Make an early reservation – Hello, early bird special. That 5pm reservation is now your new normal.

Bring distractions – Toys, games, books – one of each please! Going out for dinner as a family is such a nice way to spend quality time together, but it’s hard to expect your little one to be a part of conversation for an extended period of time. My favorite toys to entertain CC are this and this!

Order something as soon as you sit down – If you already know what you want to order for your little, order their food ASAP. Otherwise, ask for chips, bread, or anything else to snack on. No one wants a hangry toddler on their hands.

But be prepared with your own food too – I always have backup snacks in my bag just in case Caroline decides she doesn’t like chicken fingers at that meal, because that would be my luck.

Ask for the check ASAP – As soon as your food arrives ask for the check in case you need to make a swift exit. Also, the promise of dessert at home can be a great bribe for good behavior. And I’m certainly not above bribery.

Practice makes perfect – For toddlers, practicing manners and restaurant etiquette begins at home. This will make the experience less overwhelming for them. If you do have a bad dining out experience with your littles, don’t let that discourage you. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect!

Don’t go out to restaurants – Just kidding! We love going to restaurants, but it’s not always as enjoyable with kids. Lately, we’ve been opting for having friends over, having food delivered and letting the kids run loose – it’s a win-win for everyone! Don’t worry, this too shall pass and it just makes date night all the more special.