More and more kids at Starbucks?

[Anonymous]

Oy, these judgmental posts are driving me nuts. I don't bring my children to Starbucks but I would hate to think that if I did I would be scrutinized and criticized for an occasional treat. Yikes.

[Anonymous]

aside from the horizon chocolate and vanilla milk, you can buy a kid's milk. They have a small kids cup (a bit smaller that a "tall") and they put regular milk in it.

[Anonymous]

I agree with the PP ~ I wouldn't take my child into Starbucks or any restuarant and get myself something and not offer something to my child. I would let her choose something appropriate but I wouldn't say "only mommy gets something to drink". My daughter gets thristy too!

[Anonymous]

Oy, these judgmental posts are driving me nuts. I don't bring my children to Starbucks but I would hate to think that if I did I would be scrutinized and criticized for an occasional treat. Yikes.

I completely agree, though it is always amusing to see what issues cause other people pat themselves on the back. I especially love the "glad to see there are other level headed mothers" comment! Pat, pat, pat.

[Anonymous]

1:02 and 11:13 here. Thanks to 7:04 for agreeing, (pat, pat, pat). I feel vindicated. I actually discussed this with my daughter while we were lunching at a cafe (not Starbucks) the other day. Her response was: "But you should never start eating or drinking until everyone is served!" Eating and drinking are social activities, and cafe culture, which is what Starbucks was really trying to import in addition to the sugary drinks, is supposed to make it even more social.

[Anonymous]

Just so you all know, the Vanilla Bean, Strawberry and Cream, and Chocolaty Chip creme blended "frappacinos" have no coffe at all. They are the equivalent of milkshakes. I am the pp who lets my children have these. Other than the sugar content, they are not really that bad as long as they are an occaisional treat, in moderation, just like all things.

So, if your only problem is that they are expensive, well, we can afford it and its really none of your business. So, enough with the criticizing.

[Anonymous]

Here, here!

[Anonymous]

It's a once in a while treat...for both of us. I don't buy my kindergartener a cappuccino, if that' s what folks are so concerned about. Also, for those of you urbanistas who like to meander in big cities and have little boys who will be potty training, you can always pee in a Starbucks, y'all.

[Anonymous]

PP here. I will also posit that any consternation about bringing children to Starbucks may also be at least partially stemming from a) an urban equivalent to similar disdain for bringing children to McDonalds, and/or b) a reaction to seeing children out in public in a very young-adult oriented city, conciously or not.

[selowitch]

I sometimes stop into a Starbucks with my 10-year-old son, my 19-month-old daughter, or both. Generally, they stick to water and cookies or water and a piece of cake. My daughter seldom drinks anything but water or milk, and my son's worst vice is lemonade (which is actually really bad for his teeth, what with all the acid and all). Henry, my son, actually asked to try a sip of my coffee at home and I allowed it. He seemed to like it, but hasn't repeated the request, so hopefully I'm in the clear.

[zumbamama]

I took my kids to Starbucks last week and felt a thousand stares. It was connected to the bookstore where we were shopping, and I really really wanted a Iced Mocha. At first I was scared to go in, with all the anti-kid in Starbucks stares. But then I thought, moms are entitled to their coffee too...so I went in, prepped my kids to be extra good, bought one mango juice and the other chocolate milk. I would never buy them coffee. I prep my kids before I go in there, to behave extra good, so as to avoid any rolling eyes from the other customers. They act like a mom can't go in and get herself a cup of coffee

[zumbamama]

oops hit submit too fast, didn't mean to repeat myself.

[Anonymous]

zumbamama wrote:They act like a mom can't go in and get herself a cup of coffee

Is it possible you are misperceiving their judgment of you? And even if you aren't --- why should you care what a bunch of strangers think about your parenting?

[zumbamama]

it is possible. and I don't care enough to let it stop me from going, but it does feel slightly uncomfortable going in there with kids. All my kidless friends frown upon kids at Starbucks.

[Anonymous]

zumbamama wrote:it is possible. and I don't care enough to let it stop me from going, but it does feel slightly uncomfortable going in there with kids. All my kidless friends frown upon kids at Starbucks.

Well, as a mom and long-time Starbucks customer/caffeine addict who has given Starbucks probably thousands and thousands of my hard-earned dollars, I frown upon all the people who order coffee in there and sit hogging the tables for hours and hours.

I think those are the people you're probably talking about! It's like Starbucks is their living room and they don't want children to disturb their peace.