Eating out with your child

New tastes
Italian, Greek or Portuguese restaurants are often more child friendly- perhaps because eating out from an early age is the norm in Mediterranean countries. Most neighbourhoods have a good family restaurant where children are welcome – and aren't expected to eat the ubiquitous burger and chips.

Chinese family restaurants are also ideal for small children. The portions are small, healthy and made from fresh ingredients and even the fussiest toddler will be tickled by trying to eat noodles with chopsticks.

At home we impose our own food tastes on our children- but a restaurant is an ideal place to break away from this kind of thinking. Don't be afraid to let your children try new foods. Pasta with a garlicky napolitana sauce dredged with Parmesan might be poles apart from the home- cooked macaroni and cheese but let your toddler decide whether he likes it or not.

Don't take a starving child to a restaurant
It sounds a bit odd, but a small snack before you leave home might be a good idea. Alternatively, ask for some bread as soon as you sit down. While the grownups in the party are poring over the menu, order the children's food first. If you have a baby, bring your own food, as you can't be sure you'll find something appropriate on the menu.

Come prepared
Bring a few (quiet) toys, if your child is old enough to draw, a colouring- book is a good distraction. A small, light highchair that clips onto the table is worth bringing if you have one, otherwise bring your pushchair so that your little one has a place to sit and snooze if necessary. You can also take your baby for a walk around the block while your wait for your food.

Quit while you're ahead
Keep your visit short. You can't reasonably expect your two year old to happily spend two hours in a restaurant, so you might have to forgo coffees and desserts. If your children are starting to show signs of losing their good humour, ask for the bill and leave. It's preferable to leave on an up note.

Eating out can be a fun family activity, and it can help your children experience different tastes and cultures, and practice table manners. Give it a try, but if it's no fun on any if you, give it a break and make another attempt in six months time.