What tip is helpful when serving parents with small children?

Bringing out crayons and paper before service is a thoughtful way to engage small children and make their dining experience more enjoyable. This approach helps keep children entertained while their parents are waiting for their food, reducing potential restlessness or fussiness. Having activities like coloring can help create a more peaceful dining atmosphere and makes the restaurant experience more family-friendly.

Providing a kids menu is also beneficial, as it can offer child-friendly options and encourage parents to return. However, simply offering the menu does not actively engage the children from the moment they arrive like crayons and paper do. Offering free drinks may be appreciated by parents, but it doesn’t directly address the needs or engagement of the children. Allowing children to run around, while it might seem accommodating, could disrupt other guests and create a chaotic environment. Therefore, providing crayons and paper is a proactive way to cater to the needs of families dining out.