Restaurants and Toddlers: Will it ever work?
I think I speak for every mother and nanny when I say that bringing a toddler to a restaurant feels nearly impossible! We’ve all been there. Trying to scarf down the last few bites of your appetizer while you desperately sooth your toddler. An iPad? Juice? What can I possibly give this child to calm them down until I get the check? It’s not easy but we’re here to give you a few pointers to make your next girls brunch a little more doable.
First things first; manage your expectations!
It’s normal for toddlers to express their emotions through shrieks and pacifier throws! Don't go to a restaurant with your toddler expecting perfect behavior. This will set you up for success and patience.
Create an environment with “off-limits” immediately.
To keep everyone safe, remove any knives, forks or plates that are within arms reach of your little one. When these things are removed upon arrival, it prevents your child from feeling out of control when things are taken away from them later on.
Order the check when you order your entree!
I learned this one the hard way. Whenever I’m at a restaurant with a toddler, I’m sure to ask for the check when I put in my order. This allows me to scoot out if anything comes up during meal time. There is nothing worst than holding a screaming child and trying to calculate how much you owe for a tip!
Know your toddlers limits!
While we want all moms and nannies alike to have freedom to go in a restaurant with your littles, make sure you’re timing it properly. One of the most common triggers for tantrums is a sleepy child. If you are planning a trip to lunch, make sure it doesn’t fall an hour before your toddler needs to be down for nap.
There is no easy way for moms or nannies to anticipate what a trip to a restaurant with children will look like, but use these tips next time you brave the adventure.
Welcome to Sommet Nannies, a nanny agency with presence in Boston, Chicago, Washington DC, New York and nationwide. We help busy families find dedicated and caring college-educated nannies.
If you found this article useful, you can find more childcare tips here.
If you’re a family interested in learning more about our nanny services, head over here.
If you’re a nanny looking for a new family to work with, you can apply to become a Sommet Nanny.