I know what you're thinking. Here we go again with another outraged mom boo hooing about how banning children from restaurants is unfair.
NOT!
Let me be clear. I take my kids to restaurants a few times a month and choose places to eat based on their kid friendliness. (FYI, all restaurants with kids menus are not kid friendly).
So when I hear about establishments banning kids under 6, it doesn't bother me at all.
Let's be honest, we've all been in restaurants, movies, or planes, when children were completely out of control and received no disciplinary action from their parents. It might have been your anniversary or birthday celebration ruined by someone's misbehaved child.
The way I see it, the ban really isn't about the kids.
This is about parents.
Parents who decided they were somehow powerless to discipline their children in public. So your kid wants to scream at the top of his lungs while I'm eating my pasta with cream sauce, or run under the tables while I'm enjoying my steak, and you? well, amazingly, you think its funny, and cute.
Me?
I've said it before, I ain't no punk. I'm not scared to take a kid outside. I'll do it.
Getting through a meal at a restaurant with kids can be tough, but it can be done.
Here's Clueless Mom's Guide to Eating Out with Your Kids.
Always be Prepared Parents have to be like Boy Scouts and always be prepared.
Stock your bag with treats, snacks, books, and toys to keep your little ones occupied. If your kid is like J, he isn't sitting quietly waiting for his food.
Oh no, he yells "EAT" at the top of his little toddler lungs for everyone in a 6 mile radius to hear.
So come prepared with some quick snacks for them to munch on while waiting for your meal.
You also have to come ready with toys to occupy them too. Remember, the goal is to keep your kids from disturbing other diners so, um, no annoying loud toys, you know which ones.
Bring a few extra handsThey say it takes a village to raise a child, so bring the village with you to dinner. Most of our restaurant excursions include my in-laws so they can run interference.
These dudes are crafty, and if we've decided to go to a restaurant, that means me and Clueless Dad are already pretty spent, so having some more hands on deck is kind of a lifesaver.
Be DeciderersIt's already tough for kids to sit still for any amount of time, but to sit still hungry? Well, that might cause even adults to start acting out. So, when you get the menu, jump in and make a decision. Be quick about it. Your kid's attitude and behavior is on a clock, so don't push it.
Don't be ScurredAdults will not judge you for disciplining your kids. If you would punish them at home for something, that same behavior done in public should be addressed as well. Take them outside for some "refocusing", in a clinch you can use your car as a timeout spot.
If all else fails.
Leave.
Look, you came to the restaurant by choice, you are under no legal obligation to finish your meal under duress. You can (and should) leave if like Pai Mei, your child becomes inconsolable, or just plain unruly.
Take charge of the situation and request a box, you were probably going to need one anyway (even better if you haven't ordered).
That's it. You are now ready to take your child to a restaurant. Yes, the one where you order into a clown. It's safe there.
What are your thoughts about the children ban? Leave a comment and share your thoughts with us.
