Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

I have no issues taking my boys out to eat once in a while. Yes, I try to stay on a routine with them when I can, but if something comes up we will go.
Is it fun for DH and myself... Not really.
We have a 2 yr old with a speech delay and sensory issues so if he's focused on watching a movie on DH's Iphone please don't stick food in front of his face to get him cranky and throw a fit.
If my 6 month old is happily sleeping in his carseat please don't pick him up b/c he looks too cute and edible knowing it's past him bedtime so if he gets up he'll cry.
Just venting b/c we're going out to dinner for my niece's bday. We have no problem going. Sure the boys will be off routine, but once in a while is fine.
My mother is saying things that we can order that the toddler can eat when she knows he won't eat anything. At home it's easier to get him focused and work with him on eating. Outside of that I give him what makes him happy.
She also said something about putting the baby in a highchair to watch the show (we're going to Hibachi). I explained to her that he's 6 months old and won't sit well in their seats. I'm hoping he'll be asleep and when I told her that she said... well, then how will I give him kisses?!
You won't! He will be sleeping and I'd like to enjoy a meal. It's a hard age now for the boys to go out to eat as much as we used to. We both WFT and they go to daycare
I also like to have everything ready for the next day.
Again, once in a while going out of routine during the week is fine. I'm even better and more relaxed on weekends.
Does anyone else have these issues with going out to eat? I just can't enjoy my meal
Worst is when other pple say... oh, they weren't that bad.
OF course they weren't to you b/c you were eating and drinking wine while I had to walk the baby around and DH had to eat with our 2 yr old on his lap holding a phone and hoping he won't throw anything.

Re: Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

OMG this is my life! I feel for you.

Re: Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

This is why at 10 months old DD has only been in a restaurant 5 times. One of those was for her Baptism party, the other 4 becuase we were either traveling OOT or trying entertain visiting relatives. Going out with her is NOT FUN and a total waste of money. I also feel awful making other people listen to her high pitched squeals and/or screams when she's had enough. Even in Applebee's or Friday's I still hate ruining others' meals!

Re: Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

We don't go out to eat that often, and haven't gone with other people. And we only have 1 DS who has both mine and DH's full attention.

But as for trying to get your older son to eat, do you have time to feed him something before you go out to dinner? Even if it's not a full meal, just something to put in his belly, and then you can tell everyone he ate already.

Can you put a receiving blanket over your younger son if he falls asleep?

I personally dont like hibachi restaurants, so I feel for you.

Also, my DH and I are big routine people. We all work best on a routine, and so does my son. People who don't have small kids anymore, or who's kids were never on a schedule can't relate. They always look at us like we're the odd ones who can't deviate. But our lives run a lot smoother than theirs, so I just roll my eyes at them when they give us a hard time.

Message edited 2/7/2012 11:50:03 AM.

Re: Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

I'd feed DS#1 before you leave or bring food from home he'll eat. Its not like the place will be out a lot of $ b/c you brought his food.

You do what you have to do.

Good luck!

Re: Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

Posted by StayForever

We don't go out to eat that often, and haven't gone with other people. And we only have 1 DS who has both mine and DH's full attention.

But as for trying to get your older son to eat, do you have time to feed him something before you go out to dinner? Even if it's not a full meal, just something to put in his belly, and then you can tell everyone he ate already.

Can you put a receiving blanket over your younger son if he falls asleep?

I personally dont like hibachi restaurants, so I feel for you.

Also, my DH and I are big routine people. We all work best on a routine, and so does my son. People who don't have small kids anymore, or who's kids were never on a schedule can't relate. They always look at us like we're the odd ones who can't deviate. But our lives run a lot smoother than theirs, so I just roll my eyes at them when they give us a hard time.

Re: Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

Yep totally feel your pain. We've got 3 now and DS is 27 mos and speech delayed and has some sensory issues so he's not "eating" out if we go out. That I know for sure. We bring a ton of snacks and just let it be. And DS is 7 mos so yes he's in the car seat. And yes hopefully sleeping. and the 5 yr old, she gets to enjoy going out. We've done it exactly 2 times in the last year that's how not fun it is

But I say if it's a family function than take advantage. If mom wants to feed him and kiss the little one then let her hold the baby and entertain your DS.

Re: Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

I totally feel your pain!

We only have 1 but we rarely go out to eat because it's a whole process and production. DD will be goood for a little while but then start getting antsy and acting up sso we have to take turns eating while the other brings her to the front of the restaurant or outside. At 17 months old we thought she might be better but we don't foresee too many dinners out just yet.

Re: Taking kids to dinner... not so easy anymore

I can also completely understand what you mean. We go out maybe 4-5 times a year with our two boys.

This past Saturday, we went out for a family special occasion (10 adults) and I literally prepped for it for a week! My sons are 2 and 4. I got some new free games on the iPhone, two new small little coloring books, and stickers. I also brought our own food from home and fed them when we got there since I knew it was already their dinner time and they would be hungry.

To everyone else, the kids seemed to be handling the restaurant situation smoothly - which actually compared to some other times, it did go pretty well. Then I looked like I was crazy for telling everyone previously that my kids are not going to be able to sit there for 2 hours.

I was actually surprised at how long they sat there. But as we all know, no amount of planning will guarantee a smooth evening - I think I just got lucky.

And I also know what you mean about the parents not really getting to enjoy since we are focused on the kids 110%.

Hope it goes well for you.