Tips for surviving with kids in public was much needed for me as my boys grew. As a general rule we eat out in a nice restaurant (Steak “n”Shake) a couple times a month. We usually catch the children eat free with adult meal sales that most restaurants run on their slow nights.
Chili’s is where we eat on Tues. nights because of the same deal. Not every week, but like I said once every other week I give myself a break from cooking. There are ways of eating out with a family of six and still staying on a budget.
Have your kids ever embarrassed you in public with their manners? OK, well I will be honest here and that is DEFINITELY an area that we are working on. Don’t get me wrong our boys aren’t running around causing havoc..too much, but the aren’t the most quiet people in the place.
I will put it that way.
My husband gets all nervous and red when they start to act up, and I tell him to just ignore the behavior and follow the rules and disciplined procedures as we would at home. We also go with an open mind that we do have 3 small children 6, 4, and 1. So right off the bat I know that it will not be smooth sailing, but I can’t let everything go.
Restaurants are not the only place, the grocery store, the mall, or just running errands can be trying sometimes with disobedient kids. So I started to research and work on trial and error tactics each time we go somewhere.
My mother told me when my oldest son was little and acted up when we would go out in public that it is how they learn. If I did not take him out and practice with him then he would always act up. Finally after many tries and many years I have a very well mannered son. But, I do have a few gray hairs from the experience. Now, with my 3 littles it is slightly different because in a group children act differently. But I am not a quitter so we keep practicing.
How To Survive In Public With Your Children:
1. Make 3 definite rules that they can follow and understand.
I go into each place with the same 3 rules everytime. The rules do not change until I see that maybe they are getting that rule without being told. Then if necessary I will put a new one in place, or wait to see if a negative behavior appears. My kids do not have to be perfect little robots who listen to everything because that is not part of being a kid. As an adult I struggle with listening and am not perfect.
2. Have an activity.
I never really leave home without an activity. It is either a sticker book, a coloring book with crayons, maybe an electronic, my phone, other phones, a baggie full of action figures, whatever will fit into the purse or diaper bag. This leaves me with waiting time activities. If we are going to the grocery store everyone gets a “list”, paper and a pencil. Not the baby. But everyone else gets to “help”. My job at the end is to make sure too many extra’s did not end up in the cart.
3. Allow for wiggle room.
Since I have four boys they are all very wiggly. I mean really boys never stop moving. So I allow for that in certain places. Or if we have to be still for awhile then we will stop somewhere and run it off. All of the built up energy does not help any of us.
4. Plan for car games.
I went on Pinterest and found several games that we can play in the car while waiting, driving on vacation, or just running errands. Also, whenever we go to Chik fil A I save the toys that they give for kids meals because they are always educational. So under my seat I keep that grab bag. As a mom you need to have many grab bags in many places pre-planned.
5. Pick a new movie.
In our car we have a movie player. Sometimes we watch a movie more than one time, but usually I will let each child pick a different movie when we leave. This helps with boredom.
6. Boredom is ok.
Sometimes I don’t bring anything on purpose. They need to learn how to bring a book, sit still, or self entertain. Really, when we were growing up did our parents cater to us? Maybe that is why our generation of 80’s kids grew up self sufficient.
Training children in public situations is where I have found to have the best experience because then we know what area’s to practice at home. Before we go in the public place there is 2 or 3 rules that are set in place. If they are followed then no consequence.
I would love for you to share some crazy mom moments in the comments where your kids have needed a little training!
Cheers,
Michelle
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