by Leah Black, Editor

We all know how trying it can be to take the kids out for a meal at a restaurant. For Terrence and me, our number one rule is “get in and get out.” The key is to eat our meals fairly quickly before Liam gets antsy and starts to meltdown. There’s nothing worse than trying to keep an active toddler occupied while you’re waiting for your food to come out. This doesn’t do much for digestion, but the strategy has worked for us so far.

To be honest, we’re very lucky. Liam has never thrown a huge tantrum or thrown his food at other patrons (he’s only 20 months old and I know there’s still time for that!). For the most part he’s very well behaved when we dine out. Sitting still for more than five minutes is the challenge, however. The boy does love to explore. It doesn’t take long before he’s demanding to get out of his seat and check out other people in the restaurant.

Usually this means that Terrence and I don’t eat together. I eat my meal first – and quickly at that – while he walks around with Liam. Then we trade off duties so that he eats while I keep Liam entertained.

While we don’t dine out very often, we do want to bring Liam along. I think it’s important for him to learn manners and how to behave in a social setting, even at his young age.

Finding restaurants that are geared toward families makes dining out easier and more relaxing for mom and dad. The three of us once had lunch at the Village Tea Room in New Paltz. It is the ultimate in family-friendly. The small restaurant has a great kids area with a chalkboard on the wall, kid-sized table and chairs, and crayons and paper for drawing. Liam happily busied himself while we waited for our food at the next table.

There are only a few items on the children’s menu, but they are wholesome, organic foods – a far cry from the fried chicken nuggets and fries you find on most kids menus.

Better yet, the bathroom not only has a diaper changing station, but it has free diapers and wipes for parents who forgot them or ran out!

Of course, not every restaurant makes dining out with kids this easy. Some don’t have highchairs or booster seats. Many don’t have a kids menu. And a majority don’t have a diaper changing station in the restroom.

But how do you know which restaurants are more family-friendly than others? Hudson Valley Parent has made the search a lot easier. We’ve created the only restaurant guide in the Hudson Valley just for families. Check out our restaurant guide at www.hvparent.com and you’ll find a list of dining establishments with highchairs and booster seats, children’s menus and diaper changing stations. You will also get all the details on the type of food offered (Italian, Thai, Mexican, etc.) and a description of the restaurant, so you know what to expect when you get there. Several even have full reviews to give you a more in-depth look at each restaurant.

So, the next time you decide to head out to a restaurant with your family, check out out new guide at www.hvparent.com first!