It really doesn’t matter where you are in the world, eating out with small children in tow can be frustrating at the best of times. While there are plenty of Rhodes restaurants other other eateries in Sydney’s Eastern suburbs that are child-friendly, there may not be as many restaurant-friendly children. Yes, it can be difficult to have a nice meal out with the little ones, but it certainly can be done, if you put a bit of work in beforehand.
This isn’t saying that you are going to be able to take any child to just any restaurant, cafe or venue, but it also doesn’t mean you have to eliminate eating out altogether. When it comes to enjoying eating out with the kids, it’s really all about keeping the kids occupied, entertained, and happy, so everyone will be able to the occasion in relative peace. Planning ahead will ensure that you choose a restaurant that will cater to your needs and ensure that you get the very most out of your next family meal out.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips that will help you to dine out with your kids with more success moving forward.
Be Realistic With Your Choices
A lot of couples would love the chance to eat at a high-end dining establishment with a dress code, but make sure your choice of restaurant is realistic. Although there are some very well-behaved children out there, and maybe yours are, realistically, having children in a fancy establishment is not going to end well. When you’re looking at which restaurant to eat at, make sure you choose one that is appropriate for the ages of your children so you make the right choice for your specific needs.
Research Ahead Of Time
It is easier than ever to access the information you need to make an informed decision nowadays on just about any topic, and that includes all of the local restaurants. Most restaurants can be Googled or found on review sites such as TripAdvisor and this will show you all of the basics, such as hours of operation, type of cuisine, pricing, and feedback from others who have eaten there in the past.
It’s a good idea to filter the reviews to focus on “family” so that you are getting feedback that is applicable to your visit. There’s also a nationally-recognised kid-friendly sticker that restaurants can display to let parents know the venue is suitable for them. Also, if you have any babies or toddlers in prams, you may want to call the restaurant to ensure they can accommodate the children and gear.
Stay Clear Of Busy Times
While this is a rule that anyone can follow, regardless of if they have children or not, those dining with kids in tow should make sure to keep this tip in mind. Busy times, or peak times, in the restaurant industry can be some of the busiest work out there. When you bring a group of young children into that chaos, it is almost inevitable that something goes wrong.
For a more relaxed meal, and better attention from the service staff, and for your children, think about having your meal before 5 pm or after 7 pm. This will keep you away from the busiest times, as restaurants can only handle so much at one time.
Drown Out Noisy Kids
Some kids just choose to be noisy, and it is near impossible for the parents to do anything about it. If this sounds familiar, try finding a noisy restaurant to take them to. Noisy doesn’t always mean busy, but the noise will drown out any excess noise that the children make, and it will also help give them a greater number of distractions to keep them entertained while you enjoy your dinner.
Plan The Whole Trip, Not Just The Restaurant
For the average person, a meal out at a restaurant doesn’t require much planning, but when children get involved, it can turn into a real event. While planning for your night out to eat, don’t forget to plan for getting there, getting home, and any stops in between. This is especially important for anyone with babies or toddlers still in diapers or that might need to be fed, as you just never know when you will need to stop everything to look after them.
Bring Backup Food And Distractions
You can have an absolute masterpiece of a plan for your evening out with the family, every detail considered thoroughly, every variable accounted for, and still have it completely destroyed by a young child in one fell swoop. Never forget backup supplies when you go out with the kids, as nine times out of ten, you are going to need them. Bring their favourite snacks, toys, and games, to ensure they stay occupied and well-behaved for the evening.
Dine Out With Your Kids With Confidence
While dining out with your children can be difficult but with a little planning, you can ensure that your next meal out with the family is nothing but relaxing and enjoyable. Follow the tips outlined above when taking the children out to eat, as no restaurant meal is going to be perfect, and the important thing is to make lasting memories with your loved ones. Use common sense when making your plans, make sure the kids are happy, and you should be able to eat out with confidence a lot more often.
