restaurant etiquette for kids

United States
February 2, 2007 9:17am CST
Okay, I really need to get this off my chest. I have been working in the food service industry for over 18 years. I have three children of my own. Why do some people have no clue as to how their kids should act in public? I am this close to posting a sign in my place of employment. The old adage that children should be seen and not heard is so wrong. Little people have as much right as anyone to voice their opinion. However, once that voicing rises in volume to piercing for over 30 seconds continuous, it is time for parent to step in. Other people are in the building too. Another thing very similar, children are allowed to be messy. Everyone spills at some point. This is not a big deal. Do not make your child feel bad for spilling his/her milk. I have a very cute little girl almost in tears, through no fault of her parents, that she had spilled at her "favorite" restaurant. I tried to tell her it was okay and that I spill a lot too. After she was done eating I told her that we were giving out free dessert today, but only to people that spilled their milk. She shyly smiled and nodded. Messes are typical and in fact expected. But, when the entire meal is on the floor, common courtesy says that as a parent, you should try to pick up after your child. Some spilled milk, okay, an entire box of cheerios, no. One last major issue I have is with the parents that allow the children to finger paint on the windows with their meals. Do they allow this at home? I think not. Are they going to clean our windows. Oh, no. Do they have any idea how hard is is to get macaroni and cheese off a plate glass window? I know this is just the tip of the iceberg and would love to hear about your pet peeves about parents.
1 person likes this
3 responses
@CRiley27 (983)
• United States
3 Feb 07
Thank God, my children behave. We go out to eat about once a month. (They kids are 7 and soon to be 6) When they were little, we would go out around 4 for dinne. 1...My kids go to bed early, and any latter would risk them being cranky. 2...Going out to diiner on weekends for some in a treat, who wants to be seated next to a toddler having a fit on a nice Saturday night out? Even now, we go about 5. My kids know what is expected of them, and how to behave, they say please and thank you. If we go to a place without crayons and coloring paper,we bring it ourselves to keep them busy. I am proud to say that never have I nor my husband had to leave a place because of our kids. I myself hate being out having to listen to some kid throwing a fit, shame on the parents for not doing anything about it.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
3 Feb 07
I couldn't agree with you more. Parents are the problem not kids. Kids learn at home first before they enter restaurant. Parent should give children good example and guide them.
• Canada
2 Feb 07
Oh gosh... I admit that I've always been demanding as far as my kids' behavior in restaurants. They are older now (13 and 16) but, when they were young, they either behaved or we paid the bill and left. I couldn't tolerate them screaming or crying because I know how much this would disturb those around us who were trying to enjoy their meals. They were allowed to color on the placemats or in books that were brought for them. We always had a few small toys or activities to keep them busy while waiting for the food to arrive or for others to finish. One family we used to dine with ALWAYS allowed their kids to leave the table and walk (or run!) around the restaurant while they took their time finishing their meals. The kids would barely touch their food and they "wanted down." I don't agree with this. Other diners don't want someone's kids staring at them eating or knocking into their tables or chairs. I think children should remain at the table with their parents and not wander. I also think it's unfair to leave a huge mess for the server or bus staff. I always tried to clean up, although many times the server would tell me "oh it's fine... don't bother doing that." Even today, I still tidy up the table when we're leaving LOL It's a habit!