Floyd: Our favorite toddler-friendly places to eat
Even with a good eater like my Charlie, going out to a restaurant still sends my blood pressure soaring.
I pack my magical diaper bag with toys, books, animal crackers and keep my phone loaded with Fisher Price games.
That guarantees me about 15 minutes of good behavior.
Every now and then, we will happen upon a place that makes the struggle a little less difficult.
Olive Garden: 1266 Fording Island Road, Bluffton; 843-706-3808, olivegarden.com
There is no denying the chain has amazing insight into how to keep everyone -- even your little one -- happy. Staff takes extra care to seat families with young children in the same dining room. That took some of the stress off me as a parent.
The kid's menu includes a make your own pasta dish that lets your little one choose everything, even down to the noodle shape.
But it's the stickers that kept Charlie quiet. She went crazy for those stickers and pasted them on the provided picture randomly and happily.
There's another bonus as well -- a tablet at each table with games and interactive shows.
But be warned -- there is a charge for their use.
If you decide not to use them, be prepared to hide them from your little one.
Hudson's:1 Hudson Road, Hilton Head Island; 843-681-2772, hudsonsonthedocks.com
Charlie is a huge flirt. She loves to say "hi" to every waiter who passes and she really does focus only on the men (we are in big trouble!). These guys were such good sports and always said "hi" back with a little wave. In between bites of her peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich and her steamed broccoli (perfect for tiny toddler jaws with a limited number of chewing molars) she could color on her oversized kids menu that doubled as a placemat.
When she finished (how dare the rest of us still be eating), she raised her arms and said "Ah Dun!.
This is the point in the night when it takes full brain power to keep her from turning into Baby Hulk.
I simply took her outside and let her run around the courtyard for ten minutes .
Wild Wing Cafe:1188 Fording Island Road, Bluffton; 843-837-9453, wildwingcafe.com
I can barely remember what I ordered for Charlie or if she even ate it, but I remember that there was so much going on -- so much music and sports and so many people that she was instantly entertained.
There was something so fun about the Wild Wing Cafe that distracted her into compliance. For that I will always be grateful.
And when she did holler at us, the whole dining room was so loud and happy, no one seemed to notice.
Reilley's:7 Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island; 843-842-4414, reilleyshiltonhead.com
There is nothing my toddler loves more than live music. Whether we are at the farmer's market or a festival or out for lunch, Charlie can't help dancing, clapping and cheering. Last summer, my mother took us there. We sat outside between the outdoor covered bar and the tiny makeshift stage. Conversation was hard but, really, what kind of conversation can you have with an 18 month old.
Black Marlin Bayside Grill:86 Helmsman Way, Hilton Head Island; 843-785-4950, blackmarlinhhi.com
Though not specifically geared toward "kid-friendly," its outstanding service made everything felt easier and less of a struggle.
Our waitress had full conversations with Charlie and cut her juice with water even though I forgot to ask. She also had the kitchen staff keep her noodles simple and just barely warm. She put everything for Charlie in front of me first. I cannot tell you how many times we have gone out for food and had our server put a soda or hot plate within Charlie's reach. Our thoughtful server made the trip worth it.
Katelyn Floyd is the mother of a toddler who lives in Bluffton. She can be reached at katelyn.j.floyd@gmail.com.
This story was originally published December 21, 2015 at 5:05 PM with the headline "Floyd: Our favorite toddler-friendly places to eat."