Why do you let your kid run around at a restaurant?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of you guys are just mean-spirited, miserable and likely perpetually single assholes making up stories. I don't see this epidemic of kids running around fine dining establishment and I eat out for virtually every meal. You dislike children and happy parents because you are lonely, unhappy people who begrudge others joy.

I agree. I mentioned somewhere upthread that this is never a problem for me, and someone replied that the frequency with which this occurs is irrelevant to the conversation. Crazy.

I think people are just bitter, and this is their moment to have a weekly "holier than thou" moment. I do think that some of these people are parents who are complaining because they've done all the "hard work" of parenting their children "properly" and want some kind of societal pat on the back by making up incidents of kids running around $150 / plate restaurants.

Yeah, that's definitely it

I think it is. I hear this crap all the time. You're a wonderful parent and everyone else sucks by comparison. Society is going to hell in a handbasket, but you're doing your part. Why can't more people be like you. It must be because they're lazy.

Whine, whine, whine.

Yes you hear it because it's largely true. Free range children. Hmphf.

Free range children have nothing to do kids running around restaurants. Free range parenting is about letting your child accept reasonable personal risks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
When we were young and thought the whole world revolved around our toddler firstborn, we let him run around casual restaurants. He would go up to other tables and smile and wave, but we stopped when we realized he was hindering the wait staff, and perhaps bothering other people, despite the fact everyone smiled back at him.

We never let our second do the same, since we learned our lesson with the first.

However, I have to admit that when a darling little child sidles up to our table and gives us a smile wreathed in ketchup, I melt

Good of you to admit that. Of course he was bothering people; you don't think smiles mean he wasn't?

PP you were responding to - not at first, I was so happy people thought he was cute! I am not from this country and this two-faced American way is at odds with the more direct dealings of my native country.

But now I know!

You being self-absorbed has nothing to do with your country of origin.

Oh of course: I wrote that I was young and thought the world revolved around my kid. I accept all your criticism!

And I have warm feelings for little kids running around me in public places! Just because I started teaching my kids not to do this, it doesn't mean I resent others letting their kids run around. They're all so cute and joyful! I don't get this frustration some of you are feeling. None of this is a big deal. Enjoy your life.

Jesus Christ. Why are you being such a b****. The poster admitted that she was young and learned her lesson. I swear. Post like this meet to me prove that if you're not perfect from the get-go than your may as well be a big pile of flaming dog poo in some people's eyes. Jesus

Why are you involving yourself in something that doesn't concern you? You are not pp and have no business answering for her. If you're going to butt in learn to do so without cussing.

Since you are taking this so personally I am left to assume you are as self absorbed as pp. Admitting wrongdoing doesn't absolve you from the consequences of your actions. Having manners and realizing the world doesn't revolve around you and your child has nothing to do with perfection , your country of origin or being a first time parent.

Lol wow. How's life as a miserable cow??

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of you guys are just mean-spirited, miserable and likely perpetually single assholes making up stories. I don't see this epidemic of kids running around fine dining establishment and I eat out for virtually every meal. You dislike children and happy parents because you are lonely, unhappy people who begrudge others joy.

I agree. I mentioned somewhere upthread that this is never a problem for me, and someone replied that the frequency with which this occurs is irrelevant to the conversation. Crazy.

I think people are just bitter, and this is their moment to have a weekly "holier than thou" moment. I do think that some of these people are parents who are complaining because they've done all the "hard work" of parenting their children "properly" and want some kind of societal pat on the back by making up incidents of kids running around $150 / plate restaurants.

Yeah, that's definitely it

I think it is. I hear this crap all the time. You're a wonderful parent and everyone else sucks by comparison. Society is going to hell in a handbasket, but you're doing your part. Why can't more people be like you. It must be because they're lazy.

Whine, whine, whine.

Yes you hear it because it's largely true. Free range children. Hmphf.

Free range children have nothing to do kids running around restaurants. Free range parenting is about letting your child accept reasonable personal risks.

Yeah, the kids think the risks of running around a restaurant are nonexistent.

[Anonymous]

Kids should be able to explore the world around them without fear that they'll be scolded for being kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids should be able to explore the world around them without fear that they'll be scolded for being kids.

If kids being kids = running around restaurants, disturbing other patrons, and putting themselves and the waitstaff and other patrons at risk, then I'm totally fine with my kids not being kids.

[Mamabear15]

Hi,

Parenting is never easy; there are so many dynamics to every situation.
I do believe we should teach our children respect and honor of other people and places as well.
I try to teach my children to live by example and then others might pick up on that behavior.
It’s a touchy subject but your heart is in the right place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids should be able to explore the world around them without fear that they'll be scolded for being kids.

Aaaaaaand right here we have the attitude that brings so much negativity on kids/parents these days because there are too many wild, undisciplined kids mucking up the public space these days.

And yes, it IS these days. There's a big difference between how kids act now and how they did 20,30, 40 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids should be able to explore the world around them without fear that they'll be scolded for being kids.

Aaaaaaand right here we have the attitude that brings so much negativity on kids/parents these days because there are too many wild, undisciplined kids mucking up the public space these days.

And yes, it IS these days. There's a big difference between how kids act now and how they did 20,30, 40 years ago.

Whatever. My toddler doesn't sit still at restaurants. Should I hold him down and force him to stay in his high chair? 20, 30, 40 years ago people used to beat their children. They did all sorts of things we now know is harmful. I don't let my child run around restaurants alone bothering people. I do walk around casual restaurants ( think Panera, Cava Grill etc) with him before the food comes. I think a lot of the people on here are miserable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids should be able to explore the world around them without fear that they'll be scolded for being kids.

Aaaaaaand right here we have the attitude that brings so much negativity on kids/parents these days because there are too many wild, undisciplined kids mucking up the public space these days.

And yes, it IS these days. There's a big difference between how kids act now and how they did 20,30, 40 years ago.

Whatever. My toddler doesn't sit still at restaurants. Should I hold him down and force him to stay in his high chair? 20, 30, 40 years ago people used to beat their children. They did all sorts of things we now know is harmful. I don't let my child run around restaurants alone bothering people. I do walk around casual restaurants ( think Panera, Cava Grill etc) with him before the food comes. I think a lot of the people on here are miserable.

Then why don't you wait a few months until he can sit still at a restaurant? Or better yet, have family meals at home? Or aim higher got yourself, get a babysitter and go somewhere nice without him? 20-40 years ago adults had no problem not bringing their children to restaurants, no beating necessary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kids should be able to explore the world around them without fear that they'll be scolded for being kids.

Kids do not have the prefrontal cortex development to decide which risks are reasonable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids should be able to explore the world around them without fear that they'll be scolded for being kids.

Aaaaaaand right here we have the attitude that brings so much negativity on kids/parents these days because there are too many wild, undisciplined kids mucking up the public space these days.

And yes, it IS these days. There's a big difference between how kids act now and how they did 20,30, 40 years ago.

Whatever. My toddler doesn't sit still at restaurants. Should I hold him down and force him to stay in his high chair? 20, 30, 40 years ago people used to beat their children. They did all sorts of things we now know is harmful. I don't let my child run around restaurants alone bothering people. I do walk around casual restaurants ( think Panera, Cava Grill etc) with him before the food comes. I think a lot of the people on here are miserable.

You are walking around WITH him, presumably stopping him from touching people's food and getting in the way of the restaurant employees. That's fine. That's not what this thread is talking about.

[Anonymous]

If you think there are only two possible extremes--beating versus letting kids run wild at all times, you shouldn't be a parent. Parenting is tedious, takes away from your fun and relaxation, and toddlers are relentless. Do the work, though, and you end up with kids who know appropriate behavior for different situations.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of you guys are just mean-spirited, miserable and likely perpetually single assholes making up stories. I don't see this epidemic of kids running around fine dining establishment and I eat out for virtually every meal. You dislike children and happy parents because you are lonely, unhappy people who begrudge others joy.

I agree. I mentioned somewhere upthread that this is never a problem for me, and someone replied that the frequency with which this occurs is irrelevant to the conversation. Crazy.

I think people are just bitter, and this is their moment to have a weekly "holier than thou" moment. I do think that some of these people are parents who are complaining because they've done all the "hard work" of parenting their children "properly" and want some kind of societal pat on the back by making up incidents of kids running around $150 / plate restaurants.

Yeah, that's definitely it

I think it is. I hear this crap all the time. You're a wonderful parent and everyone else sucks by comparison. Society is going to hell in a handbasket, but you're doing your part. Why can't more people be like you. It must be because they're lazy.

Whine, whine, whine.

Yes you hear it because it's largely true. Free range children. Hmphf.

In my view the same thing that happens to free range chickens should happen to free range children

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A lot of you guys are just mean-spirited, miserable and likely perpetually single assholes making up stories. I don't see this epidemic of kids running around fine dining establishment and I eat out for virtually every meal. You dislike children and happy parents because you are lonely, unhappy people who begrudge others joy.

I agree. I mentioned somewhere upthread that this is never a problem for me, and someone replied that the frequency with which this occurs is irrelevant to the conversation. Crazy.

I think people are just bitter, and this is their moment to have a weekly "holier than thou" moment. I do think that some of these people are parents who are complaining because they've done all the "hard work" of parenting their children "properly" and want some kind of societal pat on the back by making up incidents of kids running around $150 / plate restaurants.

Yeah, that's definitely it

I think it is. I hear this crap all the time. You're a wonderful parent and everyone else sucks by comparison. Society is going to hell in a handbasket, but you're doing your part. Why can't more people be like you. It must be because they're lazy.

Whine, whine, whine.

Yes you hear it because it's largely true. Free range children. Hmphf.

In my view the same thing that happens to free range chickens should happen to free range children

Sorry what happens to free ranging chicken? And also I still didn't get the answer to my question about where does tea come from? Sorry I was a SN kid back in the days. Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Kids should be able to explore the world around them without fear that they'll be scolded for being kids.

Aaaaaaand right here we have the attitude that brings so much negativity on kids/parents these days because there are too many wild, undisciplined kids mucking up the public space these days.

And yes, it IS these days. There's a big difference between how kids act now and how they did 20,30, 40 years ago.

Whatever. My toddler doesn't sit still at restaurants. Should I hold him down and force him to stay in his high chair? 20, 30, 40 years ago people used to beat their children. They did all sorts of things we now know is harmful. I don't let my child run around restaurants alone bothering people. I do walk around casual restaurants ( think Panera, Cava Grill etc) with him before the food comes. I think a lot of the people on here are miserable.

+1. Also, as someone who actually was a kid over 40 years ago, I can tell you that most kids rarely went out to eat in restaurants. Kids did the same things they do today, maybe even worse, and definitely far more dangerous. Most of the time, our parents didn't even know where we were.