kids life skills

Going out to eat as a family at a restaurant is a special time together. As you sit around the table, you get to spend quality time together and indulge in delicious meals. For Scott Donnell, a parenting coach and dad of four, he also uses the opportunity to help his kids build useful life skills.

He shared his parenting philosophy with fellow parents. "We have a family rule that when we go to a restaurant, one of the kids has to order for the whole table," he explained. "This is about public speaking, this is about communication. It's about memory."

Donnell tells Upworthy that challenging his kids to do this has taught them even more. "When kids order for the whole table, they take responsibility and learn assertiveness," he says. "They learn strong communication, presentation skills and initiative. And it’s fun!"

He continues to explain how having one of his kids order the family's meals at restaurants builds them up. "We tell [our daughter Reagan] what we want on the menu. We tell her the different things not to put on the food or in the food, what size to order. She is in charge of telling the waiter or waitress," he shares.

He adds that each kid [in this case, Reagan], must know the waiter or waitress's name, and address them by it while looking them in the eye. "She goes, 'Hello Bob, my name is Reagan. And I'd like to order this. My sister would like to order this. My brother would like to order this. My other brother would like to order this. My Dad would like to have this, and my Mother would like to have this.'"

Donnell notes that this also teaches his kids to be respectful of the waiter or waitress, and also bonds the family. "Get them engaged. Get them talking. Build relationships. Dinner is where your kids become friends," he says.

Many parents love Donnell's parenting strategy. "What a great idea❤️❤️❤️❤️," one commented.

Another added, "This is awesome. My four year granddaughter has been doing this for [us] for over a year. She has dairy allergies and knows how to navigate that for herself and how to be respectful and kind if the restaurant makes a mistake. Kids are amazing. Way to show your children that they are a responsible and caring part of your family. Little opportunities to learn can be a game changer! 👏👏👏👏"

One grandparent shared, "Yes yes yes!!! I always did this with my son and are encouraging our grandchildren to do the same!"

How to make the most out of family meals at restaurants

Donnell also adds that while spending time at the table when eating out with your family, it's important for kids to be tech-free.

"Going out to eat can sometimes be stressful for parents with younger kids," Donnell tells Upworthy. "Instead of handing them an phone or iPad to pacify them, use it as a learning experience. Train them in how they should behave in public, how they represent your family values, and ask great questions. Make meals more interesting than tech."

For parents looking to encourage their kids to try ordering at the table, he recommends also doing the 'special plate' strategy once orders have been placed and meals are served.

"Another great tip is the 'special plate' strategy," says Donnell. "The child who orders gets the special plate everyone gets to say one thing they love about them. Rotate each dinner, including parents."