Restaurant bans children...

18-01-2013 02:30PM

Dodge wrote: »

By kids? Thats weird

No-one ever put manners on them unfortunately.

Killer Wench · 18-01-2013 02:31PM

lazygal wrote: »

I'll still tell you where to go if you told me to feed my child in a family restroom. Seriously, what's the big deal about feeding a child?

Where in this thread did I say that I would ask someone to go to the family restroom? Don't get your back up, and trust, if you feel compelled to tell me where to go, I won't be hesitant to tell which part of my anatomy to kiss. I said that members of my family - specifically my mother and sisters used a family restroom, and that family restrooms exist for the purpose of nursing mothers. We have nursing stations at work where there are comfortable rooms with couches where mother's can go to pump. And once again I will say - even though I have said this multiple times but may beyond the comprehension of those looking for fights when none are needed - breastfeed in public but please do so by discreetly moving aside.

Luca Brasi · 18-01-2013 02:32PM

Duggy747 wrote: »

Food is expensive enough in these places, I'd at least like to enjoy it in the company of adults and not little urchins on the brink of having a tantrum.

PEANUT FIGHT YAAAAA

Killer Wench · 18-01-2013 02:33PM

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

So... leave if they do it?

If your definition of leaving includes going into the kitchen to make tea, or going to the restroom to freshen up my hair or make-up, or stepping away to make a phone call that I put off earlier.

Tombi! · 18-01-2013 02:35PM

Killer Wench wrote: »

If your definition of leaving includes going into the kitchen to make tea, or going to the restroom to freshen up my hair or make-up, or stepping away to make a phone call that I put off earlier.

Maybe I've been getting your point wrong and if so, sorry.

But I thought you expected all mothers to leave (for example) a restaurant if they need to nurse?

sfwcork · 18-01-2013 02:35PM

People with children can park right outside the supermarkets and we can eat in restaurants without hearing crying children or kids wrecking the joint.

Its all fair

BrensBenz · 18-01-2013 02:38PM

I'm surprised at the poll results! I thought maybe the readers would be 50 / 50 male / female so the poll would be approx 50 / 50 because the sound of a screeching kid seems to have a different effect on males than females. Females can not only filter out the howling, they can make jolly and sympathetic faces in the direction of the source while jabbering on to their companions.
Speaking as someone of the male persuasion, the ONLY thing more painful than that guttural wailing of an uncontrolled child is the new-wave parent reasoning with him / her, e.g. "Now, Meadow / Autumn, Mummy can't relate to your difficulties until Meadow / Autumn explains them to Mummy".
Fair play to that restaurant, I say. Now, what about airlines following suit? Say, one in three flights are GUARANTEED free of screaming kids. Someone start a poll!

lazygal · 18-01-2013 02:41PM

Killer Wench wrote: »

Where in this thread did I say that I would ask someone to go to the family restroom? Don't get your back up, and trust, if you feel compelled to tell me where to go, I won't be hesitant to tell which part of my anatomy to kiss. I said that members of my family - specifically my mother and sisters used a family restroom, and that family restrooms exist for the purpose of nursing mothers. We have nursing stations at work where there are comfortable rooms with couches where mother's can go to pump. And once again I will say - even though I have said this multiple times but may beyond the comprehension of those looking for fights when none are needed - breastfeed in public but please do so by discreetly moving aside.

So I should discreetly move? How is that feeding in public then? I'm glad none of my family or friends were so rude as to expect me to move when feeding my child, either by suggesting I use a restroom or moving to another room if I didn't move.

Jaxxy · 18-01-2013 02:47PM

I have absolutely no problem with a ban. Even though I know there are parents like hoodwinked and lazygal out there who realise the importance of mannerly children and are adamant that their own would never be allowed to impose on the peace of fellow diners (my own parents were the same when I was a child), sadly I do agree that they appear to be in the minority.

I was in a restaurant in town having lunch not long ago when I witnessed this kind of ignorance first hand. A woman was allowing her two young sons to run amok while she dined on, seemingly oblivious. One of her sons had positioned himself behind my chair and was whacking me on my head with a balloon (no idea where that came from). I told him to stop, he laughed in my face and continued to bounce the balloon off me again. I looked to the mother and asked her to stop him, she shrugged and told me, "Sure he's only excited", and went back to her pasta. So I grabbed the child's balloon and squeezed it until it popped. The child threw a strop and the mother then threw a temper tantrum of her own, telling me I had no right, that there was something wrong with me, etc.

When I returned to work my colleagues found the story amusing and I was told never to have children, as that's what they're like all the time. I hope not!

18-01-2013 02:47PM

Mod

This is not a thread about breastfeeding in public.

Back on topic.

KT10 · 18-01-2013 02:49PM

Mal-Adjusted wrote: »

If a restaurant is stupid enough to turn away paying customers in this day and age, I can't imagine them staying open much longer...

If a restaurant or hotel advertised themselves as Adults Only I'd actually be more inclined to give them my business.

hatrickpatrick wrote: »

I really feel sorry for people who don't like kids. When and how did they become so uptight?

Its not that clear cut, I like kids, to an extent (I also like handing them back at the end of the day

) and have been told I'm very good with them (really its just an excuse for me to play with Lego and jump on bouncy castles!

) but you have to admit there has been a vast increase in kids who are let away with running wild in public?

My niece is 2 years old and is a little ball of energy, its like tearing after Taz the tasmanian devil at times, but that's at home and in kid friendly places, when we're out in public she is so well behaved and she has never, ever made a scene where we would have to remove her from the premises and I put that down to her Mum, who lets her be a kid but at the same time is strict on things like manners and behaving herself.

Unfortunately, she is the exception, not the rule.

krudler · 18-01-2013 02:55PM

Jaxxy wrote: »

I have absolutely no problem with a ban. Even though I know there are parents like hoodwinked and lazygal out there who realise the importance of mannerly children and are adamant that their own would never be allowed to impose on the peace of fellow diners (my own parents were the same when I was a child), sadly I do agree that they appear to be in the minority.

I was in a restaurant in town having lunch not long ago when I witnessed this kind of ignorance first hand. A woman was allowing her two young sons to run amok while she dined on, seemingly oblivious. One of her sons had positioned himself behind my chair and was whacking me on my head with a balloon (no idea where that came from). I told him to stop, he laughed in my face and continued to bounce the balloon off me again. I looked to the mother and asked her to stop him, she shrugged and told me, "Sure he's only excited", and went back to her pasta. So I grabbed the child's balloon and squeezed it until it popped. The child threw a strop and the mother then threw a temper tantrum of her own, telling me I had no right, that there was something wrong with me, etc.

When I returned to work my colleagues found the story amusing and I was told never to have children, as that's what they're like all the time. I hope not!

Legend :pac:

suicide_circus · 18-01-2013 02:59PM

If, as a nipper, i was out in public and started acting the bollix, the unit would put a stop to it double quick; be it with a sharp telling off or a slap on the arse. I was never allowed inflict my rowdiness on the general population.

Zebra3 · 18-01-2013 03:00PM

Jaxxy wrote: »

When I returned to work my colleagues found the story amusing and I was told never to have children, as that's what they're like all the time. I hope not!

That's what kids with sh*t parents are like.

Ghost Buster · 18-01-2013 03:01PM

Confab wrote: »

The right to throw a tantrum in restaurants wasn't mentioned in the referendum.

Yes but a people of any age have the potential to throw tantrums. Lets ban people

**Vai** · 18-01-2013 03:03PM

Lets ban people from having kids. Restaurants problem solved. Ill take cash or a cheque.

kylith · 18-01-2013 03:06PM

Killer Wench wrote: »

As stated, I have friends who are militant about it and one even participated in a breast-feeding sit-in at a local mall in which a large group of breastfeeding women stood in front of the entrance while feeding their kid. Secondly, my mother breastfed my youngest sibling. I remember sitting at home and she would breast feed while sitting on the couch or anywhere she wanted around family, but if she needed to do it while in public, she excused herself and went to one of those family bathrooms (if available) or the couch in the women's room (if available) or the women's handicap stall. Plus, she always had an extra bit of formula in case she was someplace where she could not do it. My older sisters breastfed and they followed my mother's example. I would like to breastfeed and I will follow my mother's example. There are many large chain stores and malls that now have restricted areas for families, so I plan on using them. If not, I will always have a bottle of available in a small cooler.

Now, as I said, I don't mind if a woman is breastfeeding in public, but move discreetly out of line to do so. Maybe they do that where you are from, but there are plenty of women who do not do it here. I have seen breastfeeding while standing in line at Subway, sitting on a packed commuter train, and so on.

If a baby need to be fed then they need to be fed. Would you prefer to listen to the child screaming until the mother could get off the train?

May I suggest that next time you see someone breastfeed in a restaurant or cafe you take your own meal and retire to the restroom to eat it so that you may not be disquieted by the sight of another woman's breast.

Brutal Deluxe wrote: »

So in what way does breast feeding cause you to suffer?

I'm guessing it's got to be along the lines of 'Breasts are seen as sexual items. Therefore exposing a breast in public is dirty and shameful. Because I feel this way everyone else should hide away when feeding their child lest I be offended'.

Killer Wench wrote: »

I shall repeat. I believe it is discourteous to eat (or in this case, nurse) in front of someone without giving them the opportunity to excuse themselves or yourself from the conversation. If I was in a friend's house and they began to nurse, I would offer to excuse myself because I would feel it was an intimate moment between a mother and child within their home. My friends - being my friends - respect that.

I visited my sister in law and her new baby recently, and she happened to need to breastfeed while I was there. I politely averted my eyes as she got the baby to latch on, and then looked at her face rather than her chest as we spoke. One would hardly have noticed that she was breastfeeding at all.

There is nothing dirty, shameful, embarrassing or wrong about breastfeeding. Females have been doing it since before Homo Sapiens had even evolved. If there's anything to be ashamed of it's that we, as a society, have somehow managed to get so screwed up that the most natural act that a woman can perform for her child is now considered, by some, to be something they should hide away in a toilet to do.

reap-a-rat · 18-01-2013 03:10PM

xLexie wrote: »

Not everybody finds the sound of a screaming child to be cute. Nobody is going to pay to sit somewhere to get a headache. Have no idea why parents bring small kids to restaurants for anyway.

Zebra3 wrote: »

Because they are selfish c***s.

Some parents like to have a day out every now and again, and some more enjoy nice food - why should they not do that? Why, if there's a toss up between McDonalds and someplace proper should they be required to go to McDonalds? Because they have children? Well, their children might be happy to grow up having never tasted anything but good quality food from a nice restaurant on their rare family day out.

Tombo2001 wrote: »

"kids can be kids"

You said it, not me.

What does that mean.

Kids are naturally active and not inclined to sit in one place for a long period. Its how their bodies and minds work. Thats what they are.

And sometimes they get upset. They cry easily. Adults dont.

Now I've said, that to reflect that, parents should bring their kids to restaurants where they can be kids.

What is your problem with that?

You've also said "to be taught to behave". In other words to sit still and be quiet......in other words, trained to behave like they are not kids.

Yes I would feel sorry those kids.

You've said "kids can be kids"......but you dont want them to behave like kids......so which one is it.....they either can be kids, or they cant....

Learning is a fundamental part of being a growing child. It's not training; it's teaching a child to understand acceptable behaviour and social norms. The children have much opportunity to be children - be that play time in creche/school; at home; in the park etc. Even if one was feeding a child in their own home I'm sure they attempt to control them and get them to understand that food time IS NOT play time.

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Thats fine, I absolutely agree with you.

Thats why I am saying, parents should bring their kids to places where they can run around.

What is the dispute here?

The Lighthouse runs a parent and child screening of movies on Wednesday and Saturday mornings?

Would you have a problem if someone brought their kids to this?

To the other poster....

Why do you think training a five year old to sit down quietly for an hour is parenting? What in that is parenting?

Thats training them to suppress their own little characters and personalities, purely for the benefit of adults they dont even know....

How is that parenting?

The child is being asked to sit at a table and not throw food around, run around or scream. The child is not tied to the chair and gagged. My friend's children are good examples. Outside the restaurant, the youngest is usually asleep and if not, is controlled. The older one almost always gets some paper and pencils, anything with which she can draw and be creative. She'll pause to eat, engage in conversation with the adults at times but for the most part she's BEING A CHILD and drawing pictures for the people at the table.

For the record, the restaurant in question is just banning children at lunch time, i.e. 12-2. And as much as I like children (well-bahaved ones mostly), it's his personal business. There are plenty of other places that are probably crying out for custom - just go there. It's Dublin; it's not the only restaurant in a small town miles from anywhere - you'll probably find an alternative.

Vinta81 · 18-01-2013 03:13PM

Would love this to be brought into my restaurant. Especially on Sundays.

MaxSteele · 18-01-2013 03:30PM

"Sorry mate .... not tonight, just step behind the barriers there please ..."

Frank Black · 18-01-2013 03:39PM

reap-a-rat wrote: »

.

For the record, the restaurant in question is just banning children at lunch time, i.e. 12-2. And as much as I like children (well-bahaved ones mostly), it's his personal business. There are plenty of other places that are probably crying out for custom - just go there. It's Dublin; it's not the only restaurant in a small town miles from anywhere - you'll probably find an alternative.

Very punny.

Gandhi · 18-01-2013 04:05PM

I voted yes.

I have a 4-yr old, a 2-yr old, and another on the way. I'd way prefer if restaurants just said "No Kids" instead of the passive-aggressive "oh but we only have one high chair", or "oh but we have no kid's menu" lines (already mentioned) that get trotted out. Don't waste my time dancing around it, just tell me to GTFO.

I bet parents would flock to "No Kids" places. They'd just get a babysitter first. Nothing worse than bending over backwards to find a babysitter and a table full of screaming kids gets plonked next to you.

The only downside I would see is that some parents would view any restaurants that DO allow kids as a place where they can let them run rampant. Tough enough trying to teach your own kids to sit quietly and eat or draw. Sucks ass doing it while they are watching the kids two tables over running, screaming, and throwing food like some miniature prison riot.

3DataModem · 18-01-2013 04:08PM

There should be 3 types if restaurant;
1. child friendly
2. Child tolerant
3. Adult only

This would make everyone's life so much easier.

Tombo2001 · 18-01-2013 04:15PM

reap-a-rat wrote: »

Some parents like to have a day out every now and again, and some more enjoy nice food - why should they not do that? Why, if there's a toss up between McDonalds and someplace proper should they be required to go to McDonalds? Because they have children? Well, their children might be happy to grow up having never tasted anything but good quality food from a nice restaurant on their rare family day out.

Learning is a fundamental part of being a growing child. It's not training; it's teaching a child to understand acceptable behaviour and social norms. The children have much opportunity to be children - be that play time in creche/school; at home; in the park etc. Even if one was feeding a child in their own home I'm sure they attempt to control them and get them to understand that food time IS NOT play time.

The child is being asked to sit at a table and not throw food around, run around or scream. The child is not tied to the chair and gagged. My friend's children are good examples. Outside the restaurant, the youngest is usually asleep and if not, is controlled. The older one almost always gets some paper and pencils, anything with which she can draw and be creative. She'll pause to eat, engage in conversation with the adults at times but for the most part she's BEING A CHILD and drawing pictures for the people at the table.

For the record, the restaurant in question is just banning children at lunch time, i.e. 12-2. And as much as I like children (well-bahaved ones mostly), it's his personal business. There are plenty of other places that are probably crying out for custom - just go there. It's Dublin; it's not the only restaurant in a small town miles from anywhere - you'll probably find an alternative.

Parenting advice from people with no kids. The catholic church was great for that too......still is....

Look.....if your friends child sat down quietly that time you met her......yep that should work with all kids. Problem solved.

Thanks for the heads up.

Tombo2001 · 18-01-2013 04:17PM

Of course, I've already learned on this thread that I'm not fit to be a parent......so no point in listening to me either.....

KamiKazeKitten · 18-01-2013 04:18PM

Kids rock. I'm training as a primary teacher, they're great fun. But there's times I never want to be around them either.

Don't have a problem with it, more power to the restaurant.

kylith · 18-01-2013 04:21PM

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Parenting advice from people with no kids. The catholic church was great for that too......still is....

Look.....if your friends child sat down quietly that time you met her......yep that should work with all kids. Problem solved.

Thanks for the heads up.

Just because someone hasn't had children themselves doesn't mean they're completely clueless. And just because someone has managed to procreate doesn't mean they know a damn thing about rearing a child.

ando · 18-01-2013 04:24PM

Hmm interesting topic. I myself did vote in favour of refusing entry which the restaurant should have full rights to do so, like any pub refusing entry to passersby, but I do think the 81% in favour is too high to represent the vast majority of the population, more like favours the users of boards which I would say consists of mostly people with no baby's or experience of taking care of such.

Sofiztikated · 18-01-2013 04:29PM

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Of course, I've already learned on this thread that I'm not fit to be a parent......so no point in listening to me either.....

You're not making any sense, that's why.

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Parenting advice from people with no kids. The catholic church was great for that too......still is....

Look.....if your friends child sat down quietly that time you met her......yep that should work with all kids. Problem solved.

Thanks for the heads up.

The bolded part. What exactly do you mean by that?

You come out with some wishywashy stuff about letting kids be kids. Noone is asking them to be any different. But part of parenting is teaching/training (interchangable word, it is the same thing) the child how to act in certain circumstances. Running riot around a restaurant, disturbing other patrons, endangering staff is not the correct way to act.

Teaching them to sit, eat a meal, and not be a PITA is part of being a parent. It's not going to do children any harm. In fact, manners and decorum is still a nice quality in a person, be it an child or adult.

And yes, parenting advice from people without children is still advice, when the advice is sound.

reap-a-rat · 18-01-2013 04:32PM

Tombo2001 wrote: »

Parenting advice from people with no kids. The catholic church was great for that too......still is....

Look.....if your friends child sat down quietly that time you met her......yep that should work with all kids. Problem solved.

Thanks for the heads up.

You have no idea how much time I spend with those children in a social setting, so leave out the "that time".

I've spent an inordinate amount of time with children of all ages so I don't see why I am not qualified to voice my opinion. Comparing me to the Catholic Church is unwarranted.

Restaurant bans children...

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