrestaurant.î All it takes is some plastic food, a dishcloth "apron" for the server, and a pencil and paper. Children will delight in your best dramatic performance, as you place your napkin in your lap, ask detailed questions about the menu, and offer your compliments to the chef! Older children can create menus, help prepare and serve real food, and model star-dining behavior for younger siblings.

Tip big: Even the most well-mannered children may be messy. So be prepared to lavish thanks on your server and tip in accordance with the scope of the disaster under Juniorís high chair. A couple of extra dollars does make a difference.

You can't win them all: Occasionally itís not going to work. Your child may be too hungry, too tired, too over-stimulated, or maybe just too ornery that day. Think of othersóand yourselfóand retreat. Hail your server, pay your check, and eat your entree out of a takeout container after your child is snug in bed.

Have fun! If everyone is stressed out, no oneís learning what eating out is really all about: good food, good conversation, and good times with family and friends. "Make your own" can be fun, so seek out salad bars or fondue. Never underestimate a novel environment, be it wall-to-wall fish tanks, seating on the floor, or a collection of sports memorabilia.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants

House Of Kicks
9535 South Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628
773.721.4351
South Side: There are indoor rides and the kids can play games.

Wishbone
3300 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60657
773.549.2663
Lakeview: Wishbone on Lincoln is always crawling with kids. The place is roomy enough that high chairs don't feel like they are in the way and the staff doesn't make you feel bad if your kids, or the ones you're with, leave real big messes behind. Plus the noise level is a little elevated, so a screaming kid isn't a disruption.

The Bagel
3107 North Broadway Street, Chicago, IL 60657
773.477.0300
Lakeview: The Bagel on Broadway north of Belmont is great. The staff remembers you (my 5 yr old nephew has been going there since before he was born!) and is very accommodating with strollers, booster seats & high chairs.

R.J. Grunts
2056 North Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614
773.929.5363
Lincoln Park: It is loud with fun music, so no one is bothered if your children are a little noisy. There are always tons of families, delicious milk shakes, and great kid-friendly food.

The Chicago Diner
3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
773.935.6696
East Lakeview: Vegetarian and vegan restaurant that has kid-favorite food like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches that are healthy and meat-free. Casual and very laid back atmosphere.

Leonaís
www.leonas.com/
Why it works for kids/families: Fun atmosphere, friendly wait staff, Can talk and have fun without worrying about other diners and most importantly there food is always high quality. They use a lot of organic foods too! As they say, no frankenfoods! Reasonably priced...and you will always have leftovers!

© 2007 Chicago Children's Museum

top