As a parent dining out with kids, I strive to be respectful to waitstaff and tip well. I still remember a time from my own waitressing days when a group of customers had neatly stacked all their plates. “We’re waiters too!” they joked, and then they generously tipped me, even after doing most of the clean-up. It’s amazing how a little kindness can go a long way.
On the flip side, there’s certainly no shortage of horror stories from waiters, many of which are shared by folks on Reddit and featured in various blogs. A lot of these tales involve children, and I hope you don’t see yourself in any of these situations.
1. Leaving Chewing Gum on Plates
I can’t stand the sound of chewing gum, and I definitely wouldn’t allow my kids to leave chewed pieces on a plate at a restaurant. It’s just plain gross, and I’m sure adults are guilty of this too.
2. Expecting Waiters to Discipline Kids
One waiter shared a story about a mother asking him to intervene when her kids were running wild. “Can you tell them to stop?” Really? There are plenty of similar incidents where parents seem to think it’s the waitstaff’s job to keep their kids in line. One waiter even recalled a child running unsupervised into the kitchen, and the parents didn’t notice or care when he brought the kid back.
3. Changing Diapers at the Table
Yikes! Changing a diaper on the table is one of the most shocking things I’ve heard. Someone once reported receiving a dirty diaper instead of a tip. Who does that? I’ve even heard about a relative who changed her baby’s messy diaper twice at a fancy restaurant simply because she didn’t want to walk to the restroom. When confronted about it, she shrugged it off, claiming that her baby was just being a baby. News flash: most people don’t appreciate that at the table!
4. Indecisive Diners
We’ve all been there, but if you tell a waiter you’re ready to order, don’t take forever to decide. It’s like when a kid interrupts you for something urgent, only to take their sweet time explaining it. It’s frustrating for everyone involved, especially the waiter who’s juggling multiple tables.
5. Walking in Right Before Closing
I totally understand the struggle of finding a place that’s still open when you’re starving. However, showing up just minutes before closing can seriously hold up the kitchen staff and waitstaff. They have lives too and might be looking forward to their own dinner!
Dining out should be a pleasant experience for everyone involved. If you’re looking for more tips on parenting or planning, check out this post on intracervicalinsemination.com. And if you’re considering options for starting a family, Make A Mom is a great resource for at-home insemination kits. For further information on pregnancy, the NHS provides excellent guidance.
In summary, being mindful of how our actions affect others, especially in public places like restaurants, can make a big difference. Let’s try to be the kind of patrons that waitstaff appreciate!