This morning I took my 8 year old son out to breakfast at a family restaurant.There were 2 elderly men seated next to us,and one kept using swear words throughout his conversation.It would be different if they were out at a bar...but in this place,with a child nearby...how RUDE! I almost said something like 'Can you watch your language around a young child?'--but then,thankfully,they got up and left.(Maybe becuase of the evil stare I gave him.lol)
What would you have done in this situation?
2007-09-29 09:14:39 · 31 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Good thing on the evil stare! I think it's SO rude for people to talk nasty language around younger children! When I was young I remember my uncle getting up and asking a table of men to be careful with their language around a children (me and my brother). They shutup too! I would have done the same thing! People should be considerate around children!
2007-09-29 09:23:04 · answer #1 · answered by Me 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would have asked first to change tables explaining the reason to the server. But if you are in a situation where someone like that is seated next to you and you are already served, then I would politely ask if they could refrain from using that language since your young son is so close. You can always ask for the manager to take them to task if you would prefer not to do so.
2007-09-29 10:52:04 · answer #2 · answered by dawnb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, it wouldn't have bothered me at all. I use swear words frequently, and I think it's rude for parents to assume that because they have a small child around that I should watch what I say. But again, I also don't believe swear words are wrong, but because of societal standards, they deemed inappropriate. I think that the two elderly men had every right to speak how they wanted to, as they were in a public place. Unless you were in a restaurant that was religous there is no reason why they should have to watch what they say. However, if I were in your situation and felt as you did, and had they not have left, I would have said something to the manager of the restaurant. Then it is up to the management of the place to make the proper decision. Or, you could have ask to be moved because you were offended. This may seem harsh, but children (especially those who are 8) have to learn about life eventually and shielding them from harsh realities of the world isn't going to help any. If your child begins to say those words, and you feel they are inappropriate, then it is up to you to be a parent and advise them of your disapproval of the use of those words.
2007-09-29 09:29:06 · answer #3 · answered by no 3 · 2⤊ 3⤋
If i was with my child then i would have said soemthing deffinately.
There was a middle aged woman who kept having a go at a man on the bus in the way home because he kpt getting frustrated because it was taking so long so he kept shouting and swearing about it, there were chikldren on the bus and i think she was quite right as he was sitting right near them and it was not neccessary.
2007-09-29 09:25:44 · answer #4 · answered by nonoodles74 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If their ignorant enough to swear around children than I wouldn't confront them I'd ask to speak to the manager tell him or her what was going on and ask for him or her to ask them to stop if they don't it would now be the managers problem !! You don't want a confrontation with idiots around your children !! Your little one would learn what can happen if you use that kind of language in a public place!!
2007-09-29 09:34:47 · answer #5 · answered by Polar Molar 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I probably would of stared at them too and cough a few times, maybe saying loudly 'some people have no respect or manners, you make sure you don't turn out like that son' - but only if I thought they wouldn't come over and hit me.
2007-09-29 09:20:17 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I'd have asked them to watch their language. They should know better than that.
I was having dinner with my parents in an Indian restaurant with in the UK (aka you would expect drunken bad language). Sure enough there was a table of three lads swearing about as much as I do when i'm that drunk. I went over and asked them to calm it down a bit- i'm with my mother and my father- and they toned down their language.
2007-09-29 09:22:45 · answer #7 · answered by Icarus 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
That was an awful thing to happen. They were clearly ignorant and very rude. I'd have tried to move to another table (though you shouldn't have to do this) but just to get away from them. They should have known better. Maybe they were so used to constantly swearing, that it's become a habit and they're no longer aware that they're doing it. Still very rude though.
2007-09-29 09:30:04 · answer #8 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Next time, just get up and move to another table.
I've encountered similar things (not with kids) like racist comments or other 'offensive' conversations.
I would be the one to move cause it's in a public space, and people are entitled to have 'free conversation'. It is their right to their conversation and I could be accused of 'eavesdropping' or being told to 'mind my own business'... so, I move.
2007-09-29 11:37:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I've been in that situation in a family restaurant when my little boy was 6. I did tell them off because there was no need for it. The place was ultra child-friendly and many families were there.
2007-09-29 09:27:43 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋