Dining Out

It's Saturday nite. Date nite. You are celebrating the weekend. You arrive at a nice restaurant and are seated, anticipating a leisurely evening. Just as you take that first nibble of the delectible appetizer, the waitstaff seat a mother, father and 3 small children at the next table.
You try to believe that it is not going to make a difference. But in no time the atmosphere has been shattered.**

When I am dining out with my children, it is most likely a treat. We are celebrating something. When the children were small my husband and I would sometimes surprize them with a meal out. Now I'm talking Bickfords or Denny's. It was a real treat when that happened!

We would clean everyone up and pile into the van. This was no small outing and many wide eyed stares came our way as we paraded all 8,10 or 14 of us into the dining area.

The preparation for that outing went much further than clean clothes and a washed face. We talked AHEAD OF TIME about what we expected from them in the restaurant. We let them know other people were going to be there to have a quiet dinner. We made it clear that there would be no fighting or fooling around. They knew what they would be allowed to order. The perimeters were set. Boundaries given. Questions answered.

Sometimes I sit and wonder as I watch the food fly; Why didn't they get a sitter? Did they come for a quality meal only to have most of it fall on the floor?

In many instances I am sure that the child would have fared much better staying at home where he could eat his own fare and get to bed at a decent time.

** there are places that are great for children;
fast food restaurants McDonalds have playgrounds in many areas
Friendly's
Texas Road House
Denny's
Bickfords
Pancake Houses
Chuckie Cheese

Prepare ahead of time. Pack a small bag of things to keep the children occupied, maybe even some crackers to tide them over. Please be conscious of the parties around you. Perhaps you could even ask if there is an area where you would least likely bother anyone.

Have fun!!
Blessings
Marnie