I know all the bad things about it; I want to know what the parents are thinking ?! I'm a grandma & I have decided to avoid eating out with my children/grandchildren because even tho' I have told both of my children that I think it's dangerous, they continue to allow their little kids to do it. It's not just dangerous for the kids, it's dangerous for the waiters & the other patrons, who might get something hot spilled on them. It's also irritating for the other patrons. Not to mention, it's embarrassing for me. If someone got burned or hurt, my adult kids could apologize til tomorrow & it won't take away the pain caused by their being so inconsiderate.
2007-01-22 11:53:40 · 22 answers · asked by scaredeycat 3 in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
Don't know what age kids you are dealing with but I'm definitely with you on your decision to avoid restaurants with them when their parents are there. How about taking them out by yourself and imposing your own rules for the time when you're together? Even better, take them out [I'm assuming they're older than 4 or 5] one at a time for a special lunch with grandma complete with a lesson in proper restaurant comportment. You just might be able to effect some improvement in their behavior, at least when you're around and their parents aren't. Otherwise I don't see that you can do much.
As to the "why" part of your question, I think part of the answer is that some of today's parents have given up disciplining their kids. They're more concerned about being "pals" with their children instead of parents to them.
2007-01-22 12:04:32 · answer #1 · answered by Kraftee 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's OK to let children run around in restaurants. I think it's downright selfish and lazy. Parents may want the break, by being inconsiderate, by not paying attention while their children are free to do anything their little hearts desire in the open space, while they totally cast a blind eye as to what is going on. The danger to staff and patrons and their own kids does not occur to them unless some accident happens..The whole idea of allowing your children to leave the table is ridiculous. This is not your own home. It is a public place of enjoyment for everyone. So please take control of the family, and make it relaxing for others and be thoughtful and watch your children. It's just too bad that you have to withdraw from the whole activity and family getting together to feel comfortable.
2007-01-22 20:32:19 · answer #2 · answered by flo 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Keep complaining to the manager since the parents obviously don't care. I have demanded that my meal be free because of children running rampant through the place. You complain enough, the manager will do something, since there are a lot more paying patrons annoyed at those wild kids than just you. And the paying patrons are his livelihood.
2007-01-23 05:03:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree 100% If children can't behave and listen to their parents and show respect while dining they DO NOT BELONG there. When people go out to eat it is to relax and unwind and enjoy themselves, not listen to screaming and being run into by naughty children. Restaurants should post a sign, no children after 7:00 pm or children remain seated, something. Just like no one under 21 can drink, it should just be another rule. Of course i don't mean this for fast food joints with playrooms.
2007-01-22 23:58:06 · answer #4 · answered by luluhinalbwi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because everything *their* children do is cute, didn't you know that? *Their* children aren't brats, just other children. *Their* children don't need to be disciplined, just other children. *Their* children don't need to follow the rules; the rules were written for other children.
See a pattern here?
It's the same reason that parents call teachers and tell them, "You can't give my child homework, she has too many things to do tonight" or "You can't make her write an essy about why hitting the boy who sits next to her is wrong, I won't allow it." The parents believe that *their* children can do no wrong, so whatever *their* children are doing must be acceptable.
Parents refuse to discipline because it causes them discomfort as well as the children, and G-d forbid they have to be a little uncomfortable.
We've become a world who can't be deprived of anything, who can't sit still, who can't be told "No", who has an enormous sense of entitlement, and who does exactly as we choose regardless of whether or not it follows the rules. Those children running around the restaurant today are going to be the same kids who mouth off to the cop the first time they get pulled over for speeding and instead of getting a warning or ticket end up in jail.
2007-01-22 21:11:13 · answer #5 · answered by magsgundah 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I was never allowed to do this and my own kids were never allowed to run around in a resturant or store. This isn't okay in some places. I totally agree with you ! Infact when I waitressed the staff wouldn't have allowed that to continue either.....parents would be asked to control their children...although such a request was rare. It is a safety issue as you mentioned but it's also just plain rude and disrespectful to other patrons.
2007-01-22 20:45:10 · answer #6 · answered by anemonecanadensis 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sad that it has made you not want to go out with them anymore. Many people have no control over their own children and it is easier to just let them run around like banshees then try to enforce good behavior. I would freak and complain to the waitstaff if someone allowed their children to run around while I was trying to enjoy my meal.
I would tell your son/daughter that you will ONLY go out to dinner with the adults from now on. Stick to it!
We were seated at a table near a very very annoying child. I picked up my dinner plate and moved to the other side of the restaurant. My husband didn't know what to do at first but then ended up following me. LOL!
2007-01-22 20:03:48 · answer #7 · answered by kana121569 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Thank goodness someone in this world realizes this!!
As a server of almost 20 years, I have almost tripped over many a child !
I will tell kids "do not run in here!"....as their parents act oblivious to all around them! Unbelievable!
I will, right in front of the parents, tell kids to please sit down at their table so no one else trips over them, or flat out have to tell them that "this is not a playground, you can't be running around in here".
I really don't care if the parents don't like it, because every customer's wishes are to be taken into consideration in a restaurant.
2007-01-22 20:26:13 · answer #8 · answered by BigTip$ 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You are absolutely 100% right. I believe that if parents can't sit their kids for a simple meal, than it's up to the restaurant personnel to ask them to leave for the sake of everyone's safety.
Besides, how are children going to learn what is suitable behavior in public?
2007-01-22 20:06:09 · answer #9 · answered by Papa 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
those people that let their kids run around in restaurants are NOT PARENTS ..........i work in a restaurant and i feel the same as you do , i think it`s very bad parenting ,,,,,,NO MANNERS the parents are suppose to be teaching them , but i really think some don`t care as long as they get to go out , teach your children or get a sitter ........heck they could also fence them in if they act like animals
2007-01-22 21:30:09 · answer #10 · answered by hotyankee2003 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋