I thoroughly enjoy dining out with my family; it’s one of my favorite ways to reconnect after a hectic day. Whether we’re indulging in our beloved Mexican or Chinese cuisine or enjoying a cozy bakery or fast food spot with one child at a time, these moments are precious. The beauty of eating out, especially for parents, is the relief from cooking and cleaning. Kids often prefer restaurant meals over home-cooked ones, which means less fuss and more fun—coloring at the table beats our dining room any day!
However, I take manners very seriously. This isn’t just about avoiding chewing with your mouth full or using your napkin; it’s about teaching my children to be considerate of others who are also there to enjoy their meals and to show respect to the hardworking staff. While I don’t expect them to be perfect, I consistently remind them about appropriate behavior.
Here’s how I’m guiding my kids to develop good dining etiquette:
- Leave a Generous Tip: It’s common knowledge that kids can create quite a mess, so a good tip is warranted. Servers rely on tips to make a living, and they work tirelessly, balancing heavy trays and catering to guests. Be the type of person who brightens their day by leaving a nice tip.
- Clean Up After Yourselves: While it’s part of a server’s job to clean, it’s courteous to pick up after your children. If your child drops fries or spills sugar packets, do your part and tidy up a bit. It’s all about common courtesy.
- Treat the Staff with Respect: Restaurant staff work incredibly hard. If your food is late or not up to par, it’s not the server’s fault. If they’re a bit slow because they’re busy, remember it’s a tough job. A little kindness goes a long way.
- Avoid Speakerphone Conversations: Speaking loudly on speakerphone in a restaurant is inconsiderate. Others are trying to enjoy their meals and conversations, so keep your discussions private or step outside.
- Handle Tantrums Appropriately: While I understand it can be difficult to manage a child’s outburst in public, a restaurant is not the right place for it. If your child is having a meltdown, try to remove them to a more appropriate space, like the car or outside.
- Be Supportive to Others: If you see someone struggling with their child, offer a helping hand instead of judging them. A simple “Can I help?” or “You’re doing great” can make a big difference.
In short, let’s strive to be respectful and courteous while dining out. Teach your children to do the same, and don’t forget to tip your server generously. Now, let’s all savor our meals together.
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In summary, dining out can be a wonderful family experience, but it’s essential to model and enforce good manners. Show respect to waitstaff, keep the area clean, and handle any disruptions thoughtfully.