He can’t be expected to sit still for long periods with nothing to do before the meal arrives or after he’s finished eating. After all, you don’t normally keep him waiting 20 minutes for his food without allowing him to play, and he can’t be expected to understand that eating out has different rules from eating at home. Taking him for a walk around the restaurant or outside will keep him amused—and make him less likely to protest during the meal because he’s spotted something he desperately wants to explore.
