Sunday's brunch would have been otherwise rather pleasant if not for the rambunctious tots at the next table. The two kids--toddlers, perhaps around age 3 or 4--had turned their table into a race track and were stampeding in an attempt to work off their breakfasts, which judging from their behavior must have consisted of cookies and Snickers bars. Their parents (and presumably grandmother) were doing their best to ignore the situation, as it was clear that this is something they deal with every day and figured it best to tune out the mayhem. So what if the kids are bothering nearby patrons and risking serious injury by tripping waitstaff? You can't judge a parent's choices until you've been a parent yourself.
That argument is, in a word, inane. That's like saying "you can't judge a military dictator's actions since you haven't been a military dictator yourself". This really comes down to basic common courtesy--if your kids can't behave in public, then keep them home until you can train them. Granted, if we were at a Chuck E Cheese or other kid-oriented environment, the standards are a bit lax--I wouldn't be aghast at hearing screaming and thudding of over-excited kids, nor would I be surprised if everything in the place was covered in boogers. But this was not Chuck E Cheese. THIS WAS NOT CHUCK E CHEESE!!!
Newsflash to parents--your kid isn't that damn special. Your kid isn't "imaginative". Your kid is poorly behaved and not yet ready for society. That's fine, they're young and may grow into it. But don't subject me to that growing period. I'm not the one who forgot to bring condoms that romantic night in the back of your Camaro.
There is a sense of entitlement among a lot of parents who think their precious little crotchfruit are oh so special and they have every right to be in public with them. Yes, you can go in public with them--but you have to be considerate of others. But I'm willing to make a deal. If your kids are quiet and behaved and sit still, then I will refrain from making obscene comments that they can overhear. Otherwise, all bets are off.
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6 years ago
The saddest part was looking longingly through the frosted glass at the family with THREE KIDS. THREE KIDS UNDER AGE FIVE. The children had their butts in their chairs, and were all peacefully coloring, and the dad was going around the table and picking up the mess they'd left while eating. Why couldn't we sit next to them, instead of the unholy squirmy fidgeters and their lazy, blithely neglectful parents?
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes, it was sort of like "could these two families switch tables?"
ReplyDeleteSee, that's what happens when you institute a smoking ban. Every restaurant becomes family friendly. It's also what happens when smacking the shit out of your kids in public becomes socially unacceptable.
ReplyDeleteFoggy--I don't see why restaurants can't have a "make your damn crotchfruit behave" rule. If your kid is quiet and nice, no problem. If your kid acts up, you all get ejected, just the same as if you were drunk and swearing.
ReplyDeleteToo many people can't seem to grasp the concept of, "If you decide to have children, that's what you're doing for the next 20 years"....you can't do this a maintain the social life you had back in pre-kid days. Going out at 9:00 pm on a Saturday night with kids in tow and being surprised that people are upset with your screaming kids doesn't work!
ReplyDeleteBrooks--exactly right. It's really just a lack of consideration, thinking "God forbid I have to change what I want to do at all times for the sake of others." Newsflash--your precious snowflakes simply aren't ready for public yet!
ReplyDelete