Eating dinner with the family is the perfect way to spend quality time together. Family time has been shown to improve communication between kids and parents, reduce behavioral problems, and even boost performance in school. Dining out also allows you to relax and let someone else worry about cooking and cleaning. However, eating out with children can be tricky. Remember the following do’s and don’ts the next time you take your kids to a restaurant.

Do:

Choose a restaurant the kids will like.

Children can be picky eaters and get fussy if they don't like what they're served. You should choose the restaurant carefully. Make sure it's a place that serves food your kids enjoy.

Check online menus or call the restaurant to ask if they serve particular items. An establishment with familiar, kid-friendly options like mac and cheese or chicken tenders is an ideal choice for large families.

Bring activities to keep kids busy.

Bored children can come up with interesting solutions to inactivity that might disrupt other guests. Be prepared to keep your kids occupied while the adults finish their food. Bring a coloring book, small toy, or a travel-sized game to keep them entertained and quiet so other patrons can enjoy their meals.

Don't:

Forgo appetizers.

It can sometimes take longer than expected to prepare dinner for a whole family. If your kids are especially hungry, order an appetizer they like to tide them over until the entrees arrive.

Keep noisy kids at the table.

If one of your kids has a noisy meltdown, don’t hesitate to take them outside. Sometimes, fresh air or a change of scenery can help your child calm down and manage their feelings.

Take some napkins to wipe up any tears and sit inside your car if necessary. Bringing your kid outside will ensure the noise doesn’t upset other children or interrupt surrounding conversations.

If you want to take a break from cooking dinner for a night, stop by Lee's Chicken Restaurant in Lincoln, NE. This popular eatery has been serving Lancaster County since 1945. They specialize in fried chicken, burgers, and other kid-friendly dishes and offer dine-in and carry-out options. Visit their website to view their menu or call (402) 477-4339 to ask about business hours.