For parents in the Metro East, a quick trip over the river for a family fun activity can be daunting.

If recent headlines are any indication, kids and restaurants are like oil and water – the two just don’t mix. From the Mexican establishment in Texas that implemented yet another ban on children last August to a recent incident at Applebee’s where the police were called on an “unruly” family, it’s clear that we as a society are conflicted when it comes to where our kids belong, and how we expect them to act when they’re there.

Children need to know how to behave appropriately in a variety of social settings. It’s a valuable life skill that will serve them well as they grow. However, it also happens to be one with a serious learning curve. And as parents, it’s our responsibility to figure out which public outings our kids are ready to handle gracefully, and which ones are setting them – and us – up to fail.

Dining out with kids isn’t for the faint of heart. Even the best laid plans can be foiled by a mid-meal meltdown.  But there ARE ways to make the entire experience a more positive one for you and your children, as well as restaurant staff and other guests.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts to consider: 

Recently, fitness enthusiast and mom Maria Kang made headlines for a photo of herself in a

Welcome to Mom's Happy Hour, in which we sort through the latest news about parents, parenting and pop culture so you don't have to. And then we add a little bit of snark and a whole lot of judgment.

Imma let you marry me

Last week, you could hear the sound of millions of hearts breaking when Kanye West proposed to new mom Kim Kardashian, complete with a 15-carat ring, a rented-out baseball stadium, and a 50-piece orchestra playing Lana Del Ray – quite the step up from his original idea of baking the ring in a Cheddar Bay Biscuit at Red Lobster. We’re pretty sure Kim is already pinning Mason jar candles and paper garlands to her Pinterest wedding board in preparation for her big day.

Dolphins take a bite out of tigers

Two years ago, tiger parenting was all the buzz in the child-rearing world. Born out of Amy Chua’s Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mom, tiger moms focused on their children’s quest for individual achievement and excellence. This year, dolphin parenting, which celebrates playing, fun, open communication, and intimacy, is gaining momentum among parenting experts.

While I think I’m more of a dolphin than a tiger, in all honesty, when this parenting stuff gets too rough, I switch into cat parenting mode. I hide under the bed when my kids are too loud, hiss when a toddler won’t stop touching me, and act aloof and bitchy for no apparent reason.

There’s a lot to love about living in St. Louis, but at this precise moment in history, it’s the St. Louis Cardinals who probably top the list. Fresh off their victory over the L.A.

We've got some fun in store for you and your little monsters!