If you've taken your toddler to your favorite restaurant and you can still show your face there, you've really accomplished something. But there's a good chance that you're still trying to master the art of taking your toddler out in public without getting embarrassed or creating havoc for those around you.

Unfortunately, there's no "cure" to ensure that your children will behave when others are around. They simply don't have the same social awareness that we have as adults. There are some things you can do, however, to instill good manners and acceptable social skills into your young child so you won't dread the next time you decide to go out to eat.

1. Start practicing at home - The best way to teach your toddler how to eat at restaurants is to teach them proper manners at home. You should already be teaching them table manners, but it helps to actually discuss those manners before going to a restaurant so they know what's expected. Practice eating in public by gathering around the table and turning the TV off. When you toddler is used to acting properly at home, it will just be second nature to them when you take them out in public.
   
   
2. Bring something along to entertain them - As adults, we're typically satisfied with good conversation and a few laughs. But toddlers aren't like that. They don't want to hear about what your boss said to you at the office or your thoughts on the latest political news. Bring your toddler's favorite coloring book, a few crayons and a couple other things they enjoy doing quietly. You can even have a small tote bag prepared at all times for when you go out to dinner. You can even have your toddler decorate it and fill it with things they enjoy.
   
   
3. Go to family-friendly restaurants - If you've ever seen the episode of "The Cosby Show" where Cliff takes Rudy and her friends to a high-class restaurant, you probably realize the futility in trying to introduce "culture" to your toddlers. Instead of taking your toddler to a place that serves wine and caviar, stick to family-friendly places. Many places have menus specifically geared towards children with fun foods and fun names. They also have booster chairs and their staff is more equipped to cater to families with young children.
   
   
4. Have a snack before going out to eat - A snack before dinner doesn't mean having a "pre-dinner Whopper," but a few crackers or some other small snack will help prevent your toddler from whining while waiting for the food to be served. You can also bring a little something to the restaurant with you so your toddler has something to munch on while waiting for their food. Just make sure it's not something big enough to ruin their appetite or else you'll have to listen to them whine through your entire meal.
   
   
5. Guide your toddler toward a food they will like - Kids typically have no idea how to order at a restaurant. They know what they get at home or in their Happy Meals at McDonald's, but they might not know what a BLT is at a restaurant. Explain to them some of the different menu items and let them make the decision. As long as it's reasonable, allow them to order whatever they like.
   
   
6. Go during normal mealtimes - If your family usually sits down to dinner at 5:00, go to the restaurant around the same time. Toddlers typically stick to routines and schedules. Even if they don't know what time it is, their body will start getting hungry around the normal mealtime.
   
   
7. Look for distractions - Ask the host or hostess if you can be seated near a window. This gives your toddler a distraction instead of getting bored. They can watch all the cars going by or the other activities going on outside. If the restaurant offers outdoor seating, your toddler might even enjoy that, too.
   
   
8. Appreciate your server - Being a waiter or waitress isn't an easy job. But this job becomes even more difficult when toddlers are introduced into the situation. Some servers work very well with children and make them feel like a part of the experience. Make sure you tip your server well if they have provided good service. If your toddler has made a mess, have respect for the server and clean it up as best you can. You'd appreciate the same type of consideration if the situation were reversed.

Despite popular belief, taking your toddler out for an enjoyable meal at a restaurant is within the realm of possibility. In fact, it's an essential part of growing up. It teaches toddlers how to act in public and how to show their manners. With a few preparation techniques and some thought, dining can be just as enjoyable as dining in.