Dining with kids, especially with toddlers, can be very challenging, even more so if you are dining out in a restaurant. But despite the challenges and difficulties that it may bring, it is quite possible to eat in one of the Makati restaurants with your toddler. Below are some tips to help make this easier and enjoyable for you.

• Arm yourself. You cannot expect your toddler to sit at a table with you for an hour or two without doing anything so make sure to arm yourself. Pack a small bag with board books and small toys. These items that are small enough to be placed on top of a restaurant table will keep your little one busy. If after doing this several times and it does not seem to be working very well, put in some small new toys that your child will be interested in. Also, make sure to change the books and toys from time to time; replace those that does not seem to be effective and keeping those that are favorites.
• Choose right. The restaurant that you will choose will have an enormous effect on whether you will have a good dinner with your toddler or not. If you have a toddler with you, stay away from quiet, formal restaurants. Whether you are choosing from restaurants in Cebu, Metro Manila, or anywhere else, you will surely find one that is more casual, laidback, and can tolerate a certain amount of noise. You might want to have your first excursion in a relaxed and comfortable fast food restaurant such as a burger joint or may be a buffet restaurant.
• Arrive early. There is a reason why passengers with kids are seated early in airplanes and it is better for you to do the same if you are planning to dine in a restaurant. Make sure to arrive a few minutes earlier than the usual lunch time or dinner time rush. This will ensure that you can get seated and served more quickly. Less waiting time means less chance for your child to act up.
• Enforce rules. Whatever rule you have at home should be implemented even in the restaurant. So it is a great idea to start training your toddler at home by setting age-appropriate rules while eating.
• Order kid-friendly food or bring some. One of the things you should consider when choosing the restaurant where you will dine is the food that your child will eat. Choose a restaurant that serves food that your toddler will love to eat. Either that or make sure to bring some. However, if you are bringing food to the restaurant, ask the staff first if it is okay to serve them to your child.