eating out with kids
Kids love dining out even though you might not think so at the time, especially when they are throwing a tantrum in the restaurant or have just dumped a bowl of pasta on the floor in front of the waiter.
Some parents stop dining out when their little ones come along because it all seems like too much hard work. But I have always loved this area of my life and was determined that wouldn’t change when I had my daughter.
Pulling together a team of like-minded mothers we anonymously reviewed restaurants in Sydney and surrounds according to a high standard of kid-friendly criteria. I deliver the findings in my new book, Eating Out With Kids. For parents who want family friendly places to eat out with the kids, relax - there is hope.
When your kids are very young start by heading out to lunch and be on the lookout for restaurants that are near a favourite attraction you know your kids will enjoy. That way you can make a day of it. Once you have fine-tuned your dining experience during the day make the next dining out experience a dinner. However, be sure to make it early so you that you can be home before that witching hour.
Don’t be afraid to phone ahead. Asking some simple questions will soon give you a good idea if the restaurant or café is child-friendly. Find out whether they provide high-chairs, have change table facilities (depending on the age of your little one), offer children’s menus with healthy alternatives and if the entrance is pram accessible. All these questions will assist you in choosing the right restaurant for your family to dine in.
Children learn about food and eating from the adults around them and what they learn now they will take into their adult lives. Healthy choices for children when eating out include steamed foods, vegetable-based dishes, stir-fries, soups and sushi at Asian restaurants. Hamburgers with salad instead of fried extras, thin style pizzas with vegetables and lean meats and sandwiches are all good options.
Keeping a toddler occupied while waiting for a meal to arrive can be a challenge. When making your booking, ask whether they provide any entertainment for the kiddies such as colouring in books and crayons, a toy box or a play area. If not bring some along yourself. Treat your handbag – or baby bag – a Mary Poppins bag and be sure to have a few entertaining items in it at all times.
When you are breastfeeding your baby it is really, really easy to eat out. Start by buying or borrowing a baby sling. These have stacks of benefits when it comes to taking baby about with you and they’re great for discreet breastfeeding. Wear clothes that make it easy for you – there are some beautiful fashionable clothes with clever openings for breastfeeding. Another tip is to use the menu or a book as camouflage while baby settles or you switch breasts.
If you think your child has a food allergy or intolerance to certain foods then it is very important to have it checked out. This means a diagnosis from a qualified practitioner. When eating out with your family, you don’t get the chance to read the food labels. Many venues are happy to help but, ultimately, the responsibility for ensuring allergens are not included in foods your family eats rests with the parents. Always check on the food ingredients and preparation methods to ensure the safety of your family.
Julie Chatto is the author of Eating Out With Kids available now through Rockpool Publishing. Carol Fallows is a Sydney based writer and contributor to the book.
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