Hi, again --

We took our kids to restaurants from time to time from the time they
were a few months old. And every time we swore that we'd never do such
a thing again! We used ALL the tips that have been suggested, but some
kids just aren't able to behave well at a restaurant. Personality
overwhelms parenting skills at 16 months of age ...

By the time the kids were 3 we could take them to kid-friendly places.
A couple of years ago we could start taking them to more refined
places. And both managed a very nice French restaurant (4-stars in the
depths of the French countryside) by the time they were 6 and 8. At
those ages, parenting was winning over innate personality!

If your very young child is able to handle a restaurant, then you have
my congratulations. But some kids just can't, and most kids can't
handle it at certain times, such as when they're unusually hungry, tired
or otherwise uncomfortable.

My two cents,
--Beth Kevles

http://web.mit.edu/kevles/www/nomilk.html -- a page for the milk-allergic
Disclaimer: Nothing in this message should be construed as medical
advice. Please consult with your own medical practicioner.

NOTE: No email is read at my MIT address. Use the AOL one if you would
like me to reply.