1) Before you go out, make sure there's something on the menu that your child will actually eat -- or bring along food from home.
2) Visit restaurants at an off-peak time (such as 4-5 on a weekday afternoon) so you beat the rush.
3) Opt to be seated in a booth whenever possible, so it will be easier for you to keep your child contained.
4) Position your child by a wall or otherwise as far away from the other tables as possible, to avoid disrupting fellow diners.
Also see Mr Dad: Taking your baby out to a restaurant
5) Avoid restaurants with more than a 5-10 minute wait for a table so your child isn't all our of patience by the time the meal is served.
6) Take your child for a walk outside or go sit in the car if things get too boring.
7) Keep your child busy: bring pen and paper, books, or even a "for restaurant-times only" toy.
8) To keep things moving, when your server comes to take your drink orders, have your full meal order ready, too.
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9) Request the check when the server brings you your main course.
10) Tip well, especially if the staff have been accommodating. Add a little extra if your kids made a mess on top of or under the table. Not only will you be paying for service given, you will also grease the wheels a little for the next customer who comes in with kids.
If your restaurant trip just doesn't work, accept it and don't force your child -- or the other diners -- to sit through a miserable experience. Give it a few months and try, try again.
Have any of your own suggestions? Share them below!
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