Restaurant Etiquette for Kids

If you've been skipping dining out or limiting yourself to establishments that sell mini meals with a toy because you have fears about your child's behavior, don't give up hope. From using an inside voice to sitting still and respecting other diners, even a young child can learn the in's and out's of expected restaurant behavior.

  1. Voice and Volume

    • No one wants to hear -- not even diners in the most kid-friendly restaurant -- your preschooler screeching "The Wheels on the Bus" at the top of his lungs or throwing a tantrum in the middle of the main course. Whether you have a toddler or a teen, your child needs to know that it's not acceptable to use a loud voice or scream in a restaurant. While your tot doesn't need to whisper as if he's at the library, he does need to use his "inside voice" while dining. If your child does start to get loud, as many do, remove him from the situation and give him time to quiet down. Chastising a tantrum-prone toddler at the dinner table might only serve to make matters worse.

    Sitting Still

    • Although you shouldn't expect your young child to sit in a prim and proper manner for the duration of your meal -- some degree of fidgeting is completely normal for your little one based on his age -- he shouldn't get up and run around or otherwise treat the restaurant like it's a playground. Remind your child that staying seated isn't just polite, its also a safety must: A child running down the aisles, weaving in and out of tables, may cause a collision with a server who is carrying a heavy tray of food or hot liquids.

    Table Etiquette

    • It doesn't matter how relaxed dining is at home, when sitting down at the restaurant's table, your child's proper etiquette makes the experience more enjoyable. Emily Post recommends teaching children basic table manners. For example, your child should sit with his elbows off the table, use a napkin, chew with his mouth closed and thank the server. If he can't remember all of his manners while at the restaurant, remind him with your own behaviors. Place your napkin on your lap when you sit down, and say "Please" and "Thank you" to your food server.

    Making a Mess

    • While your toddler's developing fine motor skills may make her more prone to drop a chicken nugget or two on the floor, making a mess at the restaurant isn't acceptable. Instruct your child not to purposefully throw, drop or brush food onto the floor. In the event that he does dump the bread basket onto the floor, clean it up right away, asking your child to help you out. Remind him that it isn't polite to leave a mess behind for the server to clean.

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