How do you entertain your kids at restaurants?

[Ro Z]

When DS was young we would bring toys so that when he got bored we pulled one out when he was bored with that one we brought out another. A small car or truck, crayons or a picture book. We also made sure the server brought crackers or something right away to keep him happy. I usually had some snacks if the server wasn't quick enough! While we ate our apps he got his meal. While we were eating our meals he got his dessert. Timing is everything.

 

[LilyWDW]

Rude to whom? I can understand if the volume is turned up so that other tables can hear it, then that's rude. .

As long as the sound is turned off OR the child has headphones on, then I see no issue with it. However, it is just as annoying to hear a movie or game as it is to hear a crying child. So, keep it so that the other tables can't hear the movie or game and it wouldn't be considered rude (in my book at least).

 

[CajunMomof3]

We always used a small notebook (think Blue's Clue's size) and writing utensils. Then when his attention span was running short we would draw for him (he got to be "in charge" for a few minutes) which was entertaining for everyone! I am a really bad artist...

 

[4littleones]

What are some apps you put on your smartphone for your preschoolers to play at the table.

 

[PaxsMom]

Great question! I would love App ideas!! I downloaded Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for him to watch but he loves to hit the home button... I am sure there are some programs to play I just don't know which ones!

 

[SnipsNSnails]

Ant Smasher is free and fairly easy, as the ants run across the screen they touch them to squash them LOL You just aren't supposed to squish the bees. Both my boys (2 and 5) love it, though the 2 yo doesn't quite get the concept of not smashing the bees!

There is an animal matching game that is cute. The free version is kind of lame, just 4 cards and 6 cards but they like that one.

They like bowling, that's free and easy to do for both.

My 5 yo likes Angry Birds and Bunny Shooter and Sheep Launcher.

If you have an ipad, my MIL had a book about the ugly duckling, when you touched things they did different things, there was a painting pictures option, and a puzzle, I think she said it was 1.99 and she had several other books too. If you used headphones the voice reads the store to them as they go and they turn the pages.

Just go into the preschool area when you search and you'll see lots of different apps, some free, some cost.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old and they have been going to restaurants since they were 2 weeks old each - when they got to the 'act up ' age if they threw fits or disturbed other people we got food to go and left restaurants - so they never used DVDs and they have never disturbed other diners by throwing fits - the4 year old is now fully capable of entertaining herself with a piece of paper and 4 crayons for a 3 course meal - the 2 year old we stick to lunches or breakfasts with for now - I think it's all about expectations .....

An excellent suggestion in day to day life, and we do the same, but on vacation, I want to enjoy my meal and so do my parents and grandparents who are travelling with us. While we've done everything we can to minimize ants in the pants, ie: early dining times so they aren't cranky, and most of our meals are buffets or family style to minimize the wait for food, I'm still quite content with the idea of allowing them to quietly watch a DVD or play with the iphone after they are done eating so the rest of us can enjoy our vacation too. As I stated in a previous post, not every family is the same, not every child is a perfect angel despite the best efforts of their parents, I personally have a child that is ADHD. So I'll say it again, kudos to you for your well behaved children and awesome parenting skills, but there is truly nothing wrong with those of us who might allow electronics at the table while on vacation, and I'm not sure why you even care so much about what others are doing at their tables, with their children, on their vacation, it doesn't affect you in any way shape or form!

 

[Minnesota!]

Ok maybe I'm the only one... and I have little ones too... but I find the dvd to be inappropriate in a restaurant. First of all I think it is bad ettiquette in general. Second I don't want to hear it and I dont' think others should either. And I think it is worse ettiquette for kids to have ear buds in at a meal.

I think at that age you are teaching them manners and appropriate behavior. Crayons are fine or stickers to help. We talk and point things out. They are part of the family and part of the meal.

I think the most rude thing is when I see older kids with portable devices at a restaurant. What is the cut off age for them? Sorry... maybe it's just me....

A dvd player is not necessary to keep a child from fit throwing.... or else there never would have been children in restaurants before the last 5 years and every mother would have one in her diaper bag ......

My children are not angels... but they do not throw fits in restaurants... and they do not have a dvd player to keep from doing it.

EDIT to add: most 2 year olds aren't going to keep headphones on anyway.. so it's volume issues as well

I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old and they have been going to restaurants since they were 2 weeks old each - when they got to the 'act up ' age if they threw fits or disturbed other people we got food to go and left restaurants - so they never used DVDs and they have never disturbed other diners by throwing fits - the4 year old is now fully capable of entertaining herself with a piece of paper and 4 crayons for a 3 course meal - the 2 year old we stick to lunches or breakfasts with for now - I think it's all about expectations .....

I never wanted to start the habit of my kids "needing" to be entertained in order to behave. So, we have just, from the start, expected them to behave at restaurants and if they didn't, then they were hauled out. I have 2 kids and over my 7+ years of parenting, I have had to haul my kids out 2x....once when my oldest was 1 and he was NOT happy at Perkins that morning, and one other time for one of the kids throwing a fit at Machine Shed. We eat out pretty frequently...

If the place has a kids "menu" with the tic tac toe and coloring and all that on there....they like that. But they are just as good at sitting talking to us about their day, what they want to do, daydreaming (we spend a lot of time daydreaming about WDW in our house!!), etc. Meal time, IMO, is when families should shut out everything else and focus on each other. You are all right there in that moment....I would hate it if my children shut me out for a game, movie, etc. That's not what meal time is for, IMO.

 

[M5ward]

An excellent suggestion in day to day life, and we do the same, but on vacation, I want to enjoy my meal and so do my parents and grandparents who are travelling with us. While we've done everything we can to minimize ants in the pants, ie: early dining times so they aren't cranky, and most of our meals are buffets or family style to minimize the wait for food, I'm still quite content with the idea of allowing them to quietly watch a DVD or play with the iphone after they are done eating so the rest of us can enjoy our vacation too. As I stated in a previous post, not every family is the same, not every child is a perfect angel despite the best efforts of their parents, I personally have a child that is ADHD. So I'll say it again, kudos to you for your well behaved children and awesome parenting skills, but there is truly nothing wrong with those of us who might allow electronics at the table while on vacation, and I'm not sure why you even care so much about what others are doing at their tables, with their children, on their vacation, it doesn't affect you in any way shape or form!

There was a time when I wouldn't have agreed with this..BUT that time has passed! My children are grown with children of their own all of whom have different personalities and different degrees of "quietness.". One granddaughter who is two could sit for two hours and eat and color happily; another granddaughter (also two) is definitely always wired..when she's done, it's time to go. Most kids don't exhibit a whole lot of patience.
When we're on vacation I want to eat and enjoy my meal too, so a DVD player with earphones is fine with me. We will be in WDW with these two granddaughters this fall which should make for interesting meals.
Then again..there is my four year old grandson who can't and doesn't sit still from the time he gets up until he drops into bed at night..we will be at WDW with him next fall. I'm already tired!
At least my older grandchildren can sit and join in the conversation..well, some of them anyway.

 

[si-am]

An excellent suggestion in day to day life, and we do the same, but on vacation, I want to enjoy my meal and so do my parents and grandparents who are travelling with us. While we've done everything we can to minimize ants in the pants, ie: early dining times so they aren't cranky, and most of our meals are buffets or family style to minimize the wait for food, I'm still quite content with the idea of allowing them to quietly watch a DVD or play with the iphone after they are done eating so the rest of us can enjoy our vacation too. As I stated in a previous post, not every family is the same, not every child is a perfect angel despite the best efforts of their parents, I personally have a child that is ADHD. So I'll say it again, kudos to you for your well behaved children and awesome parenting skills, but there is truly nothing wrong with those of us who might allow electronics at the table while on vacation, and I'm not sure why you even care so much about what others are doing at their tables, with their children, on their vacation, it doesn't affect you in any way shape or form!

As long as the kid is using headphones, you are absolutely correct. However, I've been at a table next to kids watching movies with no headphones and the volume turned up, and that was super annoying.

 

[disneyholic family]

I never wanted to start the habit of my kids "needing" to be entertained in order to behave. So, we have just, from the start, expected them to behave at restaurants and if they didn't, then they were hauled out. I have 2 kids and over my 7+ years of parenting, I have had to haul my kids out 2x....once when my oldest was 1 and he was NOT happy at Perkins that morning, and one other time for one of the kids throwing a fit at Machine Shed. We eat out pretty frequently...

If the place has a kids "menu" with the tic tac toe and coloring and all that on there....they like that. But they are just as good at sitting talking to us about their day, what they want to do, daydreaming (we spend a lot of time daydreaming about WDW in our house!!), etc. Meal time, IMO, is when families should shut out everything else and focus on each other. You are all right there in that moment....I would hate it if my children shut me out for a game, movie, etc. That's not what meal time is for, IMO.

i saw a mother haul a girl out of coral reef two weeks ago - i was so impressed by the mother...
she had her young child outside and was in a very calm, but no nonsense voice, explaining to her what was acceptable behavior in a restaurant.
it was a wonderful act of parenting discipline - one that i hadn't seen much of over the 2 weeks we were at WDW.
it took the mother about 5 minutes of very calm and quiet explanation.
she kept asking the child if she understood and then had her explain it all back to her.
i was so impressed.
As it turned out, when we were seated, we were right next to them.
The girl was perfect for the rest of the meal.

this mother definitely knew who the parent was and what a parent's responsibility is (to educate the child as to proper behavior).

 

[dzorn]

We leave in a month (yay) and I was wondering what you pack for when you go to dinner to entertain your kids. My DS (20 months) is at the age where patience are minimal.. and I would rather not to QS everyday.. Thanks for any ideas you might have!

We did more buffes when they were younger. Easier to get in and out if needed.

Denise in MI

 

[honeymo78]

When I was growing up I had books (even as a pre-teen for longer dinners) and activity books. I'm not sure how ready on paper or doing activities on paper is any different than doing those activities on a phone? Lots more variety available on the phone than bringing several different activity books. While I don't think movies are a substitute for reading, the concept itself is the same - something to keep you occupied/entertained - and if no one can hear it, what is the harm. The only difference in my mind between toys/coloring books/sitckers/paper and dvds/phone games is the medium.

I can understand if you don't want any items to occupy your child and prefer talking to them, but I just don't get the distinction between electronic and non-electronic entertainment when both are used quietly.

 

[Colleen27]

When I was growing up I had books (even as a pre-teen for longer dinners) and activity books. I'm not sure how ready on paper or doing activities on paper is any different than doing those activities on a phone? Lots more variety available on the phone than bringing several different activity books. While I don't think movies are a substitute for reading, the concept itself is the same - something to keep you occupied/entertained - and if no one can hear it, what is the harm. The only difference in my mind between toys/coloring books/sitckers/paper and dvds/phone games is the medium.

I can understand if you don't want any items to occupy your child and prefer talking to them, but I just don't get the distinction between electronic and non-electronic entertainment when both are used quietly.

For my family, the distinction is that the non-electronic amusements are for a very limited age range at which some entertainment is necessary, and are naturally outgrown as the child gets older and more able to participate in conversation around the table. And non-electronic amusements aren't as engrossing; my toddler will set the magnadoodle aside and join in the conversation if we're talking about the parks or the plans for the next day or something that she can relate to.

The electronics, on the other hand, are engrossing. Whether playing a game or watching a movie, they encourage tuning out the rest of the world. I don't have a problem with that in general but I don't think the dinner table is the place for it; I want my little one aware enough of the rest of us to practice her mealtime conversation, even if only in small bursts, rather than happily tuned into a movie/game and oblivious to us. And a lesser factor but still something I take into account - getting out one electronic game will inevitably get the older kids, who are plenty old enough to enjoy a meal without entertainment (10 & 13), more interested in the gadget their little sister has than in us "boring" adults. It is simply easier from a parenting perspective to stick to our "no electronics at the table" rule all the time, even though we do suspend the "no toys/books at the table" rule for the 3yo when dining out.

 

[TiggerTrigger]

We've been to WDW twice with our girls (ages 2 and 4 at times of travel) in the last year...did a total of 20 ts meals with them over the 2 trips and 9 or 10 CS meals...and not once did we see anyone with portable DVD players or kids with DSs, Ipods, Iphones, or anything else like that in hand. I also really can't see the need for going this far to entertain a child during a meal. I think all of the TS meal spots minus a few character meals provide the kids with coloring sheets and crayons. The girls weren't always perfect during meals, but sometimes we got up to take walks and look around during wait time for food. Our older one who turned 5 on our last trip actually said California Grill was her favorite meal of the trip. She colored, we went out to the decks a few times while waiting on food, ate, had fireworks, and it was definitely one of the most enjoyable meals of our trip...no electronics in sight entertaining any of the kids in there (and there were quite a few). Ultimately, dining at Disney shouldn't be all that different from taking your kids to a non-Disney restaurant. i.e. we just use the same rules and approaches we enforce when dining out at home.

 

[BoardWalkBelle]

ok just asking..dont flame me..why do kids have to be entertained while they are eating?? do you entertain your kids at home at meal time? Cant they just eat and behave like they should? ..my parents never entertained me..i ate dinner and behaved like i was supposed too.. I agree, i see kids at disney restaurants with the portable dvd players and playing games on their parents ipods and cell phones...

 

[4littleones]

We don't go out to eat. I have 4 little kids and my son has high functioning autism. When things get bad I will try any trick I have up my sleeve. Don't judge unless you've been in someone's shoes is my rule of thumb.

I am the best parent I can be but it only takes 1 out of 4 kids to start and then there is that domino effect. Both grandma's are coming with us this trip but my kids only see them maybe twice a year and with a large party of 8 I am sure we will be split up on occasion. With that said my kids may have a tougher time adjusting and the grandma's really don't know the grandkids and how to keep them busy or what to do if someone acts up.

It's a vacation, give a parent like me a break. If you happen to see me & my kids in a sit down the last week of Sept with a Smart phone and some Leapsters just be happy that YOU didn't have to lug all that crap around disney just to enjoy your sit down meal LOL!

Just don't judge period. I really am I good parent and do my best to raise my kids. I just have a handful right now.

 

[SnipsNSnails]

ok just asking..dont flame me..why do kids have to be entertained while they are eating?? do you entertain your kids at home at meal time? Cant they just eat and behave like they should? ..my parents never entertained me..i ate dinner and behaved like i was supposed too.. I agree, i see kids at disney restaurants with the portable dvd players and playing games on their parents ipods and cell phones...

While they are eating, no. Before or after the food comes, then they may need it. My children are young (2 & 5) and my 5 yo has ADHD mixed with a very strong wll and is quite a handful. At home, we're happy if he sits long enough to actually eat his food. When he is finished eating we excuse him even if others are still eating. He has certain limits and IMO there is no reason to start a fight over making him sit longer than he is able to, we have enough struggles over the important things as it is. So the fact remains that meals out, and especially nicer restaurants take much longer than a meal at home. We are travelling with my parents and grandparents, and my dad is an especially slow eater, so the iphone or DVD is a lifesaver so that everyone enjoys their meal. With the iphone he will sit quite still in his chair while those little fingers fly everywhere, playing the games, changing the game etc, it seems to satisfy that energy that exists for him. Believe me, I have struggled as a parent over what I might have done wrong to have a child who is incapable of sitting still and in most cases listening or obeying. I can lecture, I can disipline etc etc and it goes right over his head. now that he's on medication, there is a huge difference and his tolerance is longer but it's still not typical for a child his age. So I suppose you were a normal child, but please understand that not every child is the same. Every parents has to make the best decisions they can for their family. All this judgement and negativity only serves one purpose, to make those who already have it fairly easy to feel superior.

We don't go out to eat. I have 4 little kids and my son has high functioning autism. When things get bad I will try any trick I have up my sleeve. Don't judge unless you've been in someone's shoes is my rule of thumb.

I am the best parent I can be but it only takes 1 out of 4 kids to start and then there is that domino effect. Both grandma's are coming with us this trip but my kids only see them maybe twice a year and with a large party of 8 I am sure we will be split up on occasion. With that said my kids may have a tougher time adjusting and the grandma's really don't know the grandkids and how to keep them busy or what to do if someone acts up.

It's a vacation, give a parent like me a break. If you happen to see me & my kids in a sit down the last week of Sept with a Smart phone and some Leapsters just be happy that YOU didn't have to lug all that crap around disney just to enjoy your sit down meal LOL!

Just don't judge period. I really am I good parent and do my best to raise my kids. I just have a handful right now.

HUGS!!

 

[maxiesmom]

I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old and they have been going to restaurants since they were 2 weeks old each - when they got to the 'act up ' age if they threw fits or disturbed other people we got food to go and left restaurants - so they never used DVDs and they have never disturbed other diners by throwing fits - the4 year old is now fully capable of entertaining herself with a piece of paper and 4 crayons for a 3 course meal - the 2 year old we stick to lunches or breakfasts with for now - I think it's all about expectations .....

I agree with you. You have to teach children how to behave appropriately, even when they are bored and tired. None of us are born knowing how to behave, we have to be taught. Plugging in a dvd player teaches them nothing, except that they deserve to be constantly entertained. People with special needs children are not included in this, but they are also the exception and not the standard.

 

[Colleen27]

ok just asking..dont flame me..why do kids have to be entertained while they are eating?? do you entertain your kids at home at meal time? Cant they just eat and behave like they should? ..my parents never entertained me..i ate dinner and behaved like i was supposed too.. I agree, i see kids at disney restaurants with the portable dvd players and playing games on their parents ipods and cell phones...

At home is different - most parents don't call the kids to the table any length of time before the food is served or expect them to sit still while the adults have coffee and chat after dessert. I don't entertain my kids while they are actually eating, but for young kids (until 4 or 5) I do bring something to entertain them during the "waiting" parts of a restaurant meal - between courses and after they are finished while the adults/older kids are still eating.