Why do they refer to babies/toddlers as half-people in restaurants?

Question

It always irks me. I say they are complete from head to toe and so I count them as a whole.

Answer 1

This is a pet peeve of mine and I feel the same way you do! A child, no matter how young or small, is a WHOLE person! I was a waitress for years when I was in college and now I am a mom. I have never said "Two and a half" when letting a hostess know how many people are in our party at a restaurant. I say, "Three...one will need a high chair." It's kind of silly, but I hate that 1/2 person thing.

Answer 2

It just means there's going to be an extra person (toddler) there that needs a seat, probably a glass of milk, and a plate. So if I waited on a table of 2 people and a toddler/baby, I'd call it 2 and a half. Two full entrees are expected and a little extra for the tyke. In other words, the kid is not going to be ordering their own meal themselves.

Answer 3

I have never, ever heard of restaurants refering to babies and toddlers as half children. Has someone said this to you? Or have you seen it on a menu?

I've seen "kids' menu", "children's...", "little people", "little tykes", or some other similar name. I've never heard of anyone calling them half people.

Answer 4

Because they only take up 1/2 of the space and consume 1/2 (if that) of the food, beverages etc...

Answer 5

Babies and toddlers eat very little.

Answer 6

It's easier to say and lets them know that they need to get a high chair for your table

Answer 7

well not so sure what you are talking about but i have never heard of
anybody call any child half people

Answer 8

It sounds better than "sub-humans".