From Diapers to Dining: 6 Exciting Tips for Foodie Families on the Go
Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/family-with-a-little-son-sitting-at-the-table-in-a-restaurant-patio-8209906/
You've announced that you’re expecting your bundle of joy! But, as you’re sharing your excitement you start to hear responses like, “wave goodbye to your social life” or “you won’t be leaving the house anytime soon". Over the course of the next nine months, the list of life's simple pleasures that you have to sacrifice gets painfully longer. You start wondering what you really got yourself into!
When I was in your shoes, I was determined to maintain my sense of self and normalcy. I did what so many people told me I wouldn’t do. I took my kids out to eat, at restaurants, where you have to sit and behave. Guess what. We survived! And, if you want to challenge the status quo, I encourage you to do it too. Here’s my journey and what I discovered....
When my kids were babies, my husband and I were told countless times how our lives would change. It was hard to imagine what people meant. I imagined losing my flexible schedule, my sleep, my social life, and going out with friends. Although having a baby and toddler changed our routine, taking our kids with us to restaurants helped maintain a sense of freedom—we took them to our favorite sushi, Thai, and family restaurants. It's wasn’t always easy, but I’m happy to report that we survived and it definitely paid off.
The benefit of persevering? We enjoyed great food while our kids gained independence and learned the art of dining out.
According to an article by Alexandra Levine and Laura Philips of The Child Mind Institute, "From birth, children are on a quest for independence. We see this as babies try to spoon-feed themselves or insist on taking off their own diapers, as toddlers demand to dress themselves or turn the faucet on at the sink."(1)
What is the the unforeseen consequence of this confidence boosting endeavor and attempt to keep a social life? My kids developed an expensive taste for sushi and Thai over typical budget-friendly and kid-friendly foods like hot dogs and hamburgers. Honestly, it was a small price to pay, and if I did it again, I would do it the same way.
Here are six tips to keep your foodie status while enjoying meals with your family….
Note that you know your child and their routine best. You may need to navigate what will work best for you like working around nap times and minimizing chaos.
1. Start Early. Introduce your kids to restaurants at a young age. Taking your children out to eat early in life helps them become comfortable at a restaurant. As infants, they can learn to sleep through commotion while you continue to enjoy family time or outings with friends. As they grow, they learn how to behave, what to expect, and how to enjoy different types of food.
We took my infant daughter to a place to meet up with friends late in the evening. She was only a couple of months old. We were shocked that as the live band started their late night show, she did not move a muscle and slept right through it. We were excited. One thing you may need to expect is a little judging and side eye from some passer-bys. Meh. Let ‘em look, you just gained confidence and a glimpse of fun after being in the house with a newborn. You go!
2. Be Persistent. It might be challenging initially on a fussy day or when your toddler wants to cruise the restaurant to smile and wave at the other patrons, but consistency is key. Don't be discouraged by a few difficult outings. Over time, dining out will become a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Remember that you know your child best. If the restaurant scene is challenging for them, considering childcare for a much needed parent outing is also an option and decide what works best for your family.
I’ve observed during the toddler stage that they are ready to toddle the restaurant. I recall my husband and I would take turns walking the restaurant while our kids wanted to go and check things out. It may not have been a romantic meal, but it was fun and the kids received waves and smiles as they did their rounds. Looking back, we probably should have grabbed the water jug and refilled drinks while cruising around the restaurant to help out a bit.
3. Expand Their Palate. Don’t shy away from diverse cuisines. Kids can surprise you with their choices. Introduce them to various foods early. This can help prevent picky eating habits. Consider encouraging them to try a new, healthy dish. Sampling bites from your adult meals may spark excitement and a new favorite dish for your little one.
One of my favorite memories was when my daughter tried sushi using the training chop sticks. She shoved an entire roll in her mouth, we panicked while she loved it. That day, her obsession with sushi began and still stands today. We had to satisfy her extremely picky pot sticker tastes for years, searching for the restaurants that prepared them perfectly steamed and not pan fried. I repeat, not pan friend. The sushi opened up a new world for her. It was great.
4. Enjoy the Experience. Make dining out a fun and regular part of family life. Create positive associations with eating out by making it a special family event. Celebrate occasions, try new restaurants, and enjoy the time spent together. Bring fun activities to stay busy during wait times. Remember, there isn’t a mess that’s too big or small for an extra tip to your server when things get interesting.
You know those sticky little hands you can win in a vending machine? You whip them onto something and they stick, grabbing a piece of paper or just landing on the wall. Keep this visual in mind. We were at our favorite Thai restaurant when my son was about 9 months old. All was well until his sweaty baby hands landed on a little white appetizer plate within his reach. Like a sticky hand from a vending machine, he pulled his arm back and flung the plate off of the table! We laughed with our server, enjoyed our meal, and left an extra tip.
5. Model Good Behavior. Show your kids how to enjoy different foods and restaurant etiquette by modeling positive behavior. Seeing you trying new dishes and enjoying the experience can encourage them to do the same. Good behavior includes sitting politely and sitting in a high chair at the table prepares them for future outings.
I’ve dined with people as an adult who have shocked me by being rude and disrespectful to our servers. It’s very uncomfortable for me and I’m sure it’s not pleasant for our servers either. Teaching them how to be respectful lasts a lifetime.
6. Involve Them in the Process. Include your kids in the decision-making process when choosing restaurants and dishes. Have them order their own food to build their confidence and become comfortable speaking for themselves. Levine and Philips add that, "opportunities to develop independence are immensely important for building a sense of self and self-esteem — not to mention frustration tolerance and perseverance!" A valuable tip in developing choices is to "provide two or three options, and then praise their great ability to make a choice! Providing choices is especially valuable when your preschooler insists on doing something their way."(1)
By embracing these tips, you can maintain your love for dining out while fostering a positive and adventurous relationship with food for your children. So, down the road when you’re scratching your head wondering why your kids are ordering fancy foods and avoiding hot dogs, remember that you provided a rich and varied culinary foundation that will benefit you all.
What are the Long-Term Benefits of Dining with Your Kids?
Teaching your kids to be comfortable and well-behaved in restaurants has lasting benefits. You know your children best, adjust accordingly to keep them entertained, and focus on what will work for you as a family.
There may be ups and downs, but the payoff is immense.
As they grow, your children can:
Develop social skills.
Learn to be polite to waitstaff and set expectations.
Show respect for the restaurant environment and other customers.
Now that my kids are 13 and 15, their years of restaurant training have paid off. My kids are wonderful dining companions, making family meals enjoyable and stress-free. Recently, we took a family vacation to France. Not only did they order their meals, but they even attempted to order in French! This showed their confidence and willingness to try new things, which we have worked to nurture through the years.
Your little foodies might end up rejecting typical kid food in favor of more adventurous options, but you can be proud of what you’ve accomplished together! Just remember - on a rough dining day, a generous tip can go a long way.
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-build-independence-in-preschoolers/
