Many of us, especially busy moms juggling multiple little ones, experience a common phenomenon known as “tipping anxiety.” This often leads us to second-guess how much to generously part with in various situations. For instance, you might feel inclined to give a bellman a couple of bucks for helping you flag a taxi, but if all you have is a ten-dollar bill, you might hesitate—should you give him everything, just a bit, or ask for change (awkward, right)? We’re so conditioned to tip that even if a valet stole your change and kicked you in the shin, you’d likely still walk away having handed over yet another five-dollar bill. So here’s a light-hearted guide to tipping in various scenarios—tailored for those moments when you’ve got the kids in tow.
1. Dining Out
If you manage a rare night out without the kids, you’ll likely enjoy a meal with all the fixings, perhaps even indulging in “wine pairings” and “multiple courses.” By dessert time, you should be feeling pretty good—maybe even tipsy—so tipping the usual 15-20% feels like a breeze. Contrast this with a family outing, where the chaos reigns supreme: your server has repeated the specials four times, replaced your toddler’s milk that now decorates the floor, and is likely dodging crayons as your little Picasso gets creative on the table. With a baby wailing and your meal selections limited to the quickest, cheapest options, you might want to tip a little more than 20% to assure your welcome back the next time you visit.
2. Bellman
Traveling solo? You might brush off the bellman with a polite smile, confident you can manage your small suitcase. However, when you’re traveling with the whole crew, that bellman will be in for a surprise upon opening your trunk. With the back of your minivan overflowing with bags, you might want to suggest he call for reinforcements. A $10 tip after he helps you settle in is a nice gesture, especially since he might need a chiropractor after wrangling your family’s luggage.
3. Hotel Housekeeper
Enjoying a hotel stay alone? Your room likely stays in decent shape, so a tip of $2 per day should suffice. But when your entire family is sharing one tiny hotel room—complete with a cot and a rolling crib—you can expect chaos. Suitcases will explode across the floor, snacks will cover the surfaces, and at least one child will be exploring the hallways. With this lovely mess, consider tipping $5 daily, and maybe even $10 on your last day, acknowledging the hard work of housekeeping.
4. Restroom Attendant
Let’s be honest, restroom attendants are a mystery. I can multitask like a pro, so why would I need someone to hand me a paper towel? But at an event or in a fancy restaurant with a restroom attendant, expect your kids to eye the array of goodies and exclaim, “Are these freeeeeee?” Before you know it, your little ones will have pilfered enough items to warrant a $3 tip.
The number of situations where tipping is expected might add up to a surprising percentage of your annual budget. More kids equal more gratuities, but in the grand scheme of family expenses, a few extra dollars here and there is just a drop in the bucket. Your willingness to tip is not only appreciated but also anticipated!
For more insights on related topics, check out our piece on the home insemination kit and learn more about self-insemination methods at Make a Mom. For those curious about medical options, Healthline offers excellent resources on intrauterine insemination.