Kids and food: must-know tips for eating out with children
Children are a bundle of joy. But when it comes to eating out with them, it can be an entirely different ball game. Children have a low attention span and dislike being confined to one place for a long time. They enjoy playing, and may not always understand the concept of sitting in one place when eating out. This can make it challenging for parents to take their children to any fancy or fast food restaurant in Cape Town.
Even though children can become reckless at the dinner table, with the proper preparation, you can take your little ones anywhere. Even to a popular steak restaurant in Cape Town you’ve been dying to try out. So, if you’re looking for helpful parental tips on how to dine with your kids without them becoming unpleasant, read these tips below.
Have trial runs at home
If you feel like taking your kids to a pizza restaurant in Cape Town or any other city, it would be best to have a practice run at home first. You can order your favourite pizza from a nearby pizza place or Italian restaurant and have a quiet family evening. You can also introduce role play with your kids’ favourite toys. Pretending that the teddy bears are sitting quietly shows your children how well behaved they are. Children love their toys and want to be just like them. This is a subtle way of teaching your kids how to behave during mealtime.
Choose restaurants that offer regular food
Choosing the right restaurant is essential to a successful time. When deciding, rather go for a restaurant that will have something your child will enjoy, for example, pasta. Whether you are going to a pasta restaurant in Cape Town during your vacation or simply because you live there, it is an easier option because you will be offering your kid a regular meal that they can enjoy. Having them enjoy a normal meal among family is a great way of ensuring you don’t disrupt their routine. And it makes it easier for you because you won’t have to worry about choosing a restaurant with a child-friendly menu.
Always order the children’s food first
A rule of thumb when going out with children is to always order their food first. That way, they won’t have to wait too long for their food. Ordering their food first also gives the food time to cool down before it gets there. If you order food at once, chances are their food will be too hot for them to eat. So, rather order first, so that their food can cool down while yours arrives. Children are slow eaters, so the chances of them finishing up before you are very slim.
Choose child-friendly restaurants
One of the easiest and simplest ways of ensuring your child is happy and well-behaved when eating out is by choosing kid-friendly places. Places that have a play area nearby is ideal for children. It allows children to play around while they are waiting for their meal. This is also a good way for your kid to improve social skills and make new friends.
Go out at the right time
Time is important; you need to go out after your child’s had a nap. Kids become miserable when they are overly tired and hungry. They are still familiarising themselves with their emotions and different circumstances in life; therefore, you need to consider their feelings and ensure they are still in the right mindset when going out. If you have other plans for dinner, pack in a few healthy snacks to help them wait until dinner time arrives.
Chat with your children
Although you may want to check your emails, social media accounts or even chat to the adult next to you, you should also include your child in the conversation. This will help keep them distracted from the numerous people wandering around. If they’re old enough, ask them questions about the restaurant. This will help you prepare for the next outing, as you will know where they enjoy going and what they dislike.
Final thoughts
Going out to restaurants is always fun, and there is no reason for children to be excluded. If you follow these tips, you will be able to have a lovely time and explore delicious dishes together. This is also a perfect time for you to bond with your little ones. Follow these tips and watch your kid enjoy eating out just as much as you do.