How can I get my toddler to behave in a restaurant?

Child psychologist Laverne Antrobus replies: Most children get fidgety and misbehave when eating out, usually because they're expected to sit still for too long.

My advice is to start small, perhaps with a trip to a coffee shop where you're only going to be for a short while. That way, you can introduce the experience of eating out slowly.

Explain beforehand that you're going out for a special treat. While you're there, praise everything your son does well. Be prepared for him to get grizzly or disruptive, but don't dwell on this behaviour. Also, be clear about what you're prepared to buy and stick to it.

The golden rule is to take things slowly and ideally bring someone along for support.

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