How Do You Handle Going Out to Eat with Toddlers without Regretting It?

Going out to eat with a toddler really can feel like one of those parenting ideas that sounds so nice in your head, and then the second it’s actually happening, you’re sitting there regretting it. This was supposed to be a nice indoor activity, this was supposed to feel like a little treat, this was meant to be relaxing and fun, but it’s just not any of that. Oh, and it’s worse when people around you give you the stink eye; it just makes you want to die of embarrassment right then and there. Remember the days before kids, when it was relaxing to go out to eat?

Now, maybe a part of it is the toddler and how they’re going to act, but there’s the public part of it that’s going to make it challenging, too. Like, it’s wondering if people are judging, wondering if the food will take too long, wondering if this is about to become one of those stories people tell about kids behaving badly in restaurants. That’s a lot of pressure for one meal, right?

Timing Can Make or Break the Whole Thing

Yes, it’s absolutely true here. So, this part matters so much, and parents usually learn that the hard way at least once. Maybe more than once, honestly. Because toddlers aren’t exactly known for being flexible little dinner companions. If they’re overtired, if they’re way too hungry, if they skipped a nap, if it’s too close to bedtime, if the day already felt weird, then yeah, you’re not really walking into dinner with great odds.

And so that’s actually why timing helps, like it helps a lot here because going out before a toddler turns into that strange, hungry-tired version of themselves is usually half the battle. But really, think about it here, no restaurant can compete with an overtired toddler. None. That child will humble the entire table.

Yes, the Restaurant Choice Really Does Matter

And maybe this is fairly obvious here? So, even if Google Maps states the restaurant is kid-friendly, you should still question it. For example, a bistro might be labeled as that, but is it really? Well, is it actually toddler-friendly? Sure, they can have highchairs and a diaper changing station in the restroom, but that still doesn’t entirely mean it’s all that welcoming (accommodating and welcoming are two separate things).

So it helps to look into something that’s really casual and ideally even known for being family-friendly for kids of all ages. For example, a pizza place is going to be a great option; they’re almost always casual, and families love pizza (and who doesn’t love pizza anyway). It can help to pick somewhere that’s known for being loud, so if your toddler talks or squeals, it doesn’t echo. Some restaurants will have a play area for kids, but you need to look in advance, of course.

Yep, Expectations Have to be Lower

This is probably the most relatable part, because a lot of the regret comes from expecting the outing to feel more relaxing than it realistically can. How often at home is dinner relaxing? Well, for the sake of sanity, have the expectations even lower than that. Toddlers are toddlers, and they’re just not at the age yet to care about their parents wanting a peaceful dinner. They’re not at the age where their brain can process that, hence why you need to lower expectations and prepare for meltdowns in public.

Nanny to Mommy