Take Him or Leave Him?

Another vote for babysitter here! It is hard to enjoy yourself as it is to take out the kids, chasing one will make the celebrations less fun for everyone.
I have 2 girls and felt the same one, however having one special needs baby has changed my opinion a bit. He won't be comfy in that environment and the stress level will probably be super high with both.
Just a thought. Good luck!

I also have a VERY BUSY 2 year old and I would get a sitter. I know my daughter would be fine for a quick dinner, but I'm sure since it's a group dinner it will probably also be a long one. I would still take your older child since it is a family event.

Hi T.

I can undertand that not treating your younger son with the same fairness as the oldest may be difficult. In this circumstance, you yourself understand that Oliver "is very...busy (an understatement) in that sort of environment". It may be that he doesn't enjoy it as much either. He is very young and may just have as much fun with a sitter that with other people who would probably enjoy having a nice meal in a restaurant.
If this were in a private home, then there are always alternatives as to how to handle a child that does not wish to sit with everyone at the table. This may be more difficult in a restaurant. Also, I would think that you may not enjoy yourself either.
Parents often forget to take care of their relationships and to go out as a couple occasionally. This might be one of those times.
As usual, as a parent, you know what is best for your family. I hope that you will have found this useful. Enjoy your weekend.

C. C.
Life Coach

Hi T.,
I would consider getting a sitter for both boys. I agree it wouldn't be fair to leave just one. Besides, couldn't you use a night out without the boys?

M.

I know how you feel about this dilemma. I too, have young kids close in age- with TOTALLY different personalities. I say it would be just fine to leave him. Maybe to alleviate any inner guilt that you might have (but shouldn't have), you might wanna make it a "special night" of babysitting for Oliver- he can choose whatever he wants to do that night (under reason, of course) or something like that.

Hi! I am an "older" mom I have a 19yold girl, 17yold girl, and a 13yold boy. I always made sure the girls especially knew that they were not a package deal! Sometimes one would be invited to a birthday party, and the other one would want to go, or ask for a treat bag also, when we picked up! It is important that children have their own identity socially. With age becomes different experiences, I would leave your younger one with a sitter because he would also enjoy himself more at home getting one on one attention with a sitter then sitting at a table being 2! I tried to make special time for each of them alone when possible, like maybe a day out with mom or dad with your 4yold and then another time with just your 2yold. It helps to prepare them for social life at school
later! Good Luck! Sounds like you are a very caring Mom!

I agree with your other response. Why don't you get a babysitter for both of the boys and enjoy the evening out? You probably need a little break.

I would get a sitter, but I wouldn't worry so much about the 'fairness' issue...
You're assuming it's unfair to leave your younger son home with a sitter - to be in his comfort zone with all his toys and books and favorite foods - vs taking him to a place where his behavior will be severely constrained and he won't have nearly as much fun.
I think its all in how you approach it - I think the younger son (with a sitter) might be the one having a better time than the older son (at the restaurant.)
But you can always leave them both home with the sitter and enjoy an evening of not having to look after anyone else but yourselve. = )
Good luck!