Archive for category Tips
5 Top Tips on Taking Children Out to Restaurants
Posted by este in Kids and Teens, Tips on September 25, 2011
Prior to having children my husband and I ate out at least once a week and really enjoyed this part of our lives. Since having children we do not go out as much due to money restrictions. However we still eat out at least twice a week and mostly that is with our children. Here are my top tips on taking children out to restaurants, which will hopefully make your meal out an enjoyable one and not a stressful one.
1. Choosing a Restaurant
If your intending to take your children to a restaurant think about whether it would be suitable for children. Some restaurants are advertised as family restaurants, however other restaurants particularly expensive ones may not be so welcoming to children. Therefore when booking the restaurant make sure you mention that you have children, this then allows the restaurant to say that children are only allowed prior to a certain time or not at all. When we were in Skye on a holiday we booked into a restaurant and was told that they did not allow children, so it does happen.
If you are wanting to go out but unsure of how your children will behave then go to a family restaurant at first ie pizza hut or a brewers fayre. This will enable you to eat out but not feel too embarrassed or stressed if your child acts up. We generally go to these restaurant’s with our children, we expect them to behave. However children can have bad days so if one of them acts up, we do not get too stressed and we are able to diffuse the situation.
2. Choosing the Right Time
Our children tend to act up after 7 pm generally because they will be tired. We therefore generally book a table at lunch time or between 5 and 6. This is not only better for our children’s moods but most people dining out at these times either have children or will not be surprised if children are present.
3. Be Prepared
Some restaurants will provide some activities and crayons for colouring. However I always take a small colouring book and crayons (generally bought from a £1 shop). I also take a favourite toy, magazine or book. This enables your child to have some amusement as although going out for a meal is a treat for an adult this is not necessarily the case for a child, unless it’s McDonald’s!
4. Saving Money
When I only had 1 child up until he was 18 months I use to take a yogurt some fruit and a chocolate. I would ask for a side plate and give him some of my dinner as well as the snacks I had brought him. Since having 2 young children I now just buy 1 children’s portion and share it out. Neither of my children have big appetites and they always leave half of what is given to them. By sharing there is less wastage of food and extra money in my pocket.
5. Bribery
What also works for my children and I am sure many parents have used this at some point is bribery. My children like to behave for a desert (usually ice cream). You may have other incentive methods at home such as sticker charts, or pebbles in a jar, by finding something that works for you and your child can be a powerful tool in encouraging good behaviour.
As I have said my husband and I really enjoy going out for lunch and dinner and it is a treat when we do so, We find that these tips work for us and make going out as a family an enjoyable experience. All the best in your restaurant adventures.
When Travelling With Children Of Any Age
Posted by este in Tips, Travel Planning on July 30, 2011
Family travel guides and family travel tips are especially useful when travelling with children of any age.
When we as adults think back to our childhoods we usually don’t remember the things we owned or the clothes we were wearing. What we remember is the time we spent with our loved ones. So when you are travelling with your kids you are creating memories that will last them a lifetime.
The importance of planning your perfect family holiday in advance
Travelling with your family is a quality time like no other, even if there are some unavoidable “ups and downs” along the way. However the better you prepare in advance, the more you should enjoy your family holiday.
Planning a family holiday with children of any age is different from planning a holiday for adults only. Children have different needs and ability, depending on their age and development. When planning your perfect family holiday, the most important thing is to keep the needs and ability of all family members in mind.
What is the best age to travel with children?
There is no one best age to travel with children. Each age group offers different delights and challenges.
Many parents feel the best time to travel with young children is when they are babies. Healthy infants tend to be very adaptable, as long as properly fed and are clean and comfy.
Travelling with toddler is considered by many parents the most demanding time to travel with a child. It can still be enjoyable experience, you just need to prepare accordingly and don’t forget to pack your patience – and lot of it.
Many parents consider travelling with school age children not only easiest but also the most enjoyable. School age children show more interest in their surroundings and are old enough to remember the trip.
There is though no reason why travelling with teenagers isn’t as enjoyable as travelling with school age children. Teenagers can be excellent travel companions as they are mentally and physically as fit as their parents, if not fitter.
Well prepared family holiday should help you to enjoy travelling with your kids – no matter what age they are.
Travel tips that are valid for all children
Babies, toddlers, school age children and teenagers have very different travel needs. However there are some valuable family travel guides and tips that are valid no matter what age your child is.
Air travel with children or long car journeys are usually challenging as most children don’t like confined spaces for too long. Make sure you provide age appropriate entertainment for your child while travelling. There are many excellent travel games for children available now-a-days, but the good old imagination is also a valuable travel companion and can be the source of many fun travel games for children.
Make sure you bring more snack and drinks than you ever imagined you would need. Hungry and thirsty children tend to be irritated travelers.
Make sure you travel destination offers age appropriate activities for your child. No matter how old, or young, your child is… children are sociable creatures and love to make new friends.
It’s also important that you too enjoy spending time with you children on your holiday. Family travel guides recommend you to look for activities that you and your child can enjoy doing together. It can be taking an afternoon nap with your baby, building sand castle on the beach with your toddler, going on a rollercoaster ride with your school age child or go shopping with your teenager. Doing something together is a great bonding experience and good fun for all involved.
Your children’s health and safety should always be your top priority when travelling. Be careful though not to go overboard in this respect. Most people travel with children without experiencing any problems, being overly obsessed with health and safety could easily spoil your otherwise lovely family holiday. Use your common sense, take all necessary safety measures and be alert at all times.
Children are more prone to some minor accidents than adults so don’t forget to make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance for children in place. Having good travel insurance for children will give you valuable peace of mind.
The best family travel guides and tips are tough about how we behave on our holiday. Family holidays should be fun. When you see your child eyes glaze over you know it’s time to change the plans. Leave the schedule flexible enough for that. Always allow time for letting of some steam (e.g. playing sport or just running around), as well as time for relaxing (e.g. by the pool or reading a book). Loosen the rules a little bit, just make sure they know it’s a privilege and because you are on a holiday.