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When my son first became a “toddler,” I was unaware of how drastically my social life would change. He went from being a sweet baby who sat happily in a high chair to a ferocious 14 month old who screamed at the very thought of sitting. More, he wanted to run, and run free around the restaurant and beyond! I thought I did everything right- snacks, my phone, nothing could contain him or make him happy. As I shamefully left the restaurant that day, I was nearly in tears. My visions of spending the summer on a patio among friends and family casually sipping a margarita seemed to be slipping away. 

Maybe you’ve been in the same boat, or maybe you’re just reading this to prepare yourself, but active toddlers in restaurants are no joke. If you have a strong-willed child, you might have thought to yourself the same thing I thought: Maybe toddlers just aren’t meant to be in public. Maybe for the next year or two, my life just won’t include restaurants and stores. 

Well, I’m here to tell you some tips and tricks that helped my wild child become a joy to be around (80% of the time, hey- I’m not a miracle worker!) at restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries.

1. YOUR vibe is so, so important
   1. Let go
   2. Relax
   3. Assume you’ll have fun and be able to enjoy the company of family or friends, or whoever you are at the restaurant with.
   4. Be in a good mood, and show excitement about being around your child
   5. Put your child first, this ensures he or she feels secure and confident. It can be scary being in a bigger group, or out in public with lots of people around. Make sure your child knows you are in it together!
2. Prepare your child by talking about the restaurant, showing pictures of people in restaurants, and explaining why it will be fun. "We get to eat dinner at a restaurant with Uncle Tyler! How fun!"
3. Don’t make a big deal of the highchair or booster seat. Make more of a big deal of how fun it is to go out to dinner, then offer a choice- do you want to sit in the highchair or in my lap? 
4. Food - a hungry toddler is never going to be pleasant. 
   1. Snackle box- my favorite toddler go-to! Fill a small container (like a fishing tackle box) with a variety of small snacks. Toddlers are entertained for awhile trying to get their favorite snacks out.
   2. Sugar free sucker- I always have one in my purse as backup. 
   3. Something special- bonus point if this special thing takes forever to eat. peanut butter puffs, fruit snacks cut into tiny pieces, or whatever is special to your child.
   4. Toothpicks- toddlers love playing with them and using them to eat a variety of things! This might even help them try new foods at the table.  
   5. Water from a glass or restaurant kids cup- let your toddler feel like a big kid!
5. Allow freedom
   1. Reverse psychology? When I go into a restaurant saying to myself- it is ok if he walks around a little, as long as he is safe, and I ask him, “do you want to walk around or sit?” he became less likely to run around! 
6. Activities: try to play with the natural environment, napkins, silverware, etc. but always have a small arsenal as backup. Give choices to keep your toddler happy!
   1. Cars
   2. Coloring
   3. Window clings
   4. Photos of loved ones
7. Talk and laugh and include your kid in the conversation.
8. Encourage friends and family to bond with your child, in their own way.
   1. Brother’s apple watch
   2. Sister in law’s niece played peek a boo
9. Try again soon- everything is a phase, including the "tantrum in a restaurant" moments.