Visiting a restaurant with children without a mobile phone or tablet?

An experience awaits you!

You want to take the family out for a meal, but as a family with young children, you may panic at the thought of eating out.

The temptation to rely on screens to keep kids entertained in restaurants is understandable. No doubt you've seen a child glued to their phone or tablet while the adults at the table enjoy appetizers and civilized conversation.

You may have thought, "I would never do that." Or was it more like, "That looks amazing," as you wistfully mopped up the spilled drink.

However, "dinner or lunch without a mobile, tablet" has many compelling advantages, from opportunities for family bonding and better conversation to simply teaching your children important social skills.

What will you do? Do you let them play on their phones or tablets while the adults at the table enjoy hors d'oeuvres and civilized conversation? Or will you succumb to the temptation and let them play on their phones or tablets while the adults at the table enjoy hors d'oeuvres and civilized conversation?

Here are some tips for enjoying a screen-free restaurant dinner.

Do your restaurant research

Baby food and high chairs are two important things to consider when choosing a restaurant.

If you're dining with your family, it's important to consider the specific needs of each member of your group.

Do your research ahead of time and call to see if the restaurant has high chairs if you need them (and by default, find out if the venue welcomes small guests).

Explore the menu options and, if necessary, pack baby food or snacks for toddlers.

To avoid waiting with hungry kids, feed them before you leave or plan to order an appetizer right away.

Finally, make sure there is a children's play area nearby with toys and books to keep them occupied while they wait for their food.

Pack kid-friendly supplies

Babies

When you are out and about with your little one, it can sometimes be difficult to find a place that is willing to take care of them too. Restaurants are usually not equipped for babies and toddlers, and even when they are, they can be tricky.

It's important to remember that your baby or toddler goes through many changes as they grow - and so do their restaurant experiences!

Spill-resistant drink cups and suitable tableware are a guarantee of success for the baby and toddler in the restaurant.

For children who can knock over plates, a mat that sticks to the table can be helpful. This mat is easy to wipe down at the end of a meal and can be rolled up to fit in your bag.

Pack a few chews or tactile toys that can be attached to baby's wrist, clothing, or the handle of the carrier so you don't have to crawl across the food-strewn floor to pick up dropped items.

For a child who uses a high chair, an engaging toy that sticks to the table is a great choice.

Preschoolers

Preschoolers can be a little wild with food, but they stay focused if they have something to do.

A small set of building toys with locks or magnetic building blocks is an ideal choice for preschoolers at the table.

If you pack something for little hands to do, you'll discourage them from alternatives like symphonies of silverware or making salt snow.

Don't worry - you don't have to buy a whole set of construction toys. Just one or two pieces!

Older children

Older kids are always looking for new ways to express themselves, and with these fun art supplies, they can do it without getting their hands dirty!

First, consider products that allow older children to draw or paint without making a mess.

These products are great because they give older kids a chance to create art without making a mess. They are also great for introducing younger children to the magic of drawing and painting without the worry of getting their hands dirty!

Another option is to pack a few small containers of beads for stringing. Older children thus have the opportunity to explore geometry and color theory while creating something beautiful.

Make waiting fun

When you go out to eat, make the wait fun!

Whether you're at a restaurant or a grocery store, it's helpful to have a few waiting games in place.

Start by asking each person at the table: "What did you like the most today?".

Then follow up by asking, "What are you most looking forward to tomorrow?"

You can also try a waiting game that involves making faces or funny noises while it's your turn to order.

The possibilities are endless - just remember that the goal is to keep everyone entertained and engaged while you wait for your food.

After meal

After a great meal, it's tempting to stay at the table and talk to the kids.

But if you want to keep the fun going after everyone's eaten, plan a walk or move to another location or just go home promising to eat again soon.

You can go out to eat with the kids (after all, your parents probably survived such outings with you) and everyone involved can walk away full - and unscathed!

The occasional infamous evening of spilled food, botched orders, and angry sighs from other diners who don't seem to remember life with young children will happen again regardless.

But rest assured, with some advance preparation and tricks up your sleeve, you'll be the one basking in the glow of compliments from other diners.