One of my favorite things that me and B do is go on little momma and B dates. We usually go out to dinner and then go for ice cream. After not seeing him for a couple days because of split custody, I like to have at least one night a week that is a special time for him and I.
B is only three, will be four soon, but I think there is something so powerful in letting him use his voice. Whenever I was younger, still living at home as a little rugrat, my parents always ordered for me when we went out to eat. It was known that when you get to the restaurant you look at the menu first, figure out what you want, and make sure you tell mom or dad. Honestly, a lot of people do it that way and that is perfectly fine, nothing wrong with that at all.
I started doing things different with B. When we get to our go to spot, usually Chili’s, I let him pick where he wants to sit (with momma or across from momma). Together, we take a look at the menu and pick out what he wants to eat and drink. The difference between what I did as a kid and what I am doing with my son now is I let him tell the waiter. Every time this has happened the waiter or waitress is always so patient and kind hearing my little man order. We work on manners and using his big boy voice so they can hear what he wants. There is something so precious about hearing B say, “Can I have chocolate milk and chicken please?” I usually do some clarifying after he orders but it gives him the chance to be independent.
There is nothing special about ordering off of the menu, but when you are 3 and get to use your big boy voice it is really exciting. The look of pride B has is worth it all and it’s building the confidence to use those soft skills in the future.
Next time you go out to eat, whether it is at a sit down place or a fast food pit stop, let your little one order. Give them the chance to speak for themselves and see that little smile after they are done. It may seem like a silly thing or small to you and I, but to the ever growing toddler it’s a big deal.
Go ahead and order.
-Em
The Single Momma 