Dining out - Real Mum story on MoM

5 Comments

So as a mother of a child with special needs, I find outings difficult with my child. Whether it be out at the supermarket, shops or even school pick ups. However we manage to get through these as time spent at each location is usually quite short.

However, I find dining out a problem.

Firstly my child cannot sit in standard chairs or high chairs provided at restaurants, we use a specialised chair/stroller … we have dined with our child in the past, usually at earlier times than the standard lunch or dinner rush, and in places with little diners … however there are times that we would (or need to dine when it’s peak time and busy in a restaurant), so far it’s been manageable , but as my child is growing, they;re not a fan of sitting for long periods … alot of attention and entertainment is needed to keep my child occupied (and quiet lol). I am starting to get “nervous” about dining out and have been avoiding where possible not dining with my child (I have 2) and i do feel guilty if we take one and not the other …

But I think it’s fair for me as a parent, to be able to take my kids anywhere I want … however I am mindful of peoples reactions and thoughts/feelings if there is a loud disruptive child in the same venue as them whilst they are enjoying a simple dinner …

So, I am left still frustrated as to what I should do …. plus, I’ll be honest, as a mother of a child with special needs, i feel uncomfortable when people Look or give me the STARE … so if you are someone that would normally do this, please think twice … it really is not easy for me and it’s a stage I am getting through, learning to accept and adjust to … as this is not short term for me … it’s now my life and I hope over time/ years, people will learn to not judge so quickly and accept that it’s not always easy for some of us.

Posted by dreamer1495, 20th April 2013

5 Comments

- - mom81879 said
  - 12 Nov 2015
    6:28 pm
When you think about it, when it comes down to it, not being able to dine out with or without your child….is such a trivial problem. There are so many more people in the world with bigger problems then this

- - mom113055 said
  - 17 Oct 2015
    12:37 pm
sometime dining out is hard with a child

- - bedda1 said
  - 12 May 2015
    4:02 pm
I really feel for you and others in a similar situation. I recently signed up to Netflix and have the app on my phone which helps when I’m out and about with my kids. You do need to stream it from the internet though so need to make sure you have a large data allowance.

- - mom109463 said
  - 08 Mar 2015
    6:09 pm
I hope things have got easier for you, I have an acquired disability and need assistance to walk with a frame now and also sometimes with my meals, I have trouble drinking out of some glasses and have tremors which are very noticeable, I never realized how much people judge you or stare at you until I became ill, I am not retarded, I still have all my brain power, I enjoy going our for a meal but it is difficult when people stare at you because you have tremors to the point that you cannot get a spoon in your mouth, I certainly feel for you as I have a choice in staying home but you have another child who deserves to enjoy their childhood as does your disabled child, and why should you hide your disabled child that is what they did in the 1800’s, people need to be more tolerant and accommodating.

- - mom57522 said
  - 26 Dec 2014
    11:24 pm
What about using an ipad for entertainment?