Eating out with kids...successes and failures.

1.) 

SUCCESS!:  The most simple explanation is that most kids love chicken.  Chick-fil-a has chicken pieces (as opposed to nuggets) which makes the food at least identifiable as a real meat.  The service is always friendly and helpful.  They have free placemats which ROCKS!!! The decor is fun and family friendly and there is a play structure inside (I have yet to be brave enough to let my kids venture into these though.)  The have regular family nights with crafts and activities that are really cute and fun.

Cons: They are closed Sundays (which for us might be prime time to be able to head over there).  The food is more expensive than other fast food, but I always attribute this to the fact that it is actual food so you pay for the quality of what you are eating and the service they provide.

Similar options: Farmer Boy's, Subway, Baja Fresh,

2.) 

SUCCESS!: Red Robin has been a place we have enjoyed several times out with family.  They have the basic crayons and color on menu which is always helpful.  What is good is the atmosphere.  There are fun posters everywhere and things to look at (for my kids age 2 and 4, it is really easy to get them interested in searching the walls for funny things.)  The food is kid friendly (burgers, pizza, chicken fingers, etc.) and they have substitutes for fries so they aren't eating a huge amount of fatty food.  The restaurant itself is not quiet so the giggles and games kids get into will not be an issue to the other diners.  The service is usually good and friendly. This is about as close to a real restaurant as we have had success with.
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Cons: The only one I can think of is that the wait for food is often longer than "fast food".   I think it would be a great idea to have your selections for kids picked out first and order that with the drinks while everyone else decides.  Better yet, go online and pick your food (have everyone with you do this) so you can eliminate the 10-15 minute menu gazing session.  This will help the whole thing go faster and you can get the kids walking around outside to get out all the energy they saved from sitting. :)

Similar options: Outback, Applebee's, Chili's, Claim Jumper's,

OTHER SUCCESSES:

*Denny's has always been quick and easy (albeit unhealthy lol) but if you gotta go out and are panicking about it, Denny's is a good start.

*Local family restaurants and diners.  We have one Mexican restaurant that we have gone to since I was a kid.  It is casual and serves quesadillas (which again, most kids love) and you don't have to tip because you aren't waited on (sort of like other fast food places where you get your drinks and stick a number on your table for food.) So those places are great. Think fast service and uncomplicated food choices.

*Starbucks can work for short sit downs and if you grab a good spot. It also helps to have a grandpa along to run around with the kids outside when they get antsy (as my dad often does after church.) I also pack a lunch and have them eat there while we enjoy our drinks.

*Ikea.  Weird I know, but there is a lot there that is super kid friendly.  If its a rainyday and you want to get out have them play pretend house in Ikea for awhile then head to the restaurant where you can get them a meal for under $3.  A hot dog or a slice of pizza at the exit bistro is even less.

*Beni Hana type restaurant.  This is like a show and food at the same time.  Though expensive the food is cooked right in front of you and served right away.  I wouldn't suggest it for a kid under 2 unless they are really well behaved and can focus on that type of thing but if you have a kid that will be into the spectacle, you might have a fun nice dinner with the family for a "special occasion."

*Outback,

FAILURES: Oh so many....

*Any place that is even slightly for grown ups DOES NOT WORK.  If you can't hear people talking and chatting when you walk in (meaning that the noise level is buzzing and there isn't likely to be serious dates or anything going on) I would turn around and  walk out.

*Any place that takes longer than 10 minutes to seat you at a table DOES NOT WORK.  If reservations are needed, DO IT.  Also the best times to head out to a restaurant seems to be late afternoon/early evening. 4:00-5:30ish.  Beat the dinner rush and you won't have to wait long for seating or food.

*Any place with unfamiliar food should be avoided until they are more mature.

*Any place with cloth napkins (unless you have a nice little girl who will go to a cute tea restaurant for an hour...that is an exception.) :)

WHEN IN DOUBT: Order the food and take it to a local park or even home for a treat.  This is awesome with so many places offering to go options and then you don't feel weird about splitting up entrees to share with the kids and you save on tip. :)

SEE THIS BLOG FOR A REAL AND FUNNY ILLUSTRATION OF EATING OUT WITH KIDS>

What works when feeding toddlers/babies

Between about 12 months to 4 years old (and maybe further) kids are figuring out food and can be pretty picky sometimes.  I have been blessed with a daughter who will eat ANYTHING and likes almost everything, but there are still tried and true foods that she will always want and hardly put up any argument to eat plus they are usually easy and portable.

1.) CHEESE

This includes just plain cheese slices, string cheese, or cheese chunks.  Also, cheese as an accessory.  Put some cheese on anything and it is more appealing and more fun.  If a kid is wary of something...try it with some cheese.

2.) Quesadilla

This would appear to be an extension of #1, but it is a different category.  I keep soft taco sized wheat tortillas in the fridge and ALWAYS have some sort of shredded cheese in there too.  You can put anything in a quesadilla and 1.) it follows the cheese rule and 2.) its instant utensil-free finger food.  It's also a portable and a fun option when sandwiches are getting old.  I put veggies in it, turkey, chicken, a layer of mashed beans, whatever I have or just cheese and my girl will happily eat it.

3.) Peanut butter.

Here you will get some people cringing about allergies or sugar.  You can find "natural" peanut butter with no crazy extra ingredients and not much sugar.  Also, there are other nut butters and seed butters you can find in most stores or health stores.   Peanut butter is easy and portable and can mix with a lot of flavors in a sandwich or as a dip.  Make sure your child can chew well and swallow...at 12 months just a small thin spread on a piece of toast is enough so it won't be too sticky and become a hazard.

4.) "Lunchables"

Not the actual ones, but your own versions.  If you are out and about, cut up everything in a plastic container put in some whole grain crackers and let the kids eat like that.  Its not a good meal on the move (in the car or stroller) but it works at a park where you can sit and enjoy the day for a bit.

5.) Muffin Tin Meals

The concept here is to separate components of a meal into muffin tins, sort of like a lunchable, but with more options.  This can be meats, cheeses, veggies fruit, sauce, and even a treat.   The more colorful and fun it looks the more they will want to eat and be willing to try.  This is more of an at home meal than a portable one, but it works well as an indoor "picnic" or when you just don't have time to make anything, throw a bunch of stuff in and it looks fun.

6.) Cookie cutters/Sandwich cutters.

My daughter will eat any sandwich if it is in a fun shape.  There are sandwich cutters as well as just regular cookie cutters that work for this.  The sandwich cutters leave less waste for actual sandwiches and save time cutting off crusts.

7.) Smoothies

These are not always convenient to make but they seem like a treat and have a ton of nutrients.  Put in some plain yogurt, berries, bananas, etc. and you have a pretty good breakfast or lunch.   This is best when kids can suck through a straw or drink from a cup but you could do a thick one and use a spoon too.  I've also seen people make smoothie Popsicle and its almost as good as ice cream.  It's also a good option when kids are sick and need to eat but don't want solids.

8.) Noodles (pasta)

Especially finger food type shapes (bow tie, rotini, penne, rigatoni, fiori)  When they are really little, ct them into reaaly small pieces.  Later when they ae adept at chewing enough before they swallow, let the kids at it.  Expect a mess but this was one of the first foods my daughter gladly fed herself.  If you have kids, you know that it takes at least half an hour of frustrated feeding to get them all done.  When she was able to feed herself, I was able to eat my dinner with her, or clean up a little while she sat in the high chair.  Just be prepared with wipes or a wet wash cloth to wipe them down afterwards.

9.) Naked Eating and Eating Shirts

Did I mention, any messy foods would usually be eaten naked if possible?  If we are at home, it's the easiest way to avoid ruining a ton of clothes.  Another option is to have "eating shirts"  basically a tshirt that is too big and not really fashionable (we got ours from a summer reading program that only had kid sizes not toddler/baby sizes) and it can be slipped over their whole outfit or just over their bodies and thrown in the wash .  You can get some at the Dollar store too and make em cute if you want.  After kids start self feeding, bibs just don't cut it.  Food will end up from head to knees and in all cracks and crevices so much more protection and coverage is needed.  You can also never let your kid feed themselves but then you will never be free to do anything...ever again.

10.) Hide the "good" stuff (or actually the bad stuff)

For as long as possible avoid things like chicken nuggets, fries, soda, anything super sweet or super salty.  Don't dress food with extra sauces if you don't need to.  Most food is tasty on its own (sweet potatoes, peas, carrots, fruit etc.)  and it does not need anything added.  My daughter likes hamburgers and I know its not the best option overall as a food but if we go out she will get a small burger with no mayo, no fries, and water or a very small juice box.  I know if you are a new and "informed" parent you are thinking there is no way you would give your kid bad foods.  Well when you are running errands and your toddler is hungry but you forgot to pack something suitable or you ran later than you thought, those drive thru's are hard to resist.  You can usually get away with something less evil if you do a little research ahead.  Jack in the Box has grilled chicken strips, a plain hamburger isn't too bad and has a lot of protein, most places have a grilled cheese option (though it will be really cheesy and kind of greasy.)