zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,873
|
Post by zibazinski on Sept 30, 2014 13:39:55 GMT -5
There are plenty of places that are family friendly. When I went out with my kids and they were younger, I went there. To this day I can't step foot into a TGIFridays. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/tongue.png)
|
|
midjd
Administrator
Your Money Admin
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:09:23 GMT -5
Posts: 17,719
|
Post by midjd on Sept 30, 2014 13:41:49 GMT -5
I lived in NYC for 3 years when I was childless (so had less tolerance for children in general) and can't remember ever seeing a child act the way they've been described in this thread. And I spent a lot of time on public transit and crammed into other tiny, uncomfortable spaces with lots of people. Doesn't a poster here have the tagline, "There are always flowers for those who wish to see them"? Sometimes I think there are always unruly children for those who want to see them. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png)
|
|
raeoflyte
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 15:43:53 GMT -5
Posts: 14,769
|
Post by raeoflyte on Sept 30, 2014 14:13:16 GMT -5
I lived in NYC for 3 years when I was childless (so had less tolerance for children in general) and can't remember ever seeing a child act the way they've been described in this thread. And I spent a lot of time on public transit and crammed into other tiny, uncomfortable spaces with lots of people. Doesn't a poster here have the tagline, "There are always flowers for those who wish to see them"? Sometimes I think there are always unruly children for those who want to see them. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png) ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/yeahthat.gif) I have one friend in particular who can pick up on the quietest child crying/talking/whining anywhere we are and start complaining about what the parents should be doing differently "to shut that kid up" Unless its a kid that he has deemed as acceptable.
|
|
movingforward
Junior Associate
Joined: Sept 15, 2011 12:48:31 GMT -5
Posts: 8,373
|
Post by movingforward on Sept 30, 2014 14:18:44 GMT -5
I lived in NYC for 3 years when I was childless (so had less tolerance for children in general) and can't remember ever seeing a child act the way they've been described in this thread. And I spent a lot of time on public transit and crammed into other tiny, uncomfortable spaces with lots of people. Doesn't a poster here have the tagline, "There are always flowers for those who wish to see them"? Sometimes I think there are always unruly children for those who want to see them. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png) Yep, I totally imagined that kid in Panera that fell down on the floor screaming at the top of her lungs and kicking her dad in the face when he tried to pick her up ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/tongue.png) I am just a little shocked by people saying they have NEVER seen any kid throwing a temper tantrum.
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,873
|
Post by zibazinski on Sept 30, 2014 14:28:13 GMT -5
Me, too. Geez, from Costco to the grocery store to museums/restaurants, wherever there's kids, there's going to be meltdowns. I tried like crazy to only shop with my kids in the am right after breakfast. That seemed to be the best time for them. If I had any trouble, it was usually in the afternoon. Even if they didnt nap anymore, it just seemed like too much stimulation just upset them.
|
|
raeoflyte
Senior Associate
Joined: Feb 3, 2011 15:43:53 GMT -5
Posts: 14,769
|
Post by raeoflyte on Sept 30, 2014 14:43:33 GMT -5
I lived in NYC for 3 years when I was childless (so had less tolerance for children in general) and can't remember ever seeing a child act the way they've been described in this thread. And I spent a lot of time on public transit and crammed into other tiny, uncomfortable spaces with lots of people. Doesn't a poster here have the tagline, "There are always flowers for those who wish to see them"? Sometimes I think there are always unruly children for those who want to see them. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png) Yep, I totally imagined that kid in Panera that fell down on the floor screaming at the top of her lungs and kicking her dad in the face when he tried to pick her up ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/tongue.png) I am just a little shocked by people saying they have NEVER seen any kid throwing a temper tantrum. I've seen plenty of kids throwing a tantrum, but I don't see many parents who are oblivious or who ignore their kids tantrum.
|
|
midjd
Administrator
Your Money Admin
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:09:23 GMT -5
Posts: 17,719
|
Post by midjd on Sept 30, 2014 14:47:12 GMT -5
I never said I'd never seen a temper tantrum. That's not what this thread is discussing. The OP refers to a kid who "would not stop screaming." Subsequent posts talk about kids running amok at white linen restaurants, throwing food, jumping over booths, etc., and imply that this is more the norm than not when out in public (along with the obligatory "that's what's wrong with society today... I'd have had my clock cleaned for acting like that" comments).
I've never seen a kid doing those things while their parents are making zero effort to calm them down or remove them from the situation. I'm not saying those who have seen this happen are lying -- just that I don't think it's as common as many of the comments would imply.
|
|
Peace Of Mind
Senior Associate
[font color="#8f2520"]~ Drinks Well With Others ~[/font]
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:53:02 GMT -5
Posts: 15,554
Location: Paradise
|
Post by Peace Of Mind on Sept 30, 2014 14:59:52 GMT -5
Stories about kids running around without supervision in restaurants, etc. made me think of this sign. ![](http://ts1.mm.bing.net/th?&id=HN.608015825794830054&w=300&h=300&c=0&pid=1.9&rs=0&p=0)
|
|
Firebird
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 12:55:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,448
|
Post by Firebird on Sept 30, 2014 15:02:06 GMT -5
I like the one that says "Children left unattended will be given an espresso and a free puppy." DH quotes that one at me when he's making dinner and I want to run upstairs for something. uproxx.com/tv/2014/09/modern-family-director-live-tweets-plane-passengers-drunken-meltdown-and-subsequent-arrest/So I just reread this and while it is definitely comedy gold, I have to question why the fuck the flight attendants continued to serve her booze. What in the hell were they thinking?? She was clearly sloshed or well on her way when the flight began. They're not even supposed to let intoxicated people on board.
|
|
NomoreDramaQ1015
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 14:26:32 GMT -5
Posts: 47,529
|
Post by NomoreDramaQ1015 on Sept 30, 2014 15:05:27 GMT -5
I've seen quite a lot of bratty children as a server. We used to joke that being a server is excellent birth control.
That being said I encountered far more ADULTS that didn't know how to behave in public than I ever did children.
|
|
|
Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Sept 30, 2014 16:23:32 GMT -5
I lived in NYC for 3 years when I was childless (so had less tolerance for children in general) and can't remember ever seeing a child act the way they've been described in this thread. And I spent a lot of time on public transit and crammed into other tiny, uncomfortable spaces with lots of people. Doesn't a poster here have the tagline, "There are always flowers for those who wish to see them"? Sometimes I think there are always unruly children for those who want to see them. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png) I disagree. I didn't go looking for the triplets on my flight. I also didn't go looking for the couple with the toddler and baby at the upscale restaurant. I see the children, and appreciate the well behaved ones. It is most definitely not the norm to see unruly children. And in fact, I would hazard a guess that the only reason why they are noted is because they are so disruptive. You don't see the ones who are behaving, so you don't note them and it's the disruptive ones that stay in your brain. I remember the first time I went out to a very upscale brunch with my sister, BIL, their 4 kids (the older 2 were the ones I took to the Mexican restaurant a few years earlier) and my dad. Youngest was just over 1, next was 3 and older two were 5 and 7. Those kids behaved within an inch of their lives and I commented on this to my sister, that her kids had behaved very well. She said that she had threatened the older 3 within an inch of their lives in that they would not see another restaurant until they went to college if they misbehaved.
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,873
|
Post by zibazinski on Sept 30, 2014 16:39:31 GMT -5
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,873
|
Post by zibazinski on Sept 30, 2014 16:40:08 GMT -5
The giant behind the kitchen doors just tickles me.
|
|
973beachbum
Senior Associate
Politics Admin
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 16:12:13 GMT -5
Posts: 10,501
|
Post by 973beachbum on Sept 30, 2014 17:28:32 GMT -5
Yep, I totally imagined that kid in Panera that fell down on the floor screaming at the top of her lungs and kicking her dad in the face when he tried to pick her up ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/tongue.png) I am just a little shocked by people saying they have NEVER seen any kid throwing a temper tantrum. I've seen plenty of kids throwing a tantrum, but I don't see many parents who are oblivious or who ignore their kids tantrum. I've seen plenty of kids throwing temper tantrums and a couple of times it was even mine ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png) but Ive never seen it where the parent ignored it and let the whole place turn into a food tight. I can't ever remember a time we went to a restaurant, even pizza hut type place, that the kids were allowed to act like wild animals. I have however seen plenty of adult do it! I once let my DD, about 4, scream herself out while having a temper tantrum. I actually looked around first to make sure I was the only customer in the store before letting her go. She was alone on the floor and it was JC Penny at 9:30 am on a tuesday so we were literally the only customers in the store. I just stood there pretending not to hear her and after about 2 minutes she stopped totally. Had the place been a restaurant or store that was filled with other people I would have carried her out. But I knew that was what she really wanted so I took the opportunity to let her realize it wouldn't get her anywhere to throw a tantrum in public, which worked. The fact that I stood there though doesn't mean I didn't notice exactly what was happening and that there were no other people around to be inconvienced. What else should I have done, beat her senseless? ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/huh.gif)
|
|
Firebird
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 12:55:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,448
|
Post by Firebird on Sept 30, 2014 17:30:20 GMT -5
What else should I have done, beat her senseless?
Yup.
|
|
whoisjohngalt
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 14:12:07 GMT -5
Posts: 9,140
|
Post by whoisjohngalt on Sept 30, 2014 22:38:19 GMT -5
My favorite kid story is from a cruise I took about 6 yrs ago with 7 other people. My friend, who works from home, and takes care of two little ones (well, two little ones at that time) was SO thrilled to be on a 4 day vacation without her kids. This was the first night of the cruise and she was celebrating a little bit too much. I am not sure how many drinks she had by the time we went to the 10PM show on board but needless to say it was quite a few. We were in our seats waiting for the show to start when a couple showed up with a toddler. This kid was awful and the parents just let him run screaming up and down the aisles and up and down the steps. Finally, my friend yells out "will you shut that kid up! Damn, I came on vacation to get away from kids!" Everyone sitting near this child started clapping. The couple got up and left before the show started. I am certain she probably would have just bit her tongue like the rest of us if she hadn't had some drinks in her but I am guessing everyone around was glad she said something because we actually got to enjoy the show in peace. That statement just really bugs me. The kid wasn't awful. The kid was most likely tired and the LAST place he wanted to be was in a crowded room with drunken adults. Instead of yelling for parents to "shut that kid up", your friend should have suggested to adults to grow a brain and take the kid to bed. It's not a kid's fault that his parents are morons.
|
|
Firebird
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 12:55:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,448
|
Post by Firebird on Sept 30, 2014 22:47:02 GMT -5
Seriously, 10pm is ridiculous for a toddler unless s/he is used to going to bed that late (I know some are, but most aren't). I agree with Lena, other people shouldn't be penalized because of idiot parents who don't consider their childrens' physical and mental limitations before choosing outings.
|
|
drivingaround
Established Member
Joined: Feb 26, 2011 21:38:18 GMT -5
Posts: 295
|
Post by drivingaround on Sept 30, 2014 23:05:18 GMT -5
I lived in NYC for 3 years when I was childless (so had less tolerance for children in general) and can't remember ever seeing a child act the way they've been described in this thread. And I spent a lot of time on public transit and crammed into other tiny, uncomfortable spaces with lots of people. Doesn't a poster here have the tagline, "There are always flowers for those who wish to see them"? Sometimes I think there are always unruly children for those who want to see them. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/wink.png) I disagree. I didn't go looking for the triplets on my flight. I also didn't go looking for the couple with the toddler and baby at the upscale restaurant. I see the children, and appreciate the well behaved ones. It is most definitely not the norm to see unruly children. And in fact, I would hazard a guess that the only reason why they are noted is because they are so disruptive. You don't see the ones who are behaving, so you don't note them and it's the disruptive ones that stay in your brain.I 1000% agree with the bolded statement. You aren't likely to notice a kid sitting quietly or even being normal kid noisy but surely you'll notice and remember the ones who were super loud and disruptive. Just like a kid kicking your seat on an airplane. The other 200 people might not even know there was a kid on the plane because they weren't sitting in front of the child and feeling hours of endless kicks. As someone without kids I don't see how it is fun or enjoyable for parents to eat out with little ones, I'd say under 5. The few times we've gone out and friends have brought their kids they had to tag team so one sat and ate and the other would walk around or go outside then they'd switch. The kids weren't at all loud or obnoxious but they're kids and sitting even for 30 minutes is a challenge. Don't know, just seemed so not enjoyable for the other couple and I wonder why bother. In that situation I'd rather get take out and let the kids play at the house.
|
|
andi9899
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 6, 2011 10:22:29 GMT -5
Posts: 30,757
|
Post by andi9899 on Sept 30, 2014 23:42:16 GMT -5
Taking off and landing can hurt the kids' eardrums, and sometimes they have earaches all through the flight. It's just the luck of the draw. Ha! I just remembered a flight my mom and I took my girls on when they were smaller (6 & 8 yo) and I suggested we get some gum for their ears, thinking it would help with popping. My older one looked at me like I was crazy and said "why would I stick gum in my ears?" in a know it all voice. Weirdo. I explained it but it was kind of funny.
|
|
Firebird
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 12:55:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,448
|
Post by Firebird on Oct 1, 2014 9:43:30 GMT -5
Because sometimes you want a night that doesn't involve cooking, cleaning up after toddlers that drop more food than they get in their mouths, and having dishes to do afterwards. With little kids you aren't just paying for somebody else to cook, you're paying for somebody else to deal with the mess. Every parent understands this, but it's important to pick your spots. We took Babybird to our favorite sushi restaurant once and it was a total disaster. We went with my parents and literally ate three at a time while the fourth person was outside with the baby. The entire time. Wasn't fun and we certainly didn't enjoy our food. I see kids there all the time but it's NOT a good idea for very small children. Lesson learned. So even though our anniversary is technically tonight, we're waiting until Friday to go there since she can stay with my parents that night. I realize not everyone has that option but if we didn't, we would either pay a babysitter or find a different place to eat. I'm very understanding of the need to get away but plenty of restaurants are geared toward babies and toddlers, so I have little sympathy for parents who insist on visiting white-linen places where the kids will be bored and disruptive from the word go.
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,873
|
Post by zibazinski on Oct 1, 2014 10:19:17 GMT -5
Because sometimes you want a night that doesn't involve cooking, cleaning up after toddlers that drop more food than they get in their mouths, and having dishes to do afterwards. With little kids you aren't just paying for somebody else to cook, you're paying for somebody else to deal with the mess. Yup, and I was very careful to pick up as much off the floor as I could and tipped up the wazoo for the servers inconvenience.
|
|
Firebird
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 12:55:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,448
|
Post by Firebird on Oct 1, 2014 10:29:52 GMT -5
Yup, and I was very careful to pick up as much off the floor as I could and tipped up the wazoo for the servers inconvenience.
DH and I do that too. Your server/busperson is not your slave. I mean, I guess you can treat them that way if you want to be a dick, but it's polite to clean your space somewhat if your kid has spilled every condiment available over the entire surface area and thrown all the silverware and crayons on the floor. Of course, you can also tip big and they'll probably forgive you.
I'm kind of a compulsive cleaner though. I hate leaving a mess behind me anywhere. It just seems so rude and classless.
|
|
HoneyBBQ
Junior Associate
Joined: Dec 27, 2010 10:36:09 GMT -5
Posts: 5,395
Mini-Profile Background: {"image":"","color":"3b444e"}
|
Post by HoneyBBQ on Oct 1, 2014 11:47:31 GMT -5
There are plenty of places that are family friendly. When I went out with my kids and they were younger, I went there. To this day I can't step foot into a TGIFridays. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/tongue.png) I'm not going to a TGI Friday. Children or no.
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,873
|
Post by zibazinski on Oct 1, 2014 11:49:52 GMT -5
It's kid friendly. Food didnt totally suck. Alcohol was cheap.
|
|
Firebird
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 29, 2010 12:55:06 GMT -5
Posts: 12,448
|
Post by Firebird on Oct 1, 2014 11:57:39 GMT -5
It's kid friendly. Food didnt totally suck. Alcohol was cheap.Really, you could have just started with the last one... when dining with kids, that's my main requirement! ![](http://syonidv.hodginsmedia.com/vsmileys/yowza.png)
|
|
zibazinski
Community Leader
Joined: Dec 24, 2010 16:12:50 GMT -5
Posts: 47,873
|
Post by zibazinski on Oct 1, 2014 11:59:05 GMT -5
Absolutely. I learned about hot cocoa with raspberry chambord there. Yum.
|
|
Wisconsin Beth
Distinguished Associate
No, we don't walk away. But when we're holding on to something precious, we run.
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 11:59:36 GMT -5
Posts: 30,626
|
Post by Wisconsin Beth on Oct 1, 2014 12:14:07 GMT -5
There are plenty of places that are family friendly. When I went out with my kids and they were younger, I went there. To this day I can't step foot into a TGIFridays. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/tongue.png) I'm not going to a TGI Friday. Children or no. Me neither. Service is consistently bad every time I've been there. Finally told DH that I was done eating there.
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on Oct 1, 2014 12:49:19 GMT -5
Yup, and I was very careful to pick up as much off the floor as I could and tipped up the wazoo for the servers inconvenience.
DH and I do that too. Your server/busperson is not your slave. I mean, I guess you can treat them that way if you want to be a dick, but it's polite to clean your space somewhat if your kid has spilled every condiment available over the entire surface area and thrown all the silverware and crayons on the floor. Of course, you can also tip big and they'll probably forgive you. I'm kind of a compulsive cleaner though. I hate leaving a mess behind me anywhere. It just seems so rude and classless. It is rude and classless to leave a mess behind and expect someone else to clean it up. Even though they're always looking to recruit new members (love those initiation fees!), our yacht club has refused entry to two different families over the past couple of years. In both cases, during the probation period - 3 months between when you apply and when you're formally accepted, you get to try it out but you're not yet a member - the families had kids that made large messes and the family didn't seem to care, leaving the mess for others to clean up. In one case, a six year old was in the kid's play area and squirted ketchup all over a wall and bookshelf; when the parents came to pick the kid up, they just left the mess behind. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/shocked.gif) The club sent the clear message that it's not worth the $20k initiation fee plus all the annual dues and required minimum food/beverage income to put up with that and I agree with them. It's not as much a money issue - those families were "paying" enough to theoretically compensate someone for cleaning up after them - it's a respect issue.
|
|
ArchietheDragon
Junior Associate
Joined: Jul 7, 2014 14:29:23 GMT -5
Posts: 6,371
|
Post by ArchietheDragon on Oct 1, 2014 12:50:32 GMT -5
Yup, and I was very careful to pick up as much off the floor as I could and tipped up the wazoo for the servers inconvenience.
DH and I do that too. Your server/busperson is not your slave. I mean, I guess you can treat them that way if you want to be a dick, but it's polite to clean your space somewhat if your kid has spilled every condiment available over the entire surface area and thrown all the silverware and crayons on the floor. Of course, you can also tip big and they'll probably forgive you. I'm kind of a compulsive cleaner though. I hate leaving a mess behind me anywhere. It just seems so rude and classless. It is rude and classless to leave a mess behind and expect someone else to clean it up. Even though they're always looking to recruit new members (love those initiation fees!), our yacht club has refused entry to two different families over the past couple of years. In both cases, during the probation period - 3 months between when you apply and when you're formally accepted, you get to try it out but you're not yet a member - the families had kids that made large messes and the family didn't seem to care, leaving the mess for others to clean up. In one case, a six year old was in the kid's play area and squirted ketchup all over a wall and bookshelf; when the parents came to pick the kid up, they just left the mess behind. ![](http://images.proboards.com/new/shocked.gif) The club sent the clear message that it's not worth the $20k initiation fee plus all the annual dues and required minimum food/beverage income to put up with that and I agree with them. It's not as much a money issue - those families were "paying" enough to theoretically compensate someone for cleaning up after them - it's a respect issue. The yacht club kicked out a messy family? ?? Now I have heard it all.
|
|
milee
Senior Associate
Joined: Jan 17, 2012 13:20:00 GMT -5
Posts: 12,344
|
Post by milee on Oct 1, 2014 12:51:38 GMT -5
I was thinking of this thread today. DH and I were at lunch and there was a screeching toddler. It doesn't happen often and maybe I was just more aware because we've been posting about the issue. In any case, it was a casual setting, the mom was doing her best and I felt sorry for both her and the little one, who just seemed to be very, very tired.
|
|