Imagine entering a restaurant with your children only to be greeted with a card stating:
“Children at La Casa do not run, disturb other guests, or create chaos. They stay seated and calmly ask their parents for assistance. They do not shout, throw fits, or touch the decor. They are respectful!”
This is the policy adopted by La Casa in Houston after spending a hefty $1500 to repair damage caused by a child. The restaurant owner, Mia Thompson, recounted an incident in which a child scratched a wall with a coin while his mother was engrossed in her phone. When approached, the mother responded defensively, claiming, “He’s just a child; he’s expressing himself!” Though she offered to pay for the damages, her $40 check fell far short of the repair costs, and the restaurant’s insurance does not cover such incidents.
Many of us have our own tales of unruly kids in dining establishments. During my years working in a family-friendly eatery in Brooklyn, I witnessed my fair share. However, we often overlook the numerous occasions when children behave well and are accompanied by attentive parents. It is the rare parent who allows their child to run wild and disrupt the dining experience who deserves censure, not those who teach their children to behave appropriately in public.
If presented with a card like the one mentioned above, I would likely leave. An infantilizing note does not create a welcoming atmosphere when I am about to spend my money. If establishments are going to issue such cards, they should at least address them to the adults in the room rather than the children. Why not create cards for adults, stating, “Patrons at La Casa do not engage in excessive drinking or loud phone conversations, and they always tip generously. They are respectful!” How would that be received?
Unfortunately, the careless few have tarnished the reputation of all parents. The growing sensitivity towards children in public spaces is becoming increasingly pronounced. It’s essential for everyone to relax and address the real culprits rather than casting a shadow over all families.
Babies in restaurants evoke a reaction similar to that of babies on planes—anxiety spreads through the crowd upon sight. As a parent of a small child, I often feel the palpable tension when entering a public space; the assumption of chaos looms large. However, I refuse to be penalized for the poor behavior of others. If you hand me a card like this, you can expect that my patronage will be withdrawn.
This perspective seems reasonable. As we navigate the challenges of parenting in public, it’s crucial to remember that not all families are the same.
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Summary:
Dining out with children is increasingly viewed as a stressful endeavor, akin to flying with them. Incidents of unruly behavior can cast a negative light on all families, leading to overly punitive measures from restaurants. Instead of generalizing, establishments should focus on addressing actual offenders. Parents who manage their children’s behavior deserve respect and understanding, not judgment.
Keyphrase: dining with children
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