Why didn't I think of this sooner? (Maybe it'll help you too!)

The kids and I all went out to lunch last week at a place where they have little plastic boxes of toys for the kids (containing little dinosaurs and guys and stuff) and I sort of asked myself why more restaurants don't do this?

DUH!!!! I could pack my OWN activity box for the kids to take into restaurants and keep it in the car.

So I bought one of those small clear boxes with a lid and handle (sold in Walmart, etc by the plastic shoe boxes and storage boxes) and put some cars and some of those party-favor sized Playdoh containers, markers and stickers. Last night we went out to dinner and it was so great!!! The twins stayed in their high chairs the entire time, our 4yo was happy, DH and I were able to actually have a conversation...

So, I thought I'd pass it on in case even ONE of you can benefit from the idea. I wish I would have done it months ago - we've been avoiding eating out because it chaotic. We don't do it much, but if we can go once every couple of weeks it's nice.

Edited to add: A picture of the box I bought

 

good idea! My kids usually stay okay with the crayons and paper...as long as they don't start eating the crayons!!

 

Jenny, that's a great idea. I bought the little travel magna doodles for that purpose, but they made it out of the car (they are for airplanes too!) and now they are in the house! I need to get something else for them and put it all back in the car! Great idea!

 

That is such a great idea, i am going out this weekend and buy one ..thanks for the Great tip...

 

Awesome idea!

 

That's a great idea! I usually let my girls take one toy wach with them and I always have a box of crayons in my purse. I love the box idea though!

 

Thanks for sharing! Love the idea...hmmm...maybe I'll do that for the girls' Easter basket!

 

We've been doing that forever. It really is great. Our kids are older now so they pack their own box and are responsible for keeping what they want in it.

 

It's a good idea and thanks for sharing- hopefully other moms could benefit from that. We have a toy box in our car for places that don't have toys- but it's big so I think I will also pack something like this, too. Ever wonder where we get all these toys and if they really need them? But they sure do come in handy when you're in a pinch for attention holding!

 

We keep a small box in the car like that for restaurants, etc. It really does help, doesn't it? I usually take the little toys that they get from Happy Meals, etc. and throw them in the box. It's nice not to have those little toys all over the house, but it keeps them entertained when we're out and about.

 

We take small backpacks for each of the kiddos. Each child gets to pick two things they want to take with them and then I put one surprise item inside. They love it and it keeps me sane.

 

Very cool! I sort of discovered something similar by accident when the girls went to the dollar store and bought a whole bunch of little plastic animals and played with them through lunch afterwards.

That container is very neat. My girls love containers and a see- through one with a handle is perfect.

Thank you!!

Lisa

 

What a great idea! Don't you just love those "duh" moments... at least you thought of it eventually! I'm going to do that right away.

A while back I found a toy/game on the tables at the Cracker Barrell Restaurant: you know those little peg triangle games? (triangle shaped wooden board with 14 golf tees stuck in the holes...) The twins fell in love with them! So we bought 2 and we take them to dinner with us. But it's not enough to keep their attention for the entire night...

Thanks again for the great ideas!

 

Love the idea. I would say add some finger foods in a ziploc in case there aren't any crackers.

 

quote:
Originally posted by twinzmom2b:
Thanks for sharing! Love the idea...hmmm...maybe I'll do that for the girls' Easter basket!


MY thoughts exactly!

 

GREAT IDEA.............thankx!!

 

If the diaper rash is too bad and won't go away, take him to the pedi. If it's yeast, they can prescribe either Nystatin (which doesn't always work) or something that started with a K. I can't remember, but it cleared Madison up in a matter of days. Try this triple paste they are talking about, or you can try lotrimin if you don't want to do to the pedi, but if it's becoming a nuisance the dr can give you something to clear it almost instantly.

 

Shoot, I put this under the wrong thread!! SORRY!!!

 

fantastic idea !!!!