You know I don’t often weigh in on controversial issues,
which is why I have a lot of friends.
Every once in a while though I just have to add my two cents. As I read
the paper this morning I noticed an article that is making it’s way across the Internet. It concerns the issues of a crying baby in a
fancy restaurant.
Now don’t get me wrong.
I love kids. I was a girl scout
leader and I’ve raised two of my own and although I wasn’t considered a strong
disciplinarian and was more of a pushover I did teach my children manners. You see I was taught manners as a child and I
am always considerate of those around me.
When the children were little I wouldn’t dream of taking
them to the opera or to a fancy, quiet restaurant where they might make a loud
scene…that is consideration.
I guess I ate a lot of McDonald’s salads and Chuck E Cheese
pizza because those are the places that catered to my tiny tots. In stores and other restaurants, if the
children misbehaved or caused a scene I simply took them outside and if they
continued I went home with my dinner in a doggie bag. I can truthfully say they didn’t do it very
often, because they wanted to be there and knew if they acted up they wouldn’t
be.
My husband and I go to a movie each and every week since
they kids grew up. I am always amazed at
how many people bring tiny tots to heavy R rated movies and I’m not talking
about action adventure, I’m talking about horror movies that even give me
nightmares, let alone a 3-year old.
Just last week we went to a movie and a woman came in toting
4 kids all under the age of 5, she set them down behind us and went and sat
with a babe in arms three rows back. The
kids kicked my seat, talked through the movie and spilled popcorn and drink all
over the place. In addition one started
to walk down the stairs, fell and screamed for 5 minutes. All the while the woman enjoyed the movie
three rows back. Now that is
inconsiderate!
Here is my answer to the question of kids in restaurants and
public places. If the place you are
going doesn’t cater to kids and your baby sitter cancels…don’t ever hire that
babysitter again and chuck it up to experience.
If your child acts up when you take them in public, be considerate of
those around you and take them outside.
I guarantee you will only have to do that once or twice and they will
get the message. And if you can’t afford
a baby sitter maybe your can’t afford to go out at the moment. Teach your kid’s manners and they will be
thankful, grateful and mindful.
