Restaurants have got the right idea. I have been known to pack some crayons and a coloring book when we go out to eat, just in case there isn’t something for the kids to do while we wait and try to visit and act normal in public with our kids.
I’ve found home is no different- while I am making dinner or just want everyone to stay seated at the table together, I put out crayons and tape on some coloring pages to use as our place mats. Even better, throw a whole sheet of butcher paper on your table and color away! I found some roll-out coloring sheets at Michael’s that I tape right to our table, and use some crayon-filled jars as the centerpiece.
What are your tips to keep the kids busy while you make dinner or actually eat as a family at the table?
We always try to give everyone time at the dinner table to talk about their day. I ask the boys to share one bad thing about their day and follow that with all the good things about their day. I do this in an effort to help them see/understand that for all the bad things we may encounter throughout the day … the good things far outweigh the bad.
I love this idea. It’s our family’s secret to going out to eat and enjoying it with our small kids. I was at a restaurant where they covered the entire table with butcher paper and left us with some crayons. We ALL had fun drawing and playing tic-tac-toe.
Great idea. I love at Macaroni Grill they have colors and a sheet of paper over the table. Even the adults can have some fun coloring.
I actually let the kids go play after they’ve eaten so I can have hubby to myself.
What a great idea! I usually carry crayons or pencils, paper, and sometimes stickers which are magical for my daughter! I like the idea of giving them paper and telling them they can design their own one-of-a-kind placemat!
What a great idea!! Fun for adults too
I will be storing this away in my “when I have kids” file!
Great idea!!!
I love this idea. My kids each have a “job” – getting plates, getting silverware, getting napkins, getting drinks (only have 3 kids – for now – but the 2 year-old doesn’t really do much). The jobs help for about 5 minutes, but I think this would help us all be in the same room at the same time.