A Nice Night Out

The other night we were having dinner at Carrabbas, and Ellie only wanted bread, Brooklynn wanted a little of every one's food (she even loved the salad) but wanted it NOW, and Alison didn't want the chicken fingers that she ordered, she wanted Brian's fettuccine alfredo. (oh~ and her chocolate milk was too chocolatey...how is that possible?!) It was almost enough to make 2 tired parents a little nuts.

We took it in stride though and have decided that, until they figure it out and take advantage, we will pretty much go with the flow when out to eat and not make a big deal of things. (Unless they are deal breakers ~ burping, crawling under/around the table, throwing food etc.) We have cut back on going out to eat to about 2x/month. So if they only eat bread 2x/month, it wont kill them.

This method seems to be paying off. All 5 of us enjoy our night out a little more. This particular night we realized it wasn't just us who noticed it going smoother. At the end of the meal as I was packing up Brooke an older man at the table next to us stopped me and said "I just want to tell you how enjoyable it was to have dinner next to you. Your children were well behaved and used such good manners." I smiled a huge smile and thanked him! It's amazing how one small comment can totally make my day!

What he doesn't see is Alison using her manners just to look better than Ellie ~ or Brooklynn spitting out her food because she sees something better to eat ~ or Ellie dipping her bread in so much oil it makes us want to gag~which is what Brian and I focus on. He saw kids staying in their seats, not raising their voices, talking nicely to the waitress, sharing their food with the baby ~ things that we should focus on more.

My goal when we are at home, and are much more strict about table manners, it that they will s-l-o-w-l-y sink in and transfer to other social situations...I guess at 5, 3, and 1 we don't have it down perfect...but for that one night I was happy.



read here about an encounter my friend Vicky has with a stranger while getting coffee. Another example of how one small comment can change your day, or your perspective, or your life!