Is this normal toddler behavior?

My DS is almost 22 months and is sooo very annoying if we want to go for a casual dinner. He is usually good for the first 10 minutes in the high chair, but then he starts to try wiggle out and then starts crying and whining if you don't take him out...At that point he either wants to be held or he wants to be roam freely. Long story short, its all very stressful and totally not worth going out. I just feel as though i always see other kids at the restaurants sitting so nicely in their chairs, and i think to myself..."what have i done wrong"???
And yes, i do bring him coloring books, etc., but that only works for the first few minutes!

Re: Is this normal toddler behavior?

Normal for us!

Re: Is this normal toddler behavior?

It was for my DS. We pretty much stopped taking him out to restaurants at around 16-18 months. After a while, it got better though, and I would say around 2 years old we started taking him out again, but started with places like Panera Bread, where we could make a quick getaway if we had to.

I also give him tons of cookies to keep him quiet It's not ideal, but it keeps him happy long enough for us to enjoy a meal out together.

Re: Is this normal toddler behavior?

DS is 14 months and this is what he does also! I hope it's normal! We went out to dinner yesterday and by the end I wanted to tear my hair out.

Re: Is this normal toddler behavior?

Normal for us too!

Re: Is this normal toddler behavior?

Totally normal at thae age--DS will be 3 in May and we went thru this many times...i bring crayons/toys and try to get him eating as soon as possible

now that he is a little older I see definite improvement

Re: Is this normal toddler behavior?

DD did this for the first time Friday night. I looked at her and was like "Who is this child?". Nothing I did would occupy her - books, coloring books, small toys, etc. We had to pack up and leave the restaurant.