Many parents, especially those with little ones in tow, battle a common American dilemma known as “tip anxiety.” This phenomenon prompts us to second-guess how much of our hard-earned cash we should generously offer in various situations. For instance, you might feel inclined to give the bellman a couple of bucks for hailing a cab, but when you only have a ten-dollar bill, you find yourself pondering whether to give him something, all of it, or awkwardly ask for change. We’ve become so accustomed to tipping that even if a valet swiped your quarters and kicked you in the shin, you’d likely limp away having parted with yet another five dollars. Here’s a light-hearted guide to tipping in different scenarios, especially when you’re with the family.
1. Restaurant Server
When you enjoy a rare night out sans kids, you might indulge in fancy dishes and wine pairings, tipping the standard 15-20% without a second thought. However, dining out with children transforms the experience completely. Your server will endure numerous repetitions of the specials, mop up spilled milk from the carpet, and navigate the chaos of crayons and snacks. If you hope to return to this restaurant, a tip above 20% might be necessary, assuming they’ll ever want to see you again!
2. Bellman
Traveling alone often leads to waving off the bellman with a smile, as your manageable suitcase is no challenge for you. But when the whole family is traveling, the bellman quickly realizes he’s in for a surprise. After helping you unload a trunk full of gear, a generous $10 tip is a fair suggestion, especially considering the physical strain he might endure after wrestling with your family’s luggage.
3. Hotel Housekeeper
On solo trips, your hotel room is likely treated with minimal wear and tear, so a $2 tip is acceptable. Contrast that with family vacations, where your hotel room resembles a tornado aftermath, with toys, diapers, and snacks scattered everywhere. In such chaos, a $5 tip per day (or even $10 on the last day) is a small price to pay for the hard work of housekeeping. After all, you know just how challenging maintaining order can be!
4. Restroom Attendant
I’m the first to confess that I often wonder why restroom attendants are even a thing. However, when you find yourself at an event with kids, they’ll inevitably be drawn to the array of goodies in the restroom. Before you know it, your child may end up pocketing free items, leaving you obligated to tip $3 or more.
In a world where tipping is expected, you might find yourself unintentionally giving away a significant portion of your annual salary, especially with multiple kiddos in tow. Yet, a few extra bucks here and there hardly makes a dent when raising a family often feels like a financial black hole. Your willingness to tip generously is not just appreciated; it’s also anticipated!
For more parenting insights, check out this article. And if you’re curious about at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom offers excellent resources. You can also explore this informative site for more on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, understanding tipping etiquette can help alleviate some of the stress associated with dining and traveling as a family. While the anxiety of tipping might feel overwhelming, a little generosity goes a long way in ensuring a positive experience for you and those providing services.