Many moms I know, especially those wrangling multiple little ones, face a common struggle: “tip anxiety.” This phenomenon makes us question how much of our hard-earned cash we should part with in various situations. For instance, you might think the bellman deserves a couple of bucks for hailing a cab, but if you only have a ten-dollar bill, you’re left debating whether to give him a tip, hand over the whole amount, or awkwardly ask for change. We’ve been conditioned to tip so generously that even if the valet were to steal your quarters and give you a swift kick, you’d likely walk away having given away another five dollars. Below is a handy guide to tipping in specific scenarios, especially when you’re out with the family.
1. Restaurant Server
On the rare occasion that you manage a night out without the kids, you might indulge in a fancy meal and think nothing of tipping the customary 15-20%. However, dining with your children is an entirely different ballgame. The server has to repeat the specials several times and clean up after your toddler’s milk spill, which is now soaking into the carpet. Crumbs, torn sugar packets, and a toddler’s artwork on the table add to the chaos. If you want to ensure you can return to this restaurant someday, consider leaving at least 20% as a thank you for their patience and service.
2. Bellman
When traveling solo and checking into a hotel, you might casually wave off the bellman, believing you can manage your small suitcase just fine. However, when you’re traveling with your family, that same bellman is about to discover just how much you’ve packed into your minivan. After he helps you haul your luggage up to your room, a tip of around $10 is appropriate, especially since he might need a chiropractor after all that heavy lifting.
3. Hotel Housekeeper
If you’re traveling alone, your hotel room is usually in decent shape after your stay, allowing you to tip the housekeeper about $2 per day. But when your whole family is crammed into one room, it’s a different story. Even if you booked a room with two beds, you might find yourself in a space that resembles a toddler’s explosion zone. Given the chaos, a tip of $5 daily—possibly $10 on the last day—is a fair way to show your appreciation for their hard work.
4. Restroom Attendant
I’ll admit, I often question the necessity of restroom attendants. However, if you find yourself at an event or in a restaurant with one, prepare for your kids to be fascinated by the array of supplies. Suddenly, they will believe that everything is free and make off with items like mints or lotion. As a result, a $3 tip becomes a courteous gesture after your little ones’ “shopping spree.”
In our daily lives, we encounter countless scenarios where tipping is expected, and before you know it, you might find yourself giving away a significant chunk of your budget. Yes, the more kids you have, the more you’ll find yourself reaching for your wallet. But in the grand scheme of family life, a few extra dollars here and there don’t seem to matter much since parenting often feels like a money pit anyway. Your generosity is not only appreciated but also expected!
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Summary
Navigating tipping as a parent can be overwhelming, especially when dining out or traveling with kids. This guide offers practical suggestions to ensure you tip appropriately while managing the chaos that comes with family outings.
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