My Kid’s Plate: Do Kid Friendly Restaurants Exist?
You’ve been in my shoes: Normal week day, out running errands. Kids’ lunch alarm goes off: “Feed us!” Is there a Family Friendly Restaurant near by with a kid's menu? Is dining out with my kids realistic? Are there restaurants for kids? We Moms want to know!
Toting the necessary kid paraphernalia as well as one kid hip attached, the other at your feet, you approach the restaurant counter. No kids menu here so you order something the kids can share. Dining out with the kids. The cashier attempts to hand you a tray loaded with food and two empty cups. Ringling Brothers would be proud to have your juggling talent managing bodies, belongings, bleu cheese and beverages. Alas, upon arriving at the table, a drink tips over, and the only two highchairs in the restaurant are in use.
Ahhhhhhhh! Breathe! Yes, your rambunctious 11 month old explorer is going to sit on your lap to eat. You use your laser light vision to lock on to one of the highchairs in use; while simultaneously rear-viewing the entrance hoping no additional high-chair contenders arrive.
Finally, just as your lap child finishes, a highchair is vacated. Dirty or not, you’ll take it! You eat as fast as you can because your mobile child is leaving her chair. Seven bites into your $9 salad you succumb to the pressure of your toddler’s very apparent need for a diaper change. A quick stop for a “to-go” box and you’re all off to the restroom.
Ah, the restroom. Huge, certainly big enough for the three of you and all your stuff but no changing table. Only two choices: Put him on the tile floor or listen to his dull whine all the way home.
That was May 17, 2007. That was the last day I ate at that restaurant.
I’m sure you can relate to all or part of my experience. That night I began a four month internet search for restaurants that were kid-friendly. I found mom’s club websites with a tab listing restaurants for kids and some search engines conducting their own ‘vote for a kid-friendly restaurant’ as an annual activity. I was searching for was a credible list of restaurants that are kid and family friendly, based on what parents say they want and need when they take kids out to eat.
We parents and care givers had to start the list, and you will find it here at www.mykidsplate.com. We have three goals in mind at My Kids Plate:
1. Provide a place for you to find restaurants that value your business and share your favorites with other families.
2. Work with restaurants to build an understanding and appreciation for the loyalty family diners can bring them.
3. Provide an avenue for restaurants to let you know they want your business.
Thank you for taking your time to read our story. Please keep www.mykidsplate.com in mind as you eat out with your family. Come back often, help us grow the list by nominating new restaurants, and please share your successes and challenges of eating out with the kids. Also check out our FAQ's.