Children eating out trouble

Expert answers: Xu Fan parents must read magazine Deputy Editor, child psychology experts

Q my son was 3 years old, a restaurant will make fools of me, and mischief, sumptuous dishes on the table, could not catch his attention. He was for a while looking around, while issuing Wolf \"OfficeCE\" of the calls, catch opportunity or to walk around, anyway, is not good to sit down and fill the belly. What should I do?
Child of the A3 at the restaurant, and adults do not like this is probably because:
(1) children experience fewer dining environment for children is a very strong new stimulus.
(2) regardless of where the child operation is relatively simple: If you are hungry, he\'s gonna feed; if it is hungry, he will play. Adult to restaurant, part of the purpose is to eat, some aim chat. Whether social aim of main auxiliary, will bring new requirements to table manners. May have these requirements has never been at home to raise the child or implementation necessary for the purpose of the children, in order to let the children observe the nature is not reality.
(3) health of most of the 3-year-olds active, be quiet for 10 minutes, is a remarkable thing. But besides eating fast food, who can solve the problem of dining in the restaurant in 10 minutes?
(4) at home, children are often the center of concern; in restaurants, for social needs, parents may ignore their children, children will naturally find ways he can attract parents concerned.
(5) for social need dinner, will not normally consider whether children are really hungry, had low point of the meal considering children\'s tastes, a table of adults think that the wonderful cuisine, can let the children may not be interested in two.
Know these reasons, will help us target to some responses:
(1) daily set meal rule. Behavior of the child at the table, some is a continuation of the daily habit. In the daily habits of eating habit of children keep quiet when, not only will you avoid the embarrassment of the restaurant, but also conducive to future admission to adapt.
(2) account before going out. Explain to the children clearly we are going to do now, what have to get there. While your children may not remember very clearly did not, but the requirements are necessary to make. Many times children there will always be impressed.
(3) take children like books, pens or small toys, kids something to do.
(4) point one or two samples or take a bit of children are familiar with and must have loved the food. Not all the new stuff will attract the attention of children, in particular food, for security of instincts, in a strange environment, children tend to eat familiar stuff.
(5) active children understand the restaurant environment.
With 3 year old children to the restaurant, you must quickly fill your tummy and give up part of your social time, features you need to respect the child\'s age, relatives and friends will understand. If parents bring their children to go out, you can rotate for taking the time to look after the children. Of course, select the restaurant has children\'s play area, will also give you convenience.

Edit/Shen Yan (shenyan@bphg.com.CN)
Source: 2007 issue of the parents must read