How to Teach Children to Behave in Restaurants

If the thought of taking your children to a restaurant makes you want to weep, you need to lay down the law. Children are perfectly capable of acting like human beings while eating a meal in a restaurant, but it's up to you as the parent to make that happen. Teach your children what your expectations are and plan ahead to keep them entertained and occupied. Doing so will allow you take your children out to eat, as well as have a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Coloring and puzzle books
  • Crayons
  • Pencils
  • Picture books

Instructions

    • 1

      Select a restaurant that is appropriate for children. When you go to a family restaurant, your children aren't expected to be absolutely silent, and many of these restaurants also offer incentives, such as a balloon on the way out, for children to behave during the meal.

    • 2

      Tell your children what you expect from them before you go into the restaurant. Let your children know that you expect them to use their inside voices, stay seated and use proper table manners. When you remind your children of how they are supposed to behave, they're more likely to follow your rules.

    • 3

      Demonstrate how to order a meal politely. Require your children to tell the server what they would like, including the words "please" and "thank you." Modeling appropriate behavior is a highly effective way to show your children what you expect, according to KidsHealth.

    • 4

      Ask your children to look around the restaurant and notice that there are other people eating a meal, too. Remind them that the other people in the restaurant paid to enjoy a meal. Because many children, especially young children, tend to forget that they aren't the only person that matters, this helps your kids remember to speak quietly and to be respectful to the other patrons.

    • 5

      Leave if your children start acting up. Ask for your food to go and take your children home. Doing so sends the message that you're serious about your expectations in a restaurant. When your children face the consequences of their poor behavior, they're more likely to remember your expectations in the future and behave more appropriately.

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