[challice]

If you go regularly and children know what is expected (really expected, not just hoped for!) then they learn how to behave.

I have 3 children (4, 2 and almost 1). The day after each was born I took them to the cafe in the hospital and I have continued that habit ever since. Very occasionally I have had a problem but usually its fine. We limit the time to about half an hour, they get a babycino, we take a couple of books, have a lovely chat about the world outside, say hello to people from the neighborhood we see..... they also know a park visit is ususally scheduled after...all goes well 95% of the time. If they muck up we leave and they miss out.

They LOVE going to cafes, which is lucky for me! Its a highlight of our day where we all get to sit down and focus on each other. They know how to behave because I have taught them how to behave and I don't tolerate bad behavior.

Oh and just in case anyone thinks I just got lucky with my kids - I also do family daycare once a week and on those days I have 5 children (2 x 4 year olds, 2 x 2 year olds and the almost 1 year old) and I STILL take them all to a cafe (I am surrounded by them!)
Honestly if people have a problem taking just 1 child to a cafe I think you need to just practice more! It can be done!

[Guest_cathode_*]

Does the thought of your kids in a cafe send you into a panic? Or are they the perfect patrons? What's the secret to getting past the Three Second Rule?

The thought of it used to send me into meltdown.
Now days I take all 3 of my under 4.5yr olds to local cafes as I have found (for us anyway) the more I do it, the better they are behaved each time.
The eldest now gets pretty sh*tty if we go to our usual and there is someone sitting in his armchair

As PP said, you have to make it regular.
They only act like asshats if it is something *new* and exciting.


EFS

This post has been edited by cathode: 20/05/2010, 11:34 PM

[Done]

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This post has been edited by onetogo: 20/05/2010, 11:52 PM

[Guest_cathode_*]

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Ah, I was going to say that the physical pain related to caffeine withdrawal is usually from instant coffee (which I bet your mum drinks). If I drink instant every day, then miss a day or 2 I have pounding headaches. If I drink 'real' coffee, I don't get any headaches.

[heffalumpsnwoozl...]

We used to have "girls' day out" the first Friday of every month. I would take my DD to a cafe for breakfast. 99% of the time she was really good. I always had a book and a toy for her, and the promise of a milk shake was usually enough to keep her in check.

Since DD2's arrival, we've only done that a couple of times. DD1 is 2 1/2 now, more prone to tantrums, and I'm not as willing to walk out on a $20 breakfast as I am a $3.50 coffee. So we go and have a coffee (she has a babycino or milk shake) once a week or so. She likes the ones from a certain coffee shop that does pink sprinkles. And she has a babycino at home most days, it's my secret way to get her to drink milk.

I think it's all in what they're used to. DD1 knows if she acts up I'll shove her under my arm and walk out before she can blink, and she likes drinking her big girl "coffee", so she behaves accordingly. She's by no means perfect, and I have to tell her many times not to stand on the chair, but she knows I definitely draw the line at climbing onto the table or running around or yelling. Boundaries are good.

[BubblyBexxx]

Since when does a feral child in a public place equal a child with "spunk" and "personality?"
My daughter has been going to restaurants at least once a week since she was 3 weeks old and has always been taught that she needs to sit in her chair and not make excessive noise. When she grew out of the high chair she is now in a booster seat- strap them in and give them colouring, play dough, stickers etc but most importantly CONVERSATION.
Pay attention to them and talk to them about their day etc like you would any other human being in your company.
You don't put them on the ground to run around EVER. Not only is this unacceptable for other patrons but dangerous for wait staff to move around them whilst carrying hot, heavy objects.
The other people dining couldn't give a stuff if your little one can walk around and say hi.
My daughter is 3 and like all the children in my family and extended family, enjoys eating in restaurants for up to 3 hours without getting out of her seat.
And she has the most amazing personality and is full of "spunk."