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1. Get Your Timing Right

One of the very first meals we had together on this holiday trip was a bit of a letdown. The main reason for this is our timing. Our 1-year-old was way too tired to go out to eat. She ended up having a meltdown when her food finally arrived because of it.

This is why it's so important to get your timing right. It can make all the difference when it comes to having a successful night out. Ensure that you are eating at a time when your kids aren't going to be too hungry and when they are well-rested. After all, you probably get grouchy too when you're tired and hungry. It's only worse for younger children. 

2. Book Ahead Of Time

By booking ahead of time, it can make a big difference in your night's out. For one, you aren't going to have to go in and out of different restaurants until you finally agree on one that has space for your party size. Also, it will help to guarantee that you are on a schedule. The last thing you want to do is go out too late. Lastly, it can help ensure that the restaurant accommodates any special requests you might have for a successful night out with the family. 

This will also ensure you do the necessary research before you choose a restaurant. If you are looking to dine somewhere with famous chefs, you're going to want to research beforehand. If your mission is to go somewhere with a great view, it's something you need to research before you choose a spot. 

You will also be able to figure out the hygiene ratings for the different places. This is especially true at this moment with the virus impacting all of us. Square Meal shows you the hygiene ratings at the different restaurants which can make it easy to choose a place that prioritizes your family's health. That should come first and foremost when you're looking to find a place to eat with your family.

3. Have a Bag Of Tricks Ready To Use

There is an old saying that goes, "fail to prepare, then prepare to fail." This is a motto that I've always stood by. Always have a bag of tricks that you can use to keep your kids busy and entertained. Whether it's a deck of cards, a coloring book, a pad of paper for drawing, or even small toys they can play with. You need to have things that you can distract your kids with when the time comes.

4. Great Expectations

It's always better to lower your expectations to minimize your disappointment. This is the same as anything else in life. Try to sit down with older children in your family beforehand and explain to them what they are expected to behave like. For instance, if you don't want anyone in the family looking at screens during it, you want them to know going into it. 

If you want them to behave a certain way, tell them beforehand. By setting expectations beforehand, it's going to help everyone.

5. Distraction Techniques

This is truly essential for going out with your kids. It's even more important for those with young children. While your toddler might be perfectly fine if the food comes out quickly, if it doesn't, you could be in for some trouble. By having things that you can distract your kids with, you can avoid complete meltdowns. Whether it's downloading shows on your phone or taking them for a short walk around the restaurant while waiting for food, distraction techniques are always effective.