6. Tip Well
Chances are, your server is going to be
picking tiny bits of rejected food off the floor
under your table. Though you can hope she’s
not combing mashed potatoes from her hair or
placating the couple next to you, who didn’t
sign up for a meal accompanied by 354
renditions of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, it’s
always a good idea to thank her for her
patience with a generous tip.
7. Be Flexible
A very wise friend of mine gave the best
advice about eating out with kids. She said,
“Go when you can and leave when you
must.” The bottom line is that eating out
together should be an enjoyable activity for the
whole family. Any parent knows that when the
kids are happy, the parents are happy - and
the reverse is even more poignantly true. Be
spontaneous and take advantage of the times
when you think your kid would do well in a
restaurant - if her mood and the timing permits,
go for it! And, on the other hand, if your
attempt to sit through five courses of tapas isn’t
working out for everyone in your crew, pack
up and leave. Even finishing your meal,
picnic-style, at home, is pretty fun, and there
are still no dirty dishes in the sink.
Keeping the experience positive for everyone
involved will make the whole issue of eating
out with your kids less anxiety-provoking and
may, hopefully, be truly enjoyable.
Jessie Harrold, lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is the author of the
blog PurpleHouseCafe.com
WWW.EATINEATOUT.CA
31