Dining Out With Kids

My husband and I went out recently on an overdue date night. Having the opportunity to dine without the children, we chose to eat at Blue Agave in downtown Pleasanton. 

While sipping on red wine and conversing on topics that had nothing to do with the normal day-to-day discussion of Legos and Nerf guns, we were greeted by a two and a half foot visitor at our table who we later found out was named Katie. Within a few minutes we learned that Katie was 4 years old, liked something called "Zu Zu pets," and was waiting for her order of a cheese quesadilla to arrive.

Fortunately for Katie (and her parents), my husband and I love children and did not mind the interruption. But her unexpected visit made me wonder how many other tables she had visited and whether or not the other patrons found her as charming as we did?

Last week, North Carolina restaurant owner Brenda Armes placed a sign in the front of her establishment reading: "Screaming kids will not be tolerated." Although she has received some backlash from offended parents, the sign has been widely applauded by diners fed up with unruly behavior by children.

"It has been a good thing for us," Armes told TV reporters. "It has brought in more customers than it has ... kept [them] away."

What are the rules of engagement when it comes to dining out with children?

I spoke to several childless couples and single adults in downtown Pleasanton to get their insight, also know as "pet peeves," on diners with children. Here's what they had to say:

"Kids running around restaurants like it's a playground is unacceptable and dangerous," stated an anonymous server.

"Screaming babies are "high chair terrorists." They hold every diner hostage with their high pitch squawking until their parents remove them from the situation," said retired fire captain Bob Smith.

"The grossest thing I've ever witnessed is a parent changing a baby's diaper at a booth. I know not all restaurants have changing facilities but changing a diaper at a dinner table is unbelievably disgusting," said Terri Martinez, a mother of two.

Here is a list of strategies for a successful family dining experience while avoiding the glares of unhappy diners.

1) Choose eating establishments that cater to kids. Restaurants that offer kids menus, coloring materials, balloons, or toys are ideal for children under 12.

I asked Miriam Bettoncourt, mother of two, where she takes her children when dining out.

"Eddie Papa's has a kids menu, bendy sticks, and cotton candy. Alberto's will give kids free meals on Tuesday. Red Robin also has a kids menu, video games, and balloons," she said.

2) Plan to eat out early. Restaurants tend to get busy by 6:30 p.m. By arriving earlier you are more likely to be seated, served, and out the door quicker.

3) Be prepared to keep your kids entertained. My kids each bring a small back pack filled with crayons, coloring books, reading material, or small, quiet toys to keep them happy while waiting for their food to arrive. Handheld video games should be silenced as not to disturbed those seated around you.

4) Finally, be courteous to those around you who may not be used to the chaos that sometimes comes with dining with children. Just because you find your child amusing, others may not find them quite so charming. Screaming children should be removed from the environment, babies should be changed out of sight of other diners, and children should be kept in their seat to ensure safety while servers try to get orders our efficiently.