Nothing against kids, and I undestand it's not easy being a parent with small kids, but if I'm going out to eat sometimes I prefer the quiet. If there's a child on the other side of my booth chair jumping up and down yelling unconsolably, I'd rather not be there. If it's not overly busy, is it to rude to discreetly ask for another table?
2007-04-15 10:57:53 · 21 answers · asked by dolce 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
As a parent of 2 young ones I can honestly say no, it isn't rude as long as you're polite about it. What is more rude is the parents who are allowing their children to behave that way.
2007-04-15 11:02:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 8⤊ 0⤋
Of course it's not rude!! When you go to a restaurant (or movie theater, etc.) you pay to enjoy yourself, and if having loud children close to you interferes with that then you should definitely move. It's best not to make a big deal out of it though, just quietly call the waiter over and ask for another table. No need for pointed looks, or loud comments, just keep it between you and the waiter.
Also, if the restaurant is a little busy, and you have to move into another waiter's station because your waiter's station is full, you should tip your waiter something. This will make him more inclined to move you to a better table. He's going to lose your tip if you move, so it's not in his best interests; he may come and tell you that you can't move cause the tables are reserved or something, anything to keep you from moving. Press a couple bills into his hand as you tell him about your problem, and you'll be more likely to get moved.
2007-04-15 11:32:43 · answer #2 · answered by pookieb 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a parent of two small girls who sometimes aren't on their best behavior in restaurants, I must say I don't think it would be rude at all for you to ask to be moved. It makes me cringe with embarassment when they act up and start being loud. But they usually wait until after the meal comes and it's too late to leave. When they are having a bad behavior day, I am painfully aware of other diners in the restaurant and would hate to disturb another's meal. I'm sure the waiter would understand completely and if he didn't, I'd move anyways!
2007-04-15 11:06:38 · answer #3 · answered by julz6769123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no it is not rude.. what is rude is the fact the parents have so little control over there children.. but know who faults it that.. is it the parents. . is it the children or could be that so many well meaning people call the children social services on parents when they get on to their children ...but no being ask to be moved to another table is not rude.. and if they cant control there little angels they should not be taking them to a restaurant not a adult one. any way.. . they should be going to chucky chesse or mc donalds.. some place where the kids can play when they get bored and when they want a adult night out hire a sitter
2007-04-15 12:02:01 · answer #4 · answered by vis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a child who probably annoys people in a restaurant occasionally. I wouldn't be offended, and I think that most people shouldn't take their kids to a restaurant if they aren't going to at least attempt to teach them how to sit and behave.
Kids get restless, but so often you see parents ignoring the fact that their child is screaming or climbing over the back of the booth. To me that's the rude behavior, not the person who asks to have a quiet table.
2007-04-15 11:03:39 · answer #5 · answered by FLTeacher 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not.
First of all, there has been an influx of badly behaving children and equally ignorant parents going to high class restaurants thinking that these children are going to behave.
Wrong.
You do not have to tolerate stupid situations like these. I would also complain to the owner/manager on duty IF the noises continue. Parents need to get control of their children and they should also know if a child is mature enough to handle restaurant situations.
Good luck!
2007-04-15 12:19:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No it isn't,
First, I'd ask the parent(s) to please restraint or control their child. If they are inconsiderate, or use the "Mind your own business" "Don't tell me how to raise my kids" "This is a free country, I have rights" lame excuse. Reply that they dont have the right to be inconsiderate of others in public.
If that doesn't work, then ask to be moved. Of course a server will not like to have a table moved to another wait station, makes more work for them to cover more area,
they might even tell the other table to settle down.
If the waiter/tress seems like they dont want to move you, ask for the maitre' de, manager or owner. Chances are you'll get moved to a better place and even given free drinks, appetizer or dessert, or a discount on the meal for your inconvenience.
2007-04-15 11:06:22 · answer #7 · answered by edgar_bambrick 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
No, just don't take your annoyance out on the waiter. Inflate the tip according to how much 'inconvenience' you've caused (Nothing if he's just shown you the table and you haven't sat down yet, a lot extra if you're already there with your food)
2007-04-15 11:56:31 · answer #8 · answered by LX V 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not. Better yet-ask to speak with the manager and have them move. Time was, when you took your children out im public, they behaved like reasonably civilized human beings. I feel sorry for children who grow up thinking they can behave any way they want. I feel even sorrier for the people that have to endure them. Good luck with this.
2007-04-15 11:22:10 · answer #9 · answered by phlada64 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not rude... kids and parents can be brats and so inconsiderate! Sometimes I go to restaurants that are less "family friendly" (sushi anyone?) just to avoid the possibility of having to deal with them...
2007-04-15 13:28:21 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋