You do all you can to make life better for your family, and to give them all the tools they need. Did you know that visiting your favorite family restaurant in New Jersey is a great way to help kids build social and life skills that they’ll use forever? Keep reading to see how!

Dining Etiquette at Your Local Italian Restaurant

Back in the day, kids were expected to sit at the table for dinner, keep elbows down, eat all their brussels sprouts, and finish everything on their plate. This 1950s version of dinner is a relic for many modern families, who may be grabbing takeout from their favorite NJ restaurant to eat on the go, eating in shifts to accommodate work and sports schedules, or “grazing” all day long. But is there still a place for proper manners? Absolutely! You want to prepare your child for any possible future, including one where they may one day dine with dignitaries. Since a restaurant is a change of pace, even young kids won’t be too surprised when there are different expectations. Make it fun and see how your children can blossom with manners in public!

Speak Up And Place Your Order—With A Side of Self-Advocacy

Speaking up can be hard for anyone, especially children. If your child is “shy,” “soft-spoken” or flat-out terrified to talk to adults, self-advocacy, or speaking up for herself, can be a problem. Practicing these skills in a safe, predictable setting like a family restaurant in Glen Rock is the perfect way to overcome these challenges. Don’t order for your child if he is old enough to speak for himself—even if he cannot read, you can help him to brainstorm foods that he might like, and ask the server if that item is on the menu. Setting reasonable limits (no soda, the whole family chooses a dessert to share, only one entrée) can help your child make good choices.

Want your child to be prepared for the future? Introduce her to as many social situations as you can, and help her learn how to navigate them! A family trip to your favorite Italian restaurant in New Jersey gets dinner out of the way and gives kids a chance to practice manners and social skills!