Ren Allen

"And, too, I think most of us would also try to gauge the situation
ahead of time and prepare, plan, and arrange things to be more
comfortable for those involved (kids AND adults) or just not go if
the child or children were just not at a place where they could
handle it."

Yes. I don't think a toddler standing at a booth is a big deal, I
personally don't try to stop my kids unless it is potentially
dangerous or bothering other people (unless those other people are
bothered by just about everything...then I say "to hell with it").

If you ask folks that ate out with me at the first two conferences,
they'll probably tell you they never really ate WITH me!! I followed
Jalen around the restaurant pointing at pictures and trying to keep
him happily distracted. He never actually sat to eat. I would come by
the table on a walk-about and grab some food for myself. Snatching 2-3
bites at a time is how I survived.

We just didn't eat out much at all when he was younger. He still
doesn't sit through a whole meal, which at home is no big deal. On the
rare occasions we go out, he always ends up without shoes on, either
hiding under the table or walking around the table. We just make sure
he isn't out in the aisles, but right near us. I am still amazed that
I can actually sit and eat a meal now.:)

Ren
learninginfreedom.com