Many mothers, especially those juggling multiple young children, experience a common challenge known as “tip anxiety.” This phenomenon leads us to question how much of our hard-earned money we should willingly part with in various situations. For instance, the bellman might be deserving of a couple of dollars for hailing a cab, but when you only have a ten-dollar bill, the dilemma arises: should you give him everything, nothing, or awkwardly ask for change? We’ve been so conditioned to tip that even after a less-than-stellar experience, you might find yourself parting with five dollars just to avoid confrontation. Here’s a helpful guide to tipping in certain scenarios, particularly when you have your family in tow.
1. Restaurant Server
On those rare occasions when you escape for a dinner without the kids, indulging in sophisticated dishes and perhaps a glass of wine leads to a generous tip of 15-20%. However, dining out with children presents a whole new challenge. The server may have to repeat the specials multiple times while handling spilled drinks and crayon artwork on the table. If you ever wish to return to this restaurant, consider tipping above 20% to acknowledge the chaos you brought to their establishment.
2. Bellman
If you’re traveling solo, you might feel confident managing your own small suitcase without tipping. Yet, family travel can be an entirely different story. Upon opening your trunk, the bellman might gasp at the sheer volume of your luggage. After he helps you cart it all to your room, a tip of $10 seems reasonable, especially considering the effort required to manage your family’s belongings.
3. Hotel Housekeeper
Solo travelers often leave a modest tip of $2 per day, as their room remains relatively untouched. But when traveling with the family, a room can quickly become a disaster zone. With diapers, snack crumbs, and a sea of toiletries, a daily tip of $5 is warranted, with $10 on the last day to truly appreciate the immense effort of housekeeping.
4. Restroom Attendant
The existence of restroom attendants often baffles many, myself included. However, if you find yourself in a fancy venue with your kids, the allure of free goodies may prompt your child to take more than they should. In such cases, a tip of $3 is reasonable to avoid any awkwardness.
In a world where tipping seems ubiquitous, parents often end up giving away a significant portion of their income as gratuities. However, an extra dollar here or there pales in comparison to the overall financial responsibilities of raising a family. Your willingness to tip generously during these situations is both appreciated and expected.
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Summary
This guide highlights tipping etiquette for mothers, particularly in challenging situations while managing children. It provides practical advice on tipping various service providers, emphasizing the importance of generosity and appreciation for their efforts.