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(163 posts)

Your precious snowflakes at lunch

Started 3 years ago by JenV
Latest reply from GAL3

JenV
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I am not going to mention the restaurant, because I have no beef with them. What I have a beef with is all the parents of small children at lunch today who were SCREAMING at the top of their lungs and bashing their chairs into mine - without an apology from selfish mom, btw - at what point does it not occur to you that you need to take your screaming little brats outside for a time out or just take them home? We had to move tables- and so did one other couple because of kids running all over, screaming and at one point- I kid you not- one kid got out of his chair and looked like he was licking the carpet under the table. Please people - if you know your precious little snotflake (typo and it stays) can't handle lunch in a restaurant- leave them at home. Please. If your child is in full on tantrum mode, don't take it out on the rest of us.

Posted 3 years ago #
CountingCoup
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Ok I have to come out of the closet on this one and I'm fully aware that I am taking my life into my own hands with all of those soccer moms out there, but I can totally relate!

What was funny the other day I was taking the (green dragon) bus into the city, something I do not do too often.

I was flipping though my iPod like the majority of people on the bus when it happened...

At a few stops a butt load of school kids entered the bus, (apparently some bus routes are gone and now they ride the metro after school to get home).

Man I felt like I was back in Jr High with the ruckus and noise and movement.

Signs of the times I guess...

Posted 3 years ago #
austin
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Yes, metro riders get to ride school buses now that students have been forced onto metro. I thought it was supposed to be the other way around but they might as well paint all metro buses yellow. I guess they didn't have the funds for the "How To Conduct Yourself On Public Transit" assembly presentation at the schools this year, and we know the parents didn't prepare them for the experience based on how they let the littler ones run buck wild in any public space as if it were their living room. Sign of the times indeed. Or a sign for a need for tighter controls on pandemic breeding.

Posted 3 years ago #
JimmyG
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I've got no (current) beef with the kiddies but had to come into this thread and say the thread title is classic, gave me a very good laugh this morning.

Posted 3 years ago #
Irukandji
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JenV,

Even as the parent of a toddler I have to agree with you. If a parent is not prepared to remove a misbehaving child from a restaurant, the meal ought be at home. This is not to say that young children ought have perfected manners, but that there is a clear line between acceptable and unacceptable restaurant antics.

I have limited outings to real restaurants for just this reason, and when we go out to anyplace that has table service I have no problem telling a lunchmate that they may be eating solo if things get rough.

We've had some good times, and other times I've laid money down and left. I've also spend time outside in the rain or in the car waiting until kid was in an appropriate frame of mind to be in a restaurant.

I'm not starving, and conversation can happen nearly anytime and anywhere. It's not my kid's right to make others miserable, and it's my responsibility first and foremost to manage how he learns this.

Funny, though. When I first read the headline I assumed you must have had waitstaff with dander. I'm glad I took the time to read the thread and hear that there are people who still care about having a meal be an event, not a ruckus.

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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I know that i raised my children in the dark ages.. but i remember more than once spending time in the car with a child who couldn't settle down in a restaurant and missing out on my hot meal because my child was causing a disturbance for others.

I am not one of those old codgers who expect that you should raise your children the way i raised mine..

but i do expect that i should be able to go out into public.. into local stores... into restaurants... into movie theaters... and spend my hard earned money to be there... without having to leave because of the migraine induced by more than one child's squealing tantrum.

I have been in stores a lot lately searching for the storage items that make living in a small space with hobbies possible and have left nearly every store with a splitting headache... which necessitated spending the rest of that day and part of the next in bed... in spite of access to some of the best pain pills available.

I love children... but at the moment i am not loving the parents of those children so much.

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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i have to add that i do have a beef with restaurants who do not politely ask patents to control their children.

Their screaming children are not part of the ambiance i am paying for when i go out to eat and i don't think it is too much to assume that i should get what i pay for.

i choose not to go to restaurants that choose amplified noise as part of their ambiance..

any more than i choose to frequent kid friendly and kid noisy establishments unless i am in the company of my grandchildren or in the mood for friendly noise.

it turns out my favorite local hangout... the Luna Cafe ... is exceedingly kid friendly.. yet we have rarely encountered unruly children who are ignored by their parents in there.

If a child gets out of hand, a member of the staff comes over and starts paying attention to that child whose parents then give them the attention they were trying to get by misbehaving.

ok.. so the batmobile can get more than a little annoying on occasion... but if you sit in the back and play oldies it all works out fine:)

Posted 3 years ago #
meg
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As the mama of a 10 month old...I agree! I like to be able to bring her out to eat with us. But, I also fully expect if she is "losing it," that I will need to leave. I know it isn't always easy taking a kid to a restaurant....but as parents that is part of what we "signed up for." Get a sitter or you are still on 'parent duty.'

Don't expect the staff to either entertain or provide entertainment for your child.

Use the time out at a restaurant to teach and enforce some basic table manners and 'inside voices.'

And come on....don't expect the staff to clean up all the cheerios your little one threw on the floor. Not cool. Not cool at all.

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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it's good to know some things about motherhood have survived the generations...

Posted 3 years ago #
Irukandji
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Yeah, I know if I wasn't so diligent about these things, my mom would tell Grandma and then would I get THE LOOK. Yikes!

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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LOl..

i can still hearts with the look:)

Posted 3 years ago #
GenHillOne
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I've been known to use the look on other people's kids. I figure it's a pretty good first step.

Posted 3 years ago #
JoB
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me too.. and more often than not it works.

it's when i realize that i have become the mean old witch who used to live on our block that i have to laugh.

she was really a very sweet lady... she used to bake cookies for us and kept a candy bowl by her door...

but boy she had the look down:)

Posted 3 years ago #
rykrite
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I'm the mother of a five year old, and I tell you, the parents you're referring to give other parents a bad name! I don't think I'm harming my daughter by teaching her to give up her seat on the bus (if it's crowded) for an elderly, pregnant, or disabled person; she certainly isn't allowed to have tantrums in resturants, and never has. (I also have spent more time that I'd like walking outside a resturant with an energetic girl.) I bring a "resturant bag" with us - she has books, markers, stickers etc to entertain herself with so that she's happy AND the patrons are happy. There are lots of parents out there like me, but the parents who disregard the societal niceties give the rest of us a bad name.

I used to be a teacher. I LOVE "the look" and had a chance to perfect it even before I became a mom. :-)

Posted 3 years ago #
SuitsarenotBoring
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My mom and I just were discussing this topic. We were waiting in the airport and a little boy about 3 or 4 was running around screaming and crawling under the seats. His brother was desperately trying to corral him while his father pretended he did not see what was happening. We finally moved.

We discussed that we have total sympathy for the parent whose child has hit the end of its tether and is having a fit. There are times when you just cannot control a meltdown. You can and should remove the child, if possible, but I have totally felt for the exasperated mom in the check-out line with the toddler having a meltdown.

However, it is when the child is just screaming and running in a place such as a restaurant, store or airport that is a problem. This child was under our seats hooting and laughing - and that is not acceptable. In that case, I commend the brother, a little boy himself, for realizing this was not right.

Posted 3 years ago #
pbgirl423
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I am a mother of a very active two year old and believe me, I would be 100% more mortified and disappointed in the lunch experience than you. Most of these "selfish moms" you are referring to are probably wishing they could literally disappear but instead would like to try to enjoy a rare outing to a restaurant with a friend. I barely ever take my son to lunch at a restaurant but every now and then a good friend will want to meet me for lunch near their workplace. I'm not going to let my toddler rule my life all the time so sometimes it's an unavoidable situation.

I believe you were also young once and might have caused a stir for your own parents in a public place. Grin and bear it through your next meal and thank the gods you don't have to deal with that kid once your lunch is done!

By the way, I wish I knew where you ate lunch because it sounds like a great place to take kids.

Posted 3 years ago #
Cait
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My little ritual when this happens? Bow my head and thank God for my virtually assured infertility. I feel for you, mortified moms. That's a tough one indeed. But holy crow it sure makes me wanna break out the Advil right in front of you and give you the look. I do from time to time. But know that deep down, beyond my migraine, I'm just really feeling sorry for you.

As much as I love kids (and I really do) it's hard for me not to see them as just unruly less-smart versions of adults with free reign to scream and poo whenever they like.

...Alright maybe it's just jealousy.

Scream away kiddos. But when you're old enough to reason with, you'd better keep your trap shut while I'm enjoying my night out or you're gettin' the death glare. Babies, I can understand. Toddlers and children above 5... they're gonna get it.

Posted 3 years ago #
JenV
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PBgirl, it was like a Mommy and Me class in there - except for the mommies were not paying attention to anything their little brats did - they were more interested in talking and drinking wine. Between the 3 of them there were at least 6 kids at the table behind us- all under the age of 4. All of them misbehaving. Mom bashing her kids chair into me and not apologizing. It is the stupid selfish parents I have a problem with. If they are SO desperate to have lunch out- hire a babysitter! Geez, it would be- what - $20 extra? And the peace of mind of actually having a nice lunch rather than listening to their screaming kids and knowing you were ruining the lunches of those around you?

Yes, I was young once- and my parents would NEVER have stood for that kind of crap. It was out to the car and home if there was ANY acting up. But, I had responsible parents who put raising us to act properly in public over their own selfish need to have dinner in a restaurant. It takes all kinds, I guess.

We take my 5 yo niece out to dinner quite often- and have since she was a lot younger- and she is always the most well behaved child in any restaurant we take her to- so I know it's possible...you just have to give a damn about the child and the impact of the child on the world around you - not your own selfish desires.

Posted 3 years ago #
pbgirl423
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I completely understand the frustration of trying to eat your lunch in an atmosphere that does not involve wild banchees running around but sometimes it just has to happen unless the parent wants to forbid themselves from having a social life with kids. I'm just thankful that the majority of people around us have seen the horror in my own eyes and sensed my embarassment and have been kind enough to say to me "it's ok, we've all been there" or "it's ok, kids don't know better". Anyone who has a child under 3 that will sit nicely at a table and eat without wanting to yell, throw food or fidget should thank their lucky stars! My son says please and thank you (at age 2 this is considered VERY polite) but he's not old enough to understand the impact he has on others when HE is upset. Their little worlds still revolve around them. I'm sorry that this impacted you enough to take the time to post about it, but I have sat through many, many lunches and dinners at restaurants before I had a child of my own and gave "the eyes" to the parents in the hopes they would leave. Shame on me I guess!

Posted 3 years ago #
Cait
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Ya know, I have to say, I'm glad it took more than 5 posts to get to this point, but I did see it comin'.

Posted 3 years ago #
pbgirl423
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Cait, I love your original post above. You said it perfectly!

Posted 3 years ago #
JenV
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I just don't understand what is so hard about taking the child outside until it calms down, Pbgirl? or hiring a babysitter? no one is saying you need to completely forgo a social life..just some personal responsibility would be nice.

the world does not revolve around those with kids. If your kid is throwing a sh*t fit, take it outside until it calms down. It's very simple. But most parents sit there with a blank look on their face hoping it will just stop on it's own.

I am very thankful I have such a well behaved niece - and it's because her parents never hesitated to do the right thing and not encourage her bad behavior.

oh, and I was a nanny for 5 years....so I have lots of experience with small children. this is not coming out of left field from someone who doesn't have kids.

Posted 3 years ago #
GenHillOne
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Active does not equal misbehaving and to suggest that others grin and bear it only supports the previous definition of a selfish parent. You are not doing yourself, your child, your dining companion, or those around you any favors by sticking it out when things go badly. Yup, you might need to adjust your social calendar for a bit. I parent based on mutual respect and it looks a little flower-power now and then. However, I have had one very old-fashioned rule from day 1 - NO BRATS HERE. This includes appropriate behavior in public, back-talking, and lying. I firmly believe that brats grow into snots, who grow into jerks, who grow into a**holes. I'm not in this job to raise an a**hole. My child could recognize at a very early age when a child was misbehaving and something must be going right because we've yet to experience even the terrible twos now 13 years later. In return, he was eating in restaurants that didn’t even possess booster seats when he still needed one.

Might I suggest that those who see GOOD behavior in a restaurant, etc., pass along the complement to child and/or parent. For those who put effort into it, it is greatly appreciated and it is really cute to see how proud a little one looks when a stranger tells them what good restaurant manners they have!

Posted 3 years ago #
Cait
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GenHillOne - I think that if I ever get to have kids in the future that's going to be my mantra. Not even joking. "Don't raise more a**holes" LOL!

I was watching this woman with her kid at the Safeway water dispensing machine and the kid was jumping around swatting at the buttons and you could tell mom was at the end of her rope. She just sighed and said "For God's sake stop acting like a horse's a** - you're gonna break it." Flashes of my Dad lol. Calm, cool, but still lettin' you know you're a horse's a**. I just chuckled. I couldn't help it. The kid stopped just like I used to and everyone moved on. Poetry lol

Posted 3 years ago #
JimmyG
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I know I'll catch hell for this bit of information I'm about to share, but not every person likes children and wants to spend time around them. (One reason we like Talarico's.)

Yes, we were all children at one time, and I remember sitting out in the car a time or 2 with my dad after I couldn't mind my manners in a restaurant.

But that said, as an adult I choose to live my life with little to no interaction with kids. I don't find them cute, or amusing, or particularly interesting creatures. So thankfully I don't often run into the problem the OP had with out of control kids since we don't go to very many places kids hang out.

I don't give the look though when a parent's not watching their child--I speak with them about asking/telling their child to stop kicking my chair or touching things on my table (at Angelina's once).

I'm not a resident of the village that needs or wants to raise your snowflakes.

Posted 3 years ago #
pbgirl423
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To everyone that is responding WITHOUT current aged toddlers, keep this email thread until your precious snotflake turns 2 and re-read your posts. You might be surprised how it feels to be in the other persons shoes. Threads like these are so interesting because you can tell who's living with the current topic and who's not!

Posted 3 years ago #
JenV
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when people let their kids scream and run amok in a public place- we're ALL living with this topic.

Posted 3 years ago #
Anonymous
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All kids have meltdowns, that's true. And why taking them outside or home, is a good idea at those times. But I'm wondering why some of you feel your right to a night out with *overactive* toddlers, supersedes someone else's right to enjoy the meal they're paying for?

There is no other options besides a forced enclosed area? There are no predominately family oriented places to eat? This does seem selfish and a little rude.

And no I'm not talking about the kids who say hi to me or those talking with their *own* family. But when they're screaming, running, taking things from another table, and knocking into you a hundred times. Get a grip on them. Figuratively and literally.

I have grown kids, so yes, been there. But to presume others would enjoy them as much as I did, or that I'm somehow entitled to force them on you when they're behaving poorly, inexcusable.

Posted 3 years ago #
herongrrrl
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Just remember, the little "snotflakes" of today are going to be giving you your meds and changing your diapers in a nursing home in a few years. What comes around goes around. What's that bumper sticker--"be nice to your kids, they'll pick your nursing home." Well, if you're choosing not to have any, fine...you'd do well to be nicer to all of them, though.

Posted 3 years ago #
JenV
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no one has been "not nice" to any kids. like I said, it's not the kids I have the issues with - it's the parents. Can I be mean to them? ;)

Posted 3 years ago #
pam
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I too knew it was only a matter of time before people started to write about how unfair it is to be tied down to a toddler and having to sacrifice your rights to a meal in a restaurant. Well, that is part of being a parent, you raise your children so others will like them. Obviously you will unconditionaly love them forever but that isn't the same for everyone else who meets them. By taking them out of a situation where they are behaving in a way that is unacceptable to those around them you are taking those first steps to teach your child social skills. Social skills are more important then the ABC's! You will be doing this for at least the next 10+ years in some form or other. Parenting is hard work - it's 24/7 and if you have to get up from your lunch table over and over and over then that's what you've got to do until the child either catches on or you have to get your meal to go. It isn't about you - it's not about lunch - it's about those first steps in teaching your child about appropriate behaviour. Get used to it, this is your new life. Yes, been there, done that.

Posted 3 years ago #
Sue
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I'm well aware that kids make noise from time to time, have meltdowns, etc. But it's how the parents handle it (or don't) that I'm looking for. I've seen kids throw tantrums in restaurants and you'll hear the parents gently speaking to them, reminding them to use inside voices, sit down. Might not work, but at least they're making some effort and/or take the kid out. But when the parents are oblivious and make no effort whatsoever, that's when it pisses me off. I don't hesitate to politely say something to the parent and/or the child when it starts affecting me. And if I'm being seated in a restaurant and they try to put me next to a table of kids, I ask if there is another table available.

Posted 3 years ago #
pbgirl423
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Oh sorry, I guess I forgot that as a parent it's not about me or my lunch anymore. Thanks for reminding me Pam! I'll get back to sitting behind closed doors in my own home where my toddler will be sure not to bother anyone. Because let's face it, my needs are not important at all anymore. I'll just let my toddler dictate my activities for the next...what did you say...10+ years or so. And one last note...how on earth does anyone expect a toddler to learn social skills when they aren't taken out to public restaurants? Everyone just needs to take a deep breath and if you're so disturbed, it's your right to say something to the parent. Otherwise, grin and bear it or leave and curse the parents and kids under your breath as you leave. Nobody is forcing you to stay!

Posted 3 years ago #
JenV
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If I am paying for lunch, I have a right to be there. You can get a babysitter. I can't get someone to go out to lunch for me. No one said you have to let your child dictate your life! No one is going to feel sorry for you just because you had a kid- that was your choice and you have to deal with it. Your kids learn social skills in a restaurant partly by YOU being respectful of other people around you- you know- using YOUR social skills.

Posted 3 years ago #
pbgirl423
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Actually, it's not "me" being disrespectful because I am one of the people that doesn't take my toddler out to lunch or dinner at restaurants...EVER. This is due to backlash like you're dishing out JenV. I'm simply playing devils advocate. And for what it's worth, I do not have family here and have no access to a babysitter. Believe me, I'd LOVE that option :) I'm not asking for sympathy. I love my busy body toddler more than I'd love lunch at a restaurant any day.

Posted 3 years ago #
JenV
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pbgirl, you have to admit- telling others that they can leave if they don't like kids there is kind of an inflammatory statement. We're not the ones who had kids...the fact remains there are some selfish parents out there who believe that their right out to a lunch with their screaming kids trumps my right to a normal lunch. If you're not one of them- GREAT!

again, people take their kids outside to cool off and calm down ALL THE TIME. it's not a novel suggestion. and I am not going to leave because some parent can't control their brat.

Posted 3 years ago #
GenHillOne
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"I barely ever take my son to lunch at a restaurant but every now and then a good friend will want to meet me for lunch near their workplace. I'm not going to let my toddler rule my life all the time so sometimes it's an unavoidable situation."

EVER? I'm confused. I must have missed something then, but for what it's worth, some might say that by not dealing with the misbehavior, the toddler is already ruling your life. Without consequences, what's to stop it next time? Soon, you'll be dining with someone who really knows how to yank your chain though.

Posted 3 years ago #
SuitsarenotBoring
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I don't think people are saying that all toddlers should be banned for all restaurants. I do not have children, but am one of those friends who goes to lunch with my friends and their kids. Some of these kids are very "busy" and I am not bothered when one of them is playing under our table. However, as soon as they head to another table or use other than an "inside voice," it is time to talk to them or take them out for a bit. As "the childless friend," I am more than happy to sit alone for a bit if the mom or dad has to take a kid out for a bit - that happens! I was that kid at one point!

However, to reiterate I don't think most people on this post are bothered by the kid sitting under their parents' table or playing peek-a-boo over a booth. It is only when the parents let them roam the restaurant that it becomes a problem - and then it is not the kid, but the adult with them who needs to take control. And yes, being in a restaurant is how they learn how to behave there, but they do need to be taught.

Posted 3 years ago #
GenHillOne
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lol, suits, you're way more patient than I...yes, I am bothered by a kid playing peek-a-boo over the booth, but will happily engage when we're all in the lobby waiting for a table - I just don't think anyone else's space should be invaded, and under the table? nuh uh...not at home, not in public, gross. You are a saint though and I'm sure your friends appreciate your flexability.

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
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With five kids, nothing to me could be more deflating than to arrive at a great spot WITHOUT them only to find someone else's child/kid/baby blowing the ambience. Oh, ick.

Posted 3 years ago #
pam
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That is the point darlin' - use it as an opportunity to teach, don't ignore the behavior because you deserve a break. And it's 'you' in general, not 'you' specifically. We all get defensive when we feel our children are being attacked, they are a reflection of us after all. Certainly no one is saying stay home and wait until they are 12 to take them out and hope for the best. Experience is the best teacher but you have to be willing to take your lumps when it doesn't work out the way you had planned.

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
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Pam,
Would you really say something to the other parent? I would probably try for "the look", and order great wine--fast.
By the way, the place for noisy kids (or any kids)has got to be Tuttabella in Wallingford. I've never seen such a happy ruckus. And, they hand out wads of pizza dough. But, that was not the "great spot" to which I alluded.

Posted 3 years ago #
herongrrrl
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Two things:

I think one problem here is that what constitutes bad behavior among children is highly subjective. Some people don't ever want to see kids, some don't want to play peek-a-boo over a booth, some don't mind if a preschooler engages them in conversation in a public place. So any parent who takes their kids out in public is going to encounter people who consider their children loathsome even if they are being perfect little angles (whatever THAT means to you).

Which leads me to my next point: our culture is really messed up when it comes to kids. For one thing, we live these crazy age-segregated lives where we don't spend any time around people who aren't our ages unless we are parents, teachers, or work with the elderly. So we never learn what normal behaviors are for these groups, and rely on assumptions and prejudices to tell us what they SHOULD be doing. Not very helpful, really.

Also, humans in western cultures are pretty much the only primates in the world who consider it normal and even desirable for one single adult to be the primary (or even sole) care provider for any given offspring. Other cultures and other primate species rely on extended families so no one person has to bear the constant burden of caring for very young children, which is enormously taxing and can in fact be quite psychologically damaging if the caregiver in question can't get a break. (If you find this stuff as interesting as I do, check out "Mother Nature" by Sarah Blaffer Hrdy. Good read.)

While presumably it is a choice for people in our culture to have children (not going to get into all THOSE issues here), I don't think anyone can adequtely understand how downright difficult it is to parent and how hostile our culture is to parents (particularly mothers) and young children until they are parents themselves. With an extensive background in child development, nannying, and teaching, I still found myself completely overwhelmed by the reality of parenthood, and was exceedingly grateful for any breaks I was given by friends and family who were kind enough to offer them. (An aside--babysitters are not cheap. Especially for folks who only have one household income because one adult is staying home with the kid(s), any babysitter who you'd actually feel comfortable leaving your kid with can be prohibitively expensive.)

So, the next time you see a kid engaging in normal toddler behavior (that is, active and not silent, not actively invading others' space) around a glassy-eyed parents' table in a restaurant (I'm not talking Dahlia Lounge here, but the kind of place where one might reasonably expect families to be present), you might just take a deep breath and let go of your ire in consideration that you're probably going to get a better night's sleep and enjoy a lot more adult conversation than that parent will for a number of years yet.

Posted 3 years ago #
SuitsarenotBoring
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GOH - it was actually pretty funny with the kid under the table. My friend's daughter had been going through a strange "cleaning" phase. We were in the corner at Red Robin and the little girl proceeded to quietly pick up every last thing down there and form a pile. Her mother and I did think it was pretty yucky, but also entertaining to watch. She then made sure we all were using coasters. She was 2 at the time! I will say she was quiet about the whole thing, however :) And it is yucky down there, I agree!

Posted 3 years ago #
GenHillOne
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coasters, lol, we'd fail her test at our house!

Posted 3 years ago #
vag
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I would like to begin by saying this is the first time I have ever posted anything on a blog. I fear this post may be referring to me, and some friends of mine. Last Friday we took our kids to a very loud Brewery that is known to be kid friendly at lunch. I did bump someones chair trying to get my daughter in her seat. I said "Excuse me, I'm sorry." When my daughter raised her voice I told her to stop or she would be taken outside. She stopped. We were NOT drinking wine. The atmosphere was loud and there was a child screaming in another section. We received death glares from a couple who where brought upstairs to be seated. If this does refer to us, I was trying to keep my child under control. There is a learning curve for toddlers in a restaurant. If it were a quiet, formal restaurant I never would have attempted a meal there.

Posted 3 years ago #
Traci
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I have a pretty low tolerance for young kids...When I have them of my own I'm sure that will change. My boyfriend's sister has twins and when they were babies she would double breastfeed and change their diapers on the FLOOR OF RESTAURANTS. I was horrified to get the same "looks" from other people at our table. Sometimes women just don't get that other people don't love children like they do.

But I must say that this thread has bugged me. It's a public place! People can bring their kids! If loud children bother you to the point of ruining your experience, go somewhere else. It's not fair to assume that because you are expecting a specific restaurant experience everyone else is too. I remember a couple weeks ago at Elliot Bay Brewery we were seated upstairs next to a table of giggling, loud high school girls. They were extra annoying, but we dealt with it positively. They're allowed to have fun, just as my friends and I did in high school.

Kids can be annoying. No matter what the parents do, they go through horrible, awful annoying stages. We all did.

Posted 3 years ago #
karen
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I have young kids and totally get the behavior thing in public. And I'd really appreciate it if you would try to behave as if you were out in public. Try to watch the language. Put your phone down in the restaurant. If you can't hold your booze, don't drink. Be nice to the waitstaff. Use your inside voices. That way, my little snotballs may see the good behavior they should be practicing.

OK. Lighten up. I was joking - mostly.

Posted 3 years ago #
miws
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One thing I haven't seen posted on this thread, regarding the running around aspect of childrens' behavior in restaurants, is safety.

A kid running around could easily run into a server carrying a pot of hot coffee, or an armload, or trayful of hot food.

Of course, the result would likely be the kid and/or server, and/or other customer(s) getting scalding injuries and damaging their clothing, or even more injuries if the server trips over the kid, and sprains or breaks something.

Not to mention, that Murphy's Law would likely play a big part, and the food that ended up all over everyone and the floor, was probably on it's way to the table of a party that the kid didn't belong to, and they would have to wait an additional time for the food to come up again! ;)

Mike

Posted 3 years ago #
angelescrest
Member Profile

Mike, so true!

Posted 3 years ago #

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