Start them young - it’s never too early to introduce your offspring to eating out in restaurants or in other people’s homes. They grow up with the idea that eating out is fun and they learn the social conventions along the way.
Set an example - make sure you show the type of table manners that you expect from them; children learn by example you can’t expect perfect behaviour and manners if yours leave a lot to be desired.
Practise at home - at least some of the times you eat together as a family, make an occasion of it. Set the table with the appropriate cutlery, napkins and encourage the kids to stay at the table between courses, and behave as you would in a restaurant. As the children get older you can dress for dinner on special occasions and they can design menus and place cards.
Be prepared - visiting family and friends can be a trial especially if they don’t have young children themselves. If you’re unsure what will be on the menu take something with you - like fruit, yoghurt plus a dish you’ve prepared beforehand or a tin of favourite food - that you know your child will eat. If he uses a special cup, take that as well as bibs and a change of clothes.
Select your restaurant carefully - try one you’ve been to before where you’ve seen other children or go to one recommended by friends with kids. Italian, Greek and Indian restaurants usually welcome children while some chain restaurants are particularly geared to younger diners and have play areas, special menus and a relaxed atmosphere. Check beforehand if you need to use a highchair - portable ones that fit onto the table or a chair are a boon for eating out.
Choose your time - don’t book a table so late that your child will be ratty and miserable because he’s hungry. If you have to eat later than normal, give him a snack to keep him going. If you’re eating in the evening,book early when there are more likely to be other children around and it will be before the rush of adults who prefer not to have kids at a nearby table.
Compromise - make eating out a treat. If you don’t normally let them drink fizzy drinks, perhaps make this an exception. Don’t insist on an item you know they don’t like or won’t eat. Be flexible and there’s more of a chance of you enjoying your meal.
Find child portions - some restaurants have a separate kids' menu which usually caters to the fish fingers and chips addicts and is fine if that’s what your kids like. However eating in restaurants is an ideal opportunity for introducing new or less familiar foods. Ask the waiter if they’ll serve half portions or suggest two children share a meal. Alternatively some starters make a great kid’s size meal.
Praise your kids for their good behaviour and try to overlook any small lapses of manners.
Relax - if you’re uptight no one will enjoy the meal. Assume everything will be fine and be generous about minor misdemeanours.
