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Kelli (SAHM of Logan, 8 and Whitney, 7): Don't you agree, some days trying to decide what's for dinner is the straw that breaks the mommy's back?

Jen (DCM of Jacob 5, and Caleb, 2): Definitely. Sometimes after a long day of work, simply heating up leftovers just seems too daunting.

Kelli: Especially during the summer with a hot kitchen, a full day of corralling kids, and trying to keep order in the chaos - even with pre-planned meals, I just don't have the energy to execute.

Jen: So then the question becomes: Do we dare to dine out with kids?

Kelli: Back in my toddler/infant days, I might hesitate despite the tempting option of someone else cooking and cleaning up a meal for me. Taking turns eating while one parent takes care of the baby; the diaper bag of distraction that takes its own seat; the anxiety of making it through a meal without a meltdown - from me or my kids.

But now that my kids are older and I've paid my embarrassing dining dues and invested some good quality time in manners and expected behavior - bring it on, baby.

Jen: I'm right smack in the middle of the teaching phase. As difficult and as unpleasant as it can be to dine out with toddlers and young children, we feel it is best to expose them to those situations when they are younger. It may be that we eat at Outback at 4:30 in the afternoon when we are the only ones in the restaurant, but at least we're there!

Kelli: You know, it used to be that one of our favorite splurges in dining was Joe's Crab Shack because it's noisy and chaotic and we could relax a little on reinforcing behavior and let our kids just blend in.

Jen: Exactly. You need to allow kids the chance to just be kids, but at the same time they need to know there is a level of behavior that is expected when you are out in public. If they never get the chance to be exposed to these situations, it makes it a lot more difficult to expect it of them when they are older.

Kelli: Now, I'm so proud when my kids don't need reminders for pleases and thank yous when ordering and get compliments about their nice manners from servers and other patrons. It's such a nice reward for all those times we thought none of the lessons were sticking and we'd never be able to step foot in a Chevy's again.

Jen: Well, I'm definitely looking forward to that. One thing I've learned -- it's helpful to be prepared. I never leave anywhere without my stash of goldfish (in two separate bags so the boys don't fight over which one is theirs). I also come fully prepared with crayons, coloring books, and other items we only bring out on special occasions. Of course, our final recourse is to remove the child from the restaurant and take them outside for a dad-to-kid "behavior discussion."

Kelli: And even if dining out does become a disaster, it's worth investing a little embarrassment and frustration in the early years to know that one day soon daring to dine out simply becomes eating out as a family and a pleasant experience.

Jen: Meals are such important teaching areas for parents to demonstrate expected behavior, too. I notice my two year old is testing boundaries right now when we are going out. However, my five year old is definitely on the way to being pretty reliable in public. Although, he does have his moments!

Kelli: Oh, but the stories I could tell getting there! A restaurant frozen in horror as my husband dives over the table top to finger sweep a french fry from choking 18-month old Whitney's throat.

Once, at a yacht club dinner reception, we notice Logan, then three, has wandered away, pants dropped, tushie hanging out, peeing on a topiary. And rather than jump up and get him, my husband laughs and asks loudly, "Whose kid is that?"

Jen: I can't even talk about my horrible moments yet. They are too close to be funny! Give me another few years, will you?

Kelli: Don't worry. No matter what age your kids are, we're all just one ice-water-spilled-in-a-lap away from restaurant humiliation. But trust me, sometimes the no planning/cooking/cleaning up a meal for the night is worth a wet lap.

Kelli Wheeler is a Sacramento stay-at-home mom of two daring to dine out at places that don't start with Mc or end in King.

Jen Hall is a Sacramento dual-career mom of two who is looking forward to eating out when other patrons don't stand up and leave as her family comes in to dine!

Ten Kid Friendly Restaurants

1. California Pizza Kitchen. Fun activity menus, good food choices, reasonably prices. Plus kids can register for free meals on their birthday.

2. Mimi's Café. Fun activity menus, good food choices, reasonably priced. Bread and muffins to graze on before food arrives.

3. Bandera Restaurant. Upscale food and atmosphere for parents. Dark to hide kid lapses in manners and they can draw on tables. Kids meals $5 with Dove bar dessert.

4. Tahoe Joe's. All booth dining - good for corralling kids and Etch-a-Sketch diversion. Good food variety.

5. Willie's. Great for a quick grab or burger or hot dog night or after soccer/baseball practices. Happy to vary from menu for picky eaters.

6. Outback Steak House. The staff comes prepared with crayons and kid menu. Yummy bread loaf to stave off hungry kiddies.

7. Chevy's. Kids can play with dough and graze on chips waiting for meal. Reasonably priced.

8. John's Incredible Pizza. Need we see more? However, keep an eye on the little ones as it can get very crowded. Nice bonus is the fenced off toddler play area. Buffet-style food is actually yummy and a good value.

9. Joe's Crab Shack. Fun atmosphere on the river with lots of distractions. Every half hour, kids can join servers in a dance on the floor.

10. Old Spaghetti Factory. Great kid's menu and good atmosphere. It's so loud you'll barely notice your own children's voices as they mingle with the overall loudness of the restaurant. Make reservations ahead of time to limit waiting.

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