Eating Out with Your Preschooler

I love going out for dinner with my son, but I don't always want to be confined to a family friendly fast food joint. Sometimes I just want an adult meal, in his company.

Before heading out, I always make reservations. Dining earlier in the evening ensures restaurants aren't too busy and the service tends to be better. Reserving a booster seat or high chair is also a good idea as supplies can be limited.

Bringing a bag of tricks can stave off boredom and ensures your child has everything he/she needs, such as a sippy-cup, bib and children's fork/spoon. I pack independent activities such as crayons and paper, small toys, books, etc.

At the restaurant, I avoid ordering from the kid's menus due to often unhealthy options and little variety. Since adult servings tend to be large, my partner and I each order a meal and donate portions of it to our son. If needed, we order an extra side-dish to round out the meal.

Many parents order their child's meal first; however, I've never found this to be very successful. The few times we've done this, our son has finished his meal before we've even begun ours. And then what do you do? I find that bringing snacks to nibble on while waiting to be more helpful. Cut up veggies or cereals are great and in a pinch, a bread basket will please even the fussiest kid.

Finally, as much as you may want to linger over coffee and desert, gauge your child's mood first. If you think your child has reached his/her limit, call an end to the night. (And if you really need that chocolate cake...consider a doggie bag!).

By Rochelle Strauss