The topic of kids in restaurants is one that never seems to fade away. Some believe children shouldn’t be seen in dining establishments at all, while others are okay with kids being present—but only in specific venues. Often, it’s the actions of a few misbehaving children that shape how families are treated in public dining spaces.
Recently, popular blogger Jenna Reed shared her experience dining out with her children, which left her feeling scrutinized. When her kids couldn’t find a proper spot at the table to color, they decided to take their coloring books to a corner of the restaurant and sit on the floor. A server approached Jenna, informing her that her children were “not allowed to color on the floor.” Jenna attempted to coax her kids back to the table, but they stubbornly refused. In a moment of frustration, she noticed the server seemed almost thrilled by the chaos:
“I kindly asked my kids to return to the table. They both said ‘no.’ The waitress appeared overjoyed at my struggle. I warned my kids that they wouldn’t get dessert if they didn’t listen, but they continued to ignore me. Then, my daughter decided to grab her brother’s coloring book, leading to a mini wrestling match. It felt like the waitress was relishing my predicament.”
However, it’s crucial to remember that servers aren’t overly critical of children; they are simply trying to do their jobs. When kids are running around or creating distractions, it complicates things for everyone involved.
Most comments on Jenna’s post seemed to support her perspective, claiming that such behavior is to be expected from children. While Jenna’s relatable take on the challenges of dining out resonates with many, it’s important to acknowledge that certain behaviors are unacceptable in restaurants. She mentions finding a family-friendly restaurant where staff encourage children to be themselves. This is a great sentiment, but it doesn’t mean that kids should be allowed to run rampant. Family-friendly establishments usually offer features like kids’ menus and high chairs, not a free-for-all atmosphere.
Dining out can indeed be stressful, especially with the pressure of ensuring kids don’t misbehave. As a former waitress and current mom, I urge you to keep your children seated at the table. It’s not just a matter of etiquette; it’s about safety, too. There’s always the risk of someone accidentally spilling hot food, and navigating around kids can be challenging for servers.
Jenna acknowledges the hard work waitstaff do, stating, “I know from experience how tough it can be, and I always clean up after my kids and apologize for any misbehavior.” She emphasizes the need for moms to feel supported, rather than judged, in public spaces. While this is true, it’s essential to strike a balance. Teaching children appropriate behavior in restaurants is a key part of the dining-out experience.
Summary:
The ongoing debate about kids in restaurants was reignited by Jenna Reed’s blog post, where she described a challenging dining experience. While many support the notion of kids dining out, they often overlook the importance of teaching children proper behavior in public spaces. Striking a balance between making families feel welcome and maintaining an appropriate dining atmosphere is crucial for both parents and restaurant staff.
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