Imagine stepping into a restaurant with your kids and receiving a card that reads:
“Children at La Familia must remain seated and ask their parents for assistance. No running, shouting, or touching anything that belongs to other patrons. Respect is key!”
This is exactly what happened at La Familia in Austin, where the management recently spent $1,500 to repair damage caused by an unruly child while their parent was distracted by their phone. The restaurant owner, Mark Thompson, shared that the child had scratched the wall with a coin while the parent claimed, “He’s just being creative.” The mother offered to contribute to the repairs but only sent a check for $40, which barely covered the damage. Unfortunately, the restaurant’s insurance doesn’t cover incidents caused by children.
Many of us have experienced the chaos that can arise when kids misbehave in public places. I spent several years working in a family-friendly eatery in Brooklyn, and I have plenty of stories to tell. However, we often overlook the many instances where children behave beautifully alongside attentive parents. The few parents who allow their kids to run wild are truly the exception, and they should be the ones receiving a gentle nudge to exit. Meanwhile, those who actively teach their children to behave shouldn’t face unnecessary scrutiny.
If I were handed a card like this while entering a restaurant, I would feel insulted and likely choose to dine elsewhere. After all, why not address adults directly? Perhaps a card that reads, “Adults at La Familia do not become excessively intoxicated, refrain from loud phone conversations, and always leave a tip of at least 20%. They are respectful!” might better address the real issues at hand.
The actions of a few careless parents have led to a heightened sensitivity towards children in public. This is becoming increasingly common, much like the anxiety felt when parents board an airplane with small children. When you step onto a plane, the tension is palpable as everyone holds their breath, anticipating chaos. Unfortunately, this same vibe is creeping into restaurants and other public spaces, making it challenging for well-behaved families.
It’s crucial to recognize that not all parents should be judged by the actions of a few. So if you present me with a card like that, you can count on losing my business. I think that’s reasonable.
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Summary
Dining out with kids is increasingly stressful due to the actions of a few misbehaving parents. Restaurants are becoming more cautious, leading to sensitive policies that can alienate families who do their best to teach respect and good behavior. It’s time to address the real issues without penalizing conscientious parents and their well-behaved children.