MightyHeracross Posted August 26, 2013 Posted August 26, 2013 You have to understand that other people in the restaurants were a kid once too, some have kids, and your nephew isn't the first child they've seen. They know that they can get tired. Its normal. He's young! Give the kid a break. I know it can get annoying, but just ignore him while he's acting up. You don't want to give him attention when he's throwing a temper tantrum. Other people will understand that his is a kid and he will eventually stop complaining.
rainfall Posted August 26, 2013 Posted August 26, 2013 You don't want to give him attention when he's throwing a temper tantrum. Other people will understand that his is a kid and he will eventually stop complaining. Ignoring a kid when he is having a tantrum in a restaurant is a horrible idea. When I go out to dinner I want to be able to enjoy my meal and be able to have a conversation with the person I am with. I don't want to have to spend my entire meal listening to a screaming child. A parent should take the kid outside until he calms down. If a child won't calm down the parent needs to bring them something to entertain them next time and take them home.
El Brujo Posted August 27, 2013 Posted August 27, 2013 One word: iPad. It's not ideal but it gets the job done. That, or thorazine.
mea_M Posted August 27, 2013 Posted August 27, 2013 Hello all, Quick question, what is the best way to keep a runnerish 4 year old calm and still in a restaurant? The problem I face being is everytime we go to a restaurant, the adults are hungry, but my 4 year old nephew is not. He grows tired of waiting us to finish and ultimately is on the verge of throwing a tantrum. Never does, but gets pretty close. My sister has tried to calm him down, but I think she is too passive some times. Many a time we have rushed through our meals because afraid of a tantrum. I have used my cell phone as a distraction before, but I am not sure if that is the right path or not. PS: I am not the father. I am the "fun"cle. But, every weekend is where I spend time with the little guy and I dont want it to be where I don't want to hang out with him anymore. Thanks for the help.[/quote Been there a few times. Honestly, when my kids were very small they did not have ipods / ipads and such. So good old fashioned crayons and a coloring mat or book would work. Anything to keep the hands busy. Good luck. Mea
madjac74 Posted August 30, 2013 Posted August 30, 2013 (edited) And the best part is that we got complimented constantly by complete strangers that they were able to enjoy their meal because our son was so well behaved. Yes, folks. It can be done without the magic of electronics. Isn't that sort of an insult as if their dining experience was more important than your children's experience? It is sad that we are ok with just shutting kids up (cell phone games) to please others instead of including them. to the OP... I would make them feel a part of the whole group. A lot of the times the kids get disregarded while the adults converse. Include them in the experience by talking about the menu or something. A lot of times my kids don't know about foods beyond fast food items and they can get very interested to learn about crazy things like different seafoods and beef cuts. Maybe where different foods come from and such... Edited August 30, 2013 by madjac74 1
Tayla Posted August 31, 2013 Posted August 31, 2013 An Array of responses from "Children are to be seen and not heard", to " Its the parents fault for NOT "TRAINING" the child on public behavior". WOW! . So relieved that neither are helpful to the moment at hand... Some kids are over-sensitive to the environment- Loud noises, commotions or being lugged around without ANY choice! Parenting involves empathy for the person (yes I said person), They aren't' "less thens", children are persons in need of guidance. Guide them and inform them of what you would like from them when out in public, such as "when we get into the restaurant, we will use inside voices and practice our manners"- Small tips or suggestions help them. Include them in conversation ,let them make choices...Not a fan of electronic distraction as they lose perspective of the true reason for being out in public, to experience the current "now" environment and to learn social skills... The Attention span may be limited yet it just means "small steps" in guiding is better then ignoring or tossing a device at them. My Aunt always used a "gentle voice" and a calm hand when needing to work thru those fussy moments...it was something to admire and emulate ....Personally talking with a 4 year old can be hilarious! They say the silliest things ! 1
Recommended Posts