I firmly believe that everyone should experience working in a restaurant at least once in their lives. Not only does it expose you to the best and worst of humanity, but it also equips you with the patience needed for parenting. Having spent my fair share of time in the food service industry, I can confidently say that the most unpleasant customers I encountered pale in comparison to my toddler.
The Dish is Returned
When it comes to food preferences, my little one is quite dramatic. Instead of politely requesting a replacement for his meal, he hurls his plate across the table, bellowing, “I don’t want that!” Talk about a dining experience!
Staff Treatment? Not Great
During my waitressing days, I met plenty of rude patrons, but none of them ever launched their food at me. My toddler, however, has turned me into a target for flying fruits and vegetables more times than I can count.
Temperature Tantrums
Serving food at the right temperature for a toddler? Nearly impossible! It’s either too hot or too cold, and if I can’t cool down a piece of fish in under 30 seconds, his appetite evaporates. Hand him a glass of cold milk, and you can bet he’ll demand a “warm milky” instead. Cross your fingers that dinner time doesn’t turn into tantrum time!
Ketchup Connoisseur
In the restaurant world, there are always those who sprinkle salt on their meals without tasting them first, leaving the poor waiter to explain that the chef’s dishes are perfect as is. My child, on the other hand, insists on ketchup for everything. There’s no consideration for whether the flavors actually match; if it’s food, it needs ketchup. He even swears that oatmeal with ketchup is a gourmet delight!
The Dinner Dilemma
It seems to be a universal truth: if I prepare a meal, my son immediately loses interest. While restaurant-goers might hesitate to try something they’re not fond of, my toddler won’t even take a bite! Yet, at a restaurant, he’ll gobble up the exact same dish he rejected at home—meatballs, for instance. I’m not a culinary wizard, but come on, my cooking can’t be that bad!
The Gratuity Gap
After all the effort I put into dinner, I’d appreciate a little gratitude. A small coin from his (full) piggy bank, a heartfelt “thank you for dinner, Mom,” or even a sweet kiss would be nice. But no, I get nothing. I’m seriously contemplating adding an 18% gratuity to every meal to address this blatant oversight.
So, to all the waitstaff out there, take heart! Your restaurant experiences will prepare you for the wild ride of parenthood. And if you’re curious about more insights into parenting or home insemination, check out our other posts on terms and conditions or find reliable information at Healthline about pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, toddlers are the ultimate restaurant patrons, with their dramatic demands and unfiltered opinions. They can throw a fit over food temperatures, insist on ketchup for everything, and refuse to eat what you’ve lovingly prepared—all while putting you through your paces like a seasoned server.