Ah, the world of waitressing! A role where you greet customers with warmth while juggling complaints and requests that test your patience. I spent my college years working as a server, and while my psychology degree came in handy, I honestly believe I learned more about human behavior during those bustling shifts. Those lessons have proven invaluable, especially as I navigate the challenges of motherhood. Here are five insights from my waitressing days that have helped me as a mom.
1. Know Your Challengers
As I observed tables being seated, I instinctively gauged their dynamics. With a cheerful smile, I’d approach, only to be interrupted by a customer demanding their drink order. I quickly learned to identify the difficult ones. Just yesterday, as I stepped out of the bathroom, my sweet four-year-old approached me, his hair a delightful mess. Before I could finish my greeting, he interrupted, demanding chocolate milk in a specific cup. I find that whether dealing with rude patrons or my little ones, the principles remain the same: keep your cool, don’t take it personally, and always model the respect you expect in return. And maybe, just maybe, “forget” to add that extra chocolate.
2. Accept Responsibility
There were times when I was overwhelmed and realized I forgot to send an order to the kitchen. Panic would set in, and I’d rush back to apologize to the table while blaming the kitchen staff. But when my manager stepped in to clarify that I had dropped the ball, I learned the hard way that taking responsibility is crucial. Now, when I’m tempted to blame my kids for the chaos at home, I remind myself to own my part in it. Thankfully, I always keep some chips on hand for emergencies.
3. Prepare for the Mess
In my early days of waitressing, I had my fair share of disasters—spilled drinks and dropped trays were common. I remember one night walking into my apartment, only to realize my clothes were covered in remnants of food and drink. Fast forward to motherhood, and the mess is even more chaotic. From diaper blowouts to spaghetti flung across the room, I’ve learned to embrace the mess. After all, it can always get worse!
4. Tuning Out the Complaints
As a server, I faced a barrage of complaints—from too much ice in drinks to meals being “too spicy.” This training prepared me for the constant feedback from my kids. When my son declares that his meal is “too stringy” or his drink isn’t “brown enough,” I simply smile and step back, reminding myself that every child can be a bit dramatic at mealtime.
5. Prioritize the Kids
I would often watch parents in restaurants, and I quickly learned that catering to the children could lead to better tips. Serving their drinks and food first, entertaining them, and ensuring their happiness often resulted in satisfied parents. Now that I have kids of my own, this lesson rings true. If my boys are content, I stand a better chance of having a peaceful day. This principle applies to everyone I encounter; if you’re kind to my child, you’ve won me over.
As I continue to navigate the adventures of parenting, I realize that the skills I honed as a waitress have become invaluable. Perhaps one day I’ll guide my children to experience the restaurant world themselves. They’ll have their own stories of challenging customers and messy shifts, and I’ll smile, knowing they’re learning essential life skills. Above all, they’ll understand the importance of treating service workers with respect.
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In summary, waitressing taught me valuable lessons about patience, responsibility, and the importance of putting children first, all of which are crucial in my journey as a mother.