Seems like, for various reasons, we've eaten out a little more than usual lately. And we've been taking Kate with us ... which makes mealtimes more ... interesting. This picture is from the week before last when we met Tanna for lunch. Now, as soon as we sit down at a restaurant, Kate asks for crayons. She has gotten so used to eateries providing coloring supplies, she just immediately thinks she's going to get some crayons at the table. I keep some in my purse now--it's a good idea to have them on hand. :o) Tanna's iPhone comes in very handy, as he can pull up a video or two on YouTube to help keep Kate entertained. Of course, I try to have books and/or catalogs for her to look at as well as some snacks to help pass the time. What do you do to help keep your toddler still at a restaurant? Any tips are appreciated! TIA!
P.S. Speaking of crayons, now is the time to shop those back-to-school sales and stock up. I have bought several boxes to have on hand as well as for Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes. Might as well pick up some for your kids' stockings and even for birthday party treat bags! At only 30 cents a box (or even less!) for a 24-pack, that is a great deal!
I would love to hear everybody's suggestion. It seems like Coloring will only keep mine busy for a short period of time. I have a friend who raves abt Aqua Doodle so I might check that out.
ReplyDeleteOh thanks for this post...I'm scared to go out to eat with Caleb! With these tips I may have to ease into it! =)
ReplyDeleteAqua doodle, crayons, and now a few little people. The iphone is very handy, we have downloaded a movie on there....George of course! I know people who take DVD playuers with them.....
ReplyDeleteWe take an Aqua Doodle, and books, and a handful of Happy Meal type toys I carry in my purse, and snacks I don't ordinarily let her have (like fruit gummies). It is also a big deal now to drink from a "Mama Cup" (straw, not sippy), so that helps keep her occupied. The books I take are the ones with pictures of stuff, like Happy Baby ABCs, and we ask her to "Read us the book" since she can point and name. I also take a play phone, so she can "call" whoever. I carry crayons but only pull them out as a last resort since Amelia is equally likely to 1) chew on them and 2) use them to draw on other stuff. Some of our best experiences are at the Chinese restaurant where she can watch the fish swim in the tank, or at any restaurant where there is a mirror on the wall or the ceiling (she loves interacting with it). Hmm. Maybe I should just carry a mirror.
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