When I welcomed my baby into the world just four weeks ago, I was filled with dread. My little one was so small and delicate, wailing and flailing, and all I could think about was my desire to be a good parent. Unfortunately, my only experience was in the restaurant industry. What was I supposed to do? Offer him a complimentary dessert or wipe his chin after a feeding?
However, after a month of parenting, I’ve come to realize that my restaurant skills were surprisingly applicable to caring for an infant. In essence, my baby was just a mini human demanding my undivided attention—much like the customers I dealt with during the slowest shifts. For any waitstaff anticipating their first child, take heart; the following six lessons from your time in the dining industry will help you navigate the initial month of parenthood with relative ease.
Lesson 1: Stay Calm, No Matter What
In a restaurant, chaos can reign supreme: slow service, malfunctioning technology, or a customer’s unexpected complaint. Panic isn’t an option. This same mindset applies to parenting. Right now, my baby has been crying for a solid ten minutes, the cat is causing chaos, and smoke from burnt toast has triggered the fire alarm. Am I panicking? Nope. I’m writing this because working in restaurants taught me to maintain my composure, or perhaps it’s the six fingers of gin I’ve consumed—whichever works. The key takeaway is: don’t lose your cool.
Lesson 2: Mastering the Art of Holding It In
We’ve all been there: desperate for a bathroom break while swamped with tables, you learn to hold it in like a pro. This talent comes in handy with a newborn as well. The first rule of parenting is to never wake a sleeping baby. So, even if you’re about to burst, you remain motionless like the baby is Thor’s hammer, because a quiet child definitely outweighs dry pants. I’ve never wet myself to keep my baby quiet, but I wouldn’t judge anyone who has. It’s a necessary sacrifice.
Lesson 3: Eating Like it’s a Competitive Sport
Restaurant workers are notorious for devouring meals before their shifts, resembling a pack of piranhas tearing into a carcass. You have limited time before guests arrive, and the food isn’t always gourmet. The same applies to eating around a baby; you have just a few fleeting moments to scarf down your meal before your tiny tyrant awakens and demands attention. So, you’ll eat quickly, because savoring food is for the faint of heart.
Lesson 4: Alcohol as a Coping Mechanism
In the realm of parenting, alcohol can transition from a friend to a necessity. It’s your confidant, therapist, and cheerleader, all rolled into one convenient bottle. I advocate for its use among restaurant workers and new parents alike, but only after your shift and certainly not while breastfeeding.
Lesson 5: Friendships Become Exclusive
My late-night work hours made it impossible to maintain friendships outside of the industry. Now, the same holds true for my child-free friends. If I happen to encounter them, I struggle to engage in their conversations about pop culture and politics. My world revolves around diapers and midnight feedings—let’s discuss that instead.
Lesson 6: Customers and Babies Aren’t Always Right
In the restaurant world, you encounter difficult patrons who demand immediate attention, and it can be exhausting. The same goes for babies; they may not always be right, but you still have to cater to their needs to keep the peace. Shoving whatever they want into their mouths is often the best way to quiet the chaos.
Bonus Lesson: You’ll Long for the Chaos
Despite the exhausting nature of the restaurant industry, it’s filled with incredible people and unforgettable experiences. The late nights, the camaraderie, and the revelry are fond memories. Similarly, people often say you’ll miss those early days with a newborn, even when they seem overwhelming. If I can reminisce about my restaurant days—despite the demanding customers—then I can surely see myself longing for these fleeting moments of parenthood.
In conclusion, if you’re on the path of parenthood and hail from a background in the restaurant industry, you’re better prepared than you might realize. The skills you honed waiting tables will serve you well in this new life chapter.
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Summary
Caring for a newborn parallels the experience of waiting tables in numerous ways. From maintaining composure amid chaos to handling demanding individuals, the skills acquired in the restaurant industry can seamlessly translate into the challenges of parenthood. So, if you’re a former waiter stepping into the world of parenting, take comfort in knowing that your previous experience has equipped you for this new adventure.
Keyphrase: “parenting skills from waiting tables”
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