1. | Take a deep breath, you will live through it. | |
2. | Predetermine where you will stop and eat. Let all your drivers know this before you leave. | |
3. | If you can, call ahead and give the place a head’s up. | |
4. | When you roll into the parking lot, let a couple of sponsors off to go to the head of the line. | |
5. | Give your kids instructions before they get off the buses. Tell them about cleaning up after themselves, using the restroom, and getting back on the bus, etc. | |
6. | Have the kids get in one or two lines, depending on the size of your group and the restaurant. (I always like to let regular people get ahead of us and have a fair chance. You will recognize them because they look terrified.) | |
7. | Plant a sponsor by the register of each line to help the kids order. | |
· | The sponsor standing at the front of the line will help each child order. Ask the child what they want and help the child with decisions. You might have to give them a cutoff; after all you have places to go. | |
· | Help the child figure out their money and pay. | |
· | Make sure they get their change back. | |
· | Have the child step to the side while they wait on their order and then proceed to help the next child in line. | |
· | They love to pay by themselves. | |
· | They love to order by themselves. | |
· | They are learning responsibility and independence. | |
· | They are learning manners and patience. | |
· | They are always learning from you, so go ahead and teach them something. | |
· | Make sure all tables are cleared and all trash is put away. | |
· | Insist they clean up after themselves. | |
· | Insist they are polite and act like reasonable human beings. | |
· | Decide what they can and cannot take with them on the bus. | |