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Dining out with kids can be a double-edge sword. On one hand you want adult time and on the other hand you want to spend time with your kids. I have 10 nephews and nieces and every time a sibling has a birthday or a celebration we all go out to dinner. I always want to see the kids, however dining out with them can be a challenge. Issues ranging from a menu not including items like macaroni and cheese or Top Roman, to a parent feeling reluctant to order a meal for each child knowing 75% of the food will go to waste. Here are a few suggestions to help survive dining out so that you can enjoy your children before they go to college and enjoy a glass of wine at the same time!

Go to a Bistro
Bistros have a family atmosphere with checkered table clothes and menus that can generally accommodate every ones palates. This can make a family outing with chaos more tolerable. Try ordering French fries first to occupy the kids while you take your time sipping your wine and ordering your meal.

Crayons Forever!
Don't leave home without them! Crayons and a fun coloring book will occupy your kids and help keep them calm.

Take a Chill Pill... Mom
Child food consumption at a restaurant is truly a matter of controlled chaos, thus USE every taboo trick in the book. I'm talkin' bribery! It works. For one night, if you need to, let go of nutritional values and enjoy your time. Let them eat fried foods, desserts and soda.

Children Unite!
When dining with another family, such as your siblings' kids, let the kids sit together. They will develop their own community and you'll be surprised at how well they behave. Also, remember to add an extra tip to compensate for dealing with children. The adults will have a good time as well as the children.

Act as if Your Kids are Grown-up.
Once in a while take them out to a grand dining experience. They will be in awe and eventually learn more advanced dining skills.

Dim Sum is an Efficient Form of Eating
Restaurants that serve Dim Sum have a family atmosphere which is condusive to large family functions. They are also an excellent choice for "the get'ya in and get'ya out" crowd. Always keep in mind...when your kids ask what it is - DON'T TELL THEM - until after they have enjoyed it!

Always Play the Noodle Card.
Macaroni and cheese, lo mien, or spaghetti... every child will eat some sort of noodle. You may have to tell them it's just like the spaghetti at home only a different shape, but it's generally a good option for the finicky child.

With Zero Menu Options Ask for an Extra Plate
When you have the child that refuses to eat any of the menu items then it's a good idea to ask for an extra plate. Pretty soon they'll see others enjoying their food and want to try a few bites.

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