Eating out

Last updated at 14:39 22 November 2001


Now is the time to encourage your children to eat more adventurously, if you are going to take them to restaurants you enjoy.

Here are some guidelines:

* Choose a restaurant you like the look of, but book an early time to dine

* Make sure you are in a non-smoking section

* Do not just ask for the children's menu: it may be easier to give children chicken nuggets and chips every time but this is not going to turn them into food-loving gourmets

* Try to avoid starters: it will make the meal with your children much longer, and their favourite part of the meal is the pudding menu, anyway

* If you and your partner want starters, it may be best to let your children go and play, and call them when their main course is ready

* Choose a large restaurant. Children and tables crammed together do not go well

* If they have to sit and wait, keep them occupied with breadsticks

* Whenever possible eat outside, so they can get down from the table and run around

* Eating out at lunchtime is a better bet, because your children will be less tired and you can bribe them with the afternoon's activities

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