Strategizing for Kid-Friendly

As a parent, you have to teach your child a number of skills. Some are a priority while others tend more to the mundane. Eating at a restaurant leans more to the latter than the former, but something that must be taught nonetheless. There are some things you need to know before you teach this skill.

There are three types of kid-friendly restaurants. The first type is exceptionally rare; the good (or even great) restaurant that children can go to, feel comfortable, and be entertained. An example of this in our area may be Bugaboo Creek, but I am not totally convinced. The second kind of restaurant has the whole experience aimed at the children with okay food; like a Rain Forest Cafe. The third category is fast food style restaurants, running from a McDonald's to a Friendly's. Once you know the category a dining strategy emerges.

If you are making a trip to the fast food style place, I feel bad for you. There is no great dining strategy. The food may taste good at first, but it will sit heavy and won't be overly nutritious. You will feel the meal in the pit of your stomach.

If you are lucky enough to find a good (or great) and entertaining restaurant, then the first part of the strategy includes giving thanks. When you go there, you can order what you wish knowing the food will be well prepared. These restaurants are to be cherished.

The middle category is the most difficult to navigate and a common eating establishment. From personal experience, I can offer the following observations:

1) The cooks at such places matter a great deal. There is a wide variety in how dishes are prepared and because it was good last time does not garuantee anything. Not all cooks are created equal at these restaurants.

2) If a restaurant is catering to children, your order should cater to your inner child. The burgers/sandwiches will probably be good. The non-alcoholic frozen drinks will probably be great (and loaded with sugar). Seafood dishes or specialty dishs are buyer beware. Unless you know from others that a dish is good, it probably isn't worth the culinary adventure.

3) Keep it simple. The simpler the dish, the better the chance of a good meal.

4) These establishments do have quality dishes. You need to find them and stick to that when you order.

Remember when dining with children, you should still try to find a good meal. These tips will help you have a better experience next time you happen to be out with the children.