My wife and I are used to dining out - nowhere fancy, just family/sports bar types of places such as Friday's, Applebee's, etc. Our 8-week old son can become pretty fussy at times. I'm much more conscious and embarrassed by it than my wife. Should I be? Do people at these types of restaurants have an expectation of quietness? I've been known to get up and walk the parking lot with him to calm him down.
2007-08-03 01:42:00 · 24 answers · asked by David 2 in Dining Out ➔ Other - Dining Out
THose are family type restaurants. Most of us are moms and understand. Movie - no fussy baby - nice restaurant - no fussy baby. Applebee's, Red Robin, whatever. I will never get mad at ya!
2007-08-03 01:48:33 · answer #1 · answered by so Fresh 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Listen, as long as you're making an effort to settle him down, I don't think anyone minds. (At least, I wouldn't!) If you were just ignoring the issue and letting him go nuts, I think that's when people would be PO'ed.
These type of restaurants don't have an expectation of silence, they're generally boisterous places in general. Normal kid noise is acceptable. However, a child who runs amok with no parental intervention is NOT acceptable.
I was in a semi-fancy place once where this couple's three year old treated the dining room like a playground and the other customers as human jungle gyms. The parents did absolutely nothing. The manager asked them not to come back. I was in the same place another time, and this couple's 18 month old was playing at his high chair, but when he'd had enough and started to get fussy, his parents had their entrees packed to go, and took him home. I could have kissed them!
At eight weeks old, your son has a VERY limited amount of tolerance for change, and it would be unfair to him to expect otherwise. However, when he gets older, as long as you're aware of his limitations and act accordlingly, I'd be happy to sit next to you guys anywhere! =) (When he's a little bigger, bring some toys and crayons and paper and he should be able to amuse himself for a while.)
2007-08-03 04:03:26 · answer #2 · answered by zippythejessi 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I work in a restaurant and a crying, fussy baby and/or children is ok to an extent. When it is prolonged and the parents seem to do nothing to pacify the child, then it becomes a problem. The noise level of these type places may be too much for your son as well. If you go during off peak hours, he may be a little more relaxed. As another poster said, the older unruly kids are much more of a burden. You can probably use the other customers as a gauge as to whether or not it's causing a problem. Trust me, you'll get a lot of looks if it becomes unbearable.
2007-08-03 02:42:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
I dont have kids yet, but when I go to places like applebees, red robin, ect its always around. Its totally fine. I agree with the first person who answered- alot of people there ARE parents and have been through it. If they wanted a quiet relaxing dinner they can go somewhere nice. The places your talking about are fun- and family oriented. Guess what? some families have babies! It happens! :) The only time id have a problem with it is if the parents werent even paying attention to the baby- thats a little frusterating. so make an effort to comfort him, such as a pacifier, a bottle, or simply hold him. I'm sure your fine, alot of us have either been through it, or will go through it. good luck!! :)
2007-08-03 07:14:36 · answer #4 · answered by shelb 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think u should still go:-) If the baby starts to cry, one parent should take it outside and try to calm it down. If the baby just will not calm down, maybe leave and call it a night. But, the baby might not even cry the whole time anyways!!! So, you will all have a wonderful time! Also, it people around you have a problem with the baby being fussy, maybe they should go home and stay away from the public.
2007-08-03 03:27:10 · answer #5 · answered by mindy f 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I don't eat out anymore because of people like your wife, with no consideration of the other diners. If someone sits at a table near me with a baby,or a kid, I'll leave at any unruly outburst that isn't controlled by someone. Parents want others to think it's cute or funny how their child misbehaves. People are paying money, & spending their quality time, & should not have to put up with crying, screaming, loudness from another table. I wish everyone was like you & took their children outside, instead of inflicting the torture on others. Then, maybe I'd go back to eating out at a restaurant again!
2007-08-04 05:27:16 · answer #6 · answered by rat racer 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you guys are picking family style restaurants where there isn't the same expectation of quietness you would find in a more expensive fine dining establishment. I also think it is great that you take your son for a little walk in the parking lot if the need arises. BTW, Congratulations on your new son.
2007-08-03 05:48:28 · answer #7 · answered by Laura E 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No one's expecting complete silence from children at these restaurants, but there are many people there that don't want to listen to a crying baby through the whole meal. I know I really appreciate it when parents make an honest attempt to keep their children quiet at a restaurant.
When my sisters & I were little, anytime one of us acted up, we were taken outside for a bit until we calmed down. They kept up this habit as we got a little older If we continued to act bratty, my parents would immediately pay the bill & we would leave. We were taught from the get-go that going out to eat is a fun privilege (that could be taken away if we misbehaved). My parents regularly got compliments from strangers at restaraunts on how well-behaved their children were.
2007-08-03 04:30:34 · answer #8 · answered by Jessica 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't be embarrassed if I were you, it's not like you are choosing to go somewhere fancy. Those kinds of restaurants are noisy and used to families. However, if it's taking away from your good time, it might not be worth it right now. I would get take out and enjoy time with your wife and new baby at home instead. Maybe wait until he's a bit older, and try again.
2007-08-03 04:16:32 · answer #9 · answered by clizzy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes and No. don't feel embarrassed by your child he is the bast thing you got beside your wife. Just Bring toys and a bottle. I have a baby brother and sister and they are a year apart. We taught them that it was not okay to yell in a resturant, but as babys they didn't understand so we brought toys and bottles, and a binky. It didn't always work but for the most part it did. the only reason you should feel embarrassed is if you take no action in correcting it
good luck
2007-08-03 03:38:06 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋