Parents can start early to develop healthy eating habits and proper dining out manners with their children. Taking children to a restaurant, trying different cuisines and learning the art of eating out can be fun and exciting. However, parents should be sure they don't put their children in unreasonable situations where the expectations for eating and behavior are beyond the child's ability to cope. Eating out should be fun. That means making careful restaurant choices, going out at the best time for your child and by bringing along the right equipment.

First, choose a restaurant that has a child friendly environment. Parents can always call ahead to make a good determination of the eatery. Do they have high chairs? Are well behaved kids welcome? Restaurants with high noise levels and lots of activity are a good choice. The children's voices will not bounce off the walls and some sort of activity may help keep them entertained. Avoid going to the quiet, dimly lit restaurants targeted to romantic couples or business executives. Be sure to go early before the rush hour starts. You are more likely to be seated immediately and served quickly. If it does not appear soon after you sit down, ask for some bread or crackers when seated. This should occupy the children and help them be patient until the entree arrives. Try not to take your children to a restaurant when they are hungry. This sounds counterintuitive, but hungry children are just too cranky and irritable to enjoy the experience.