The Difficulties of Parents Acting Out at Dinner, Not the Kids

We have all been in "that situation" where a child (or even our own) is acting out while dining out. But what happens when the parent just ignores the whole situation? Mom and blogger Rio and Sunday gives us her two cents on parents who behave badly.

Rio and Sunday

Children in restaurants and PARENTS misbehaving.

Lately in newspapers there have been a spate of articles about children having tantrums and families being asked to leave restaurants.

This seems to be a passionate debate starter, and I find myself pretty passionate on the topic too.

Parents are outraged that their kids are not allowed to be wherever they are, and to behave like children. Meanwhile some other patrons are adamant that children should never dine out, lest their coffee/wine/dinner be disrupted.

For the most part I think it's important to allow ALL people into these places. Kids have to learn to assimilate into public life somehow, and THEY ARE ACTUAL PEOPLE. How else are they to learn to behave in company if always denied access to the "real" world?

Rio and Sunday

I expect to be allowed to take my children with me to most establishments: cafes/restaurants/bars (the casual type, during daytime hours — I'm not talking clubbing with my kids here). However there are some places that I would never consider taking my kids to — fine dining restaurants, for example (it is just not appropriate to have children there at all; for the other romantic diners AND for the children who are probably out of their minds with boredom).

Children, especially toddlers, are always going to have loud moments. The cutlery is shiny! It's exciting to see all the people out! How incredible is this spaghetti bolognese?! Why didn't my juice come with an umbrella? Why can't I eat ice cream instead of whatever this thing is?!

Rio and Sunday

It can be overwhelming for littlies, and that's cool by me. I get it. I don't mind a bit of kerfuffle. I don't mind a bit of laughter, shrieking, and the occasional outburst. However, I do mind children clambering over tables or seats, running around a restaurant endangering themselves and others (think swinging kitchen doors, heavy plates, glasses etc), throwing food, and screaming.

Most people are at least slightly bothered by screaming from other humans. I'm bothered by my own children screaming and I'm seriously bothered by other people's kids screaming in confined spaces. I'm not a kid hater. I don't believe that children should be seen and not heard. I'm happy for kids to have a shriek of joy or a crazy scream — I just don't expect it to go on and on WHILST THE PARENTS SIT BY AND IGNORE THE WHOLE THING.

I just don't get it when parents pretend that the outrageous and disruptive behavior of their children is not happening, or make no attempts to remedy the situation. If at home, the chosen method of response to tantrums is to ignore them, then that's their own prerogative, but in a restaurant, everyone else can hardly be expected to join in the crusade!

My kids are no saints: I've left supermarkets in a major hurry after my children have exploded, with one screaming as though I'd cut him because the frozen items were cold; I have had to leave restaurants with shouting baby/ toddler in tow because the spaghetti bolognese came with some chopped parsley on top; I've left birthday parties after meltdowns over wanting more cake etc. I'm not a parent of children who are total angels and never have horrendous outbursts. They can be total terrors, but for the sake of EVERY OTHER HUMAN PRESENT, I try to do something about it. Most of us do.

I wholeheartedly feel for parents in situations where they/we/you are stuck — like a plane or other transport, but in a restaurant or dining space, we are FREE TO LEAVE.

Rio and Sunday

Here are my thoughts on how to handle children (especially my own) in restaurants:

  • Preparation! Bring toys/coloring-in book/iPad/whatever it is they deem entertaining, for if/when required.
  • If there is screaming, try to diffuse the tantrum. Make SOME effort to reduce the volume (conversing/begging/bartering/distracting), and if there are others around, an apologetic nod to show an awareness that this kid is being a disruptive nightmare.

If that doesn't work . . .

  • After a short time, take them away for a few moments to cool down. Go for a walk outside or show them something shiny and return to the lovely dining experience.

If that doesn't work . . .

  • Pack up as quickly as is possible and GO THE F*** HOME.

Sound harsh? Maybe. Maybe they're one of those kids who are just awful in public, and no matter what anyone does they are crazy in restaurants and cafes. I feel for people in that situation. Honestly it sucks that they can't go out without a major meltdown, but it really shouldn't make everyone else's lives suck too. Stay home! Or get a babysitter so you can go without them! Everyone wins.

Restaurants are not "public spaces" — they are privately owned establishments that are well within their right to demand a certain level of behavior, and that really is up to them to define, same as we all do in our own homes. If a kid has difficulty in a standard setting (read: caters for adults mostly), then maybe consider taking them to a specifically child-friendly venue. There are amazing places catering specifically for families that are much more accommodating to the temperaments of babes.

It is the minority of parents who ruin it for everyone by thinking that their experience is more important than the sum of all others. Most parents are well aware of the unspoken code: it goes along the lines of "Clean up after your kids" and "Don't be a f***ing a**hole." If we all actually adhered to this, then everyone (with or without children) would be much less inclined to roll their eyes when families roll into restaurants.

Most parents are people who care about giving their children awesome experiences in the world where they can participate and learn how to have a fantastic time, without ruining other people's vibes. Now if those pesky 5% could just eff off, we'd all be welcomed with open arms!