As a parent, dining out can often resemble a chaotic circus rather than a relaxing meal, and I feel compelled to extend my sincerest apologies to the restaurant staff who have had to endure my children’s antics. Recently, I came across a story about a café owner who expressed frustration over a child making a mess, and a restaurant that decided to ban children after 7 PM. While I understand the sentiment, I believe that families should be welcomed in dining establishments, messy moments included.
The truth is, I often find myself so preoccupied with managing my little ones that I forget about the impact of their behavior on others. When the meal is finally over, I breathe a sigh of relief, but I know it may not have been a pleasant experience for those around us. So, here’s my open apology to any server who has had to deal with my family at their tables.
Dear hardworking server,
We made it through the meal, albeit barely. I know this wasn’t exactly the dining experience you envisioned when you started your shift, so I want to sincerely apologize for all the chaos my family caused. Here are just a few of the things I regret:
- I apologize for my child’s enthusiastic exploration of the sugar packets. I tried to tidy them up, but they tend to become quite sticky after a taste test.
- I’m sorry for chuckling at your cocktail specials while I desperately needed a drink. It’s challenging to sip cocktails when you’re busy managing two tiny tornadoes. Maybe in 18 years I’ll finally get that chance!
- I regret the little accident I had when laughing too hard. It seems that post-pregnancy bladder control is still a work in progress.
- I also apologize for bringing my own snacks for the kids and occupying a larger table despite only one meal being ordered. My picky eaters are not fans of the standard children’s menu items, and I appreciate your repeated suggestions.
- I’m sorry for the sticky mess left behind for the next patrons. I should have warned you about the aftermath of our meal.
- I apologize for my child’s curious behavior with the cheese shaker. I was distracted, trying to manage another food-related disaster in my purse.
- I regret that my child watched a loud show on the iPad during the meal. If you were wondering why Caillou is so whiny, I’m right there with you—just waiting for him to grow some hair!
- I’m sorry for the explosion of food that occurred beneath my child’s highchair. It was not a piñata party, I promise.
- I regret the incident involving the wall. If you haven’t discovered it yet, you will.
- I apologize for potentially driving away the table of adults next to us. Perhaps they will reconsider dining near families in the future.
- I’m sorry for giving you the stink eye when you suggested dessert. Moms are expert lip readers, and we’re usually not in the mood for extra sweets.
- Finally, I apologize for the wardrobe malfunction that occurred when I forgot to rebutton my pants after sitting down. It was an ambitious choice to wear regular jeans after a year of maternity wear.
I genuinely hope you can treat yourself to something enjoyable with the generous tip we left. You certainly earned it!
Looking forward to visiting again, hopefully with a little less chaos next time.
Best,
A Grateful Parent