The 12 Stages of Dining Out With a Toddler

0

TotIt always seems like a good idea, “Let’s go out for dinner tonight!” While sometimes it’s a pleasant experience, sometimes it’s a catastrophe. If you’ve ever dined out with a toddler, you can probably appreciate these 12 stages of dining out with a tot: 

Packing like you’ll be gone for a full day. Change of clothes, toys, sippy cup, tissues, hand wipes, and of course a snack in case the food takes too long to arrive.giphy

The wait time is 5 minutes? We’ll go somewhere else. If there is ever a wait, it’s too long. You only have a short window before the crazy starts. It’s best go to another place altogether.giphy

Waiting for the highchair to arrive. Is it just me or does the highchair take an eternity to come?giphy

Removing all breakable and sharp objects out of reach. Why do they reach for the knives and salt shakers immediately?giphy

Order the moment the waitress says hello. We arrive to most restaurants knowing what we want, so we can be in and out quickly. Feel pretty baller at the beginning. giphy

Regret. Why is the food taking so long? We should have stayed home. The snacks come in handy.giphy

Toys get thrown on the floor. It’s totally on purpose. Not a fun game.giphy

Food is here! Spend about 5 minutes getting kid’s food in order. Cut it up, make sure it’s not too hot.giphy

Child does NOT want the food you ordered. “But you said you wanted chicken fingers and french fries!” giphy

Get in about 3 uninterrupted bites, but NO MORE. Let’s face it. It’s not a peaceful experience.giphy

Someone has to pee. The moment you start to get comfy and enjoy the meal, someone has to pee NOW.giphy

Check please! To-go boxes are a must. You can eat later once kiddos are asleep.

giphy

Make sure to check out Abby’s list of kid-friendly restaurants in Fairfield County!

Any tips for dining out with kids? Share them in the comments below! 

 

Previous articleWhat Not to Do When Potty Training
Next articleEmily Liebert’s Some Women and a Giveaway
Vera Sizensky
Vera is the digital director for HealthyWomen.org, a non-profit organization that Dr. Oz calls "the leading health resource for women." Before HealthyWomen, Vera spent several years editing and producing content for the popular digital editions of SHAPE and Women’s Health magazines. Nothing makes her happier than connecting with women who work hard and play hard. Vera earned a journalism degree from the University of Florida and lives with her husband Brian and daughter Lena (born 8/25/13) in Southport, CT.

3 Things About Vera
Fill in the blank: If I had 10 minutes to myself, I would: "Take a long, hot shower."
Describe your perfect day: "Exercise, beach, nap, evening on the back deck with a glass of wine and the fire pit roaring."
Favorite thing to do in your spare {ha!} time: "Discovering new places—restaurants, playgrounds, hiking trails, etc."

Twitter: @VeraSiz

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here