What is the world coming to when this is acceptable??

Question

ok somebody posted because they work in a restaurant.. they were complaining about parents who let their kids make a HUGE mess and behave like animals (I wonder if the kids behave that way at home too) and they were asking why do parents take such bratty children out..
Anyhow most of the answers seemed to say this was normal and there was something wrong with her for complaining about this... I was SHOCKED and rather disgusted.. if this is normal and so many people are saying its acceptable for kids to behave like this - I truely fear for the future....

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20061204054724AAe31RP&r=w#NbUvWjG5VzVg6dhlKoiA

wow.... how sad.. how sad.. how sad.... and why would parents allow their kids to treat other people (restaraunt staff) like crap is just terrible...

well at least the people who answered my question are alot smarter than those who answered the original question.. more than the kids its those answers defending the kids and parents that shocked me

Answer 1

that's definately true.....some people having kids and they're kids themselve......no etiquette,no morals and no home trainig whatsoever....that is so sad.

Answer 2

As a parent (and former waiter) I'm always aware of my son's behavior when we are out. But as a parent I can see how some parents have a bad day. Maybe the parents had a hard time finding a babysitter or just didn't have to time to cook. They went to eat because they had a terribly hard day at work, etc. Disciplining their children in public can not only take the fun out of any evening, it might also be embarrassing for them (whether it should or not). Let's not condemn these parents to be raising a herd of gangsters and hoodlums. Impolitely as it may be, they may have just let their guard down.

With that said, it is impolite and inconsiderate for others to let their children behave in such a manner. This problem needs to be addressed by the parents. However, it is just as impolite and offensive to call someone's children "animals" or "bratty" and condemn the parents without any more knowledge than a thirty minute dinner observation. Even the best kids can be unpredictable and have bad days. Parents can have bad days too. My guess is that much of the anger expressed was not in justifying the bad behaviour, but a retort to the harsh words of "bratty" and "animal" and a defense to the parent and children who may have just had a bad day.

Undoubtably there are some bad parents with bad kids who don't have manners. These bad manners should not be considered "normal" but you asked why people said it was acceptable. It is most likely because many if not all parents have had these bad experiences on occassion. They are good parents with good kids but had a bad day. To be thrown under the bus or labelled a bad parent is hurtful when parenting, family, and children are so important to them. I think these parents are just trying to defend themselves and children against the labelling and name calling. I truly doubt there are a lot of parents who have no regard for others or who make no attempt to teach their children manners. If there are we'll need help!!

Answer 3

I agree it is not ok to let your kids behave like animals when out at a eating establishment. I have two kids 5 and 19 months and if we are out they normally behave pretty well. I also make sure that if my 19 month old makes a mess (ie throws food on floor) that I clean that up, because there is no reason for the server to do so that is not their job. People need to be a little more respectful when they take their children to eat. Also, just because a restaraunt is child friendly doesn't mean let your kids behave like animals.

Answer 4

There are well behaved kids who know how to eat a restaurant without throwing tantrums and food and clean up after themselves. My husband worked in restaurants as a teenager and would never tolerate bad behavior on the part of our children in a restaurant, any other public place or even at home. It is sad that so many parents feel that this is "normal" behavior for toddlers and young children.

Answer 5

I was a server for many years and am now a parent and I have to say no it is not normal for kids to act like spoiled brats in public unless they are allowed to act like that at home. My kids were taught very young that they will chew with their mouths closed and they will keep the food on the plate and eat over their plate so they don't make a mess. They speak only loud enough for everyone at our table to hear them and will treat every other person with respect. Parents are failing to raise considerate children these days and I think it is mostly due to the age the people are becoming parents.

Answer 6

They dont see that its the manners that will bring their child into a positive surrounding.
They are not bringing up their children they are dragging them up.
They dont realize that if their children can not eat with a fork and knife, or dont know how to say good day and good bye, they will not get far in life without hard work.
Children who have manners have learned that it makes all the difference when out in society.
They will be the ones who get the doors opened for them.
The others are the ones who will get the doors slammed in their faces.
And thats the way it should be until they learn to act correctly.

Answer 7

perhaps human beings disliked the tone of the fellow who requested the question. the fellow appeared to really hate households. (and young ones) also blamed 80 5% of oldsters for having young ones like this. each body needs to loosen up. in case you don't like something... get up and leave. If my new child change into ever misbehaving i'd suited her in a fashion I see in superb condition--i'm the parent. so a procedures I absolutely have had actual no hardship. If someone in a eating position (waiter) gave me any suggestion or comments on my parenting you may want to be effective that man or woman might want to now be jobless. (and that i'd have an apology letter from that institution.) many situations the persons who declare their little ones are "perfect" and under no circumstances rude to all people are those whose little ones are finished terrors.

Answer 8

I so agree with you...its totally unacceptable for children to act out and run around in a restaurant. Someone may fall or athey may bump into a waitress and knock their trays over.

Answer 9

Well I worked at a well known restaurant for 6 years and I hated it when parents let their children throw things all over the floor and leave messes like opened sugar packets all over the floor and table. I don't mind if their child does that but pick up after your child!!! I have a 3 year old so i know when you have a baby it is hard for them not to drop things on the floor but all you have to do it pick up after them. Your right also it isn't acceptable for parents to let their child throw things and it should be at least tried to stop but sometimes you cant help it. For example you cant stop a 6 month old from throwing or dropping things but at least pick it up. If you cant pick it up then at least leave a awesome tip for the poor server or busser that has to clean up after you child. Servers only make around 2.13 an hour and I am sure they don't want to clean up after your child!

Answer 10

I had to go back and read the post in question. Sheeeesh. I was a waitress for many years, and it always amazed me what parents let their kids do and seem to think it was acceptable behavior. I always wondered the same thing you did, "do they allow this at home?" The truth is, there is a lack of respect in most aspects of life these days. My personal belief is that it goes back to no discipline.

It is so sad.

Answer 11

I agree with you...
It's funny, People always compliment me on how well behaved my son is, and I think thats great, but I set boundaries and expect him to be respectful... AND HE IS!!
Kids will live up to our expectations, but if there are none, thats what you get.
I see the same thing all the time. The parents are lazy and don't dicipline. Can you imagine what goes on at home. It's easier to drug our children rather than educate and guide them I guess.
(I know some kids need it, but why so many more now as compared to 30 years ago???)