When my baby arrived four weeks ago, I was filled with anxiety. This little being was so small and delicate, wailing at the top of his lungs, and all I could think about was wanting to be a great parent. But the only real experience I had was in the restaurant industry. What was I supposed to do? Offer him a fancy drink or wipe his face like I was clearing a table?
However, after a month of fatherhood, I’ve discovered that I needn’t have worried. Surprisingly, the skills I honed while waiting tables turned out to be perfect for managing the demands of a newborn. After all, my little one was just a tiny, self-absorbed human demanding my full attention—something I often dealt with on a slow night at the restaurant. If you’re a waiter gearing up for your first child, relax! Here are six lessons from your restaurant days that will help you navigate those challenging early weeks of parenting.
Lesson 1: Stay Calm, No Matter What
Whether it’s a slow night with a malfunctioning POS system or a diner complaining about their order, the key is to remain composed. As a dad, I’ve learned to keep my cool even when my baby cries for ten straight minutes, the cat is misbehaving, and smoke from burnt toast sets off the fire alarm. Thanks to my restaurant experience, I’ve mastered the art of staying collected. Or maybe it’s just because I’ve had a bit too much gin. Either way, I refuse to panic.
Lesson 2: Master Your Bladder
We’ve all been there—desperate for a bathroom break but stuck covering a busy section. You learn to hold it until you can sneak away. This skill becomes invaluable when you have a sleeping baby. The first rule of parenthood is to never wake a sleeping child. Even if you’re bursting, you sit as still as possible because a quiet baby is far more important than a comfortable bladder. I’ve never wet myself for my baby, but I understand why someone might consider it!
Lesson 3: Devour Meals Like It’s Your Last Shift
If you’ve ever witnessed restaurant staff eat before a shift, you know it’s a competitive sport. You have limited time and must act fast to claim your share. The same approach applies when eating around a baby—you shove food down as if you’re in a hotdog-eating contest because you know those peaceful moments are fleeting. Who needs to savor every bite anyway?
Lesson 4: Alcohol Won’t Solve Everything, But It Helps
After a tough shift, a drink can be the perfect remedy for stress. I recommend it to both restaurant workers and new parents—just save it for after your shift, and definitely not while breastfeeding.
Lesson 5: You’ll Only Connect with Like-Minded People
Due to the erratic hours of the restaurant life, your friends tend to be fellow service industry folks. The same is true in parenthood; kid-free friends will seem worlds away. If I run into them, I’m lost in conversations about topics that no longer matter to me, like celebrity gossip or current events. My life revolves around diapers now, and I’m fine with it!
Lesson 6: Customers and Babies Aren’t Always Right, But You Must Cater to Them
Waiting tables is often a struggle, particularly with demanding diners. You learn to accommodate their every whim, and the same goes for babies. Both can be relentless in their needs, but the trick is to provide whatever they want in hopes of quieting the storm.
Bonus Lesson: You’ll Miss It When It’s Over
No one loves the chaos of restaurant life, but there’s a camaraderie among staff that’s unmatched. You’ll miss the fun of working late nights and waking up bewildered in strange places. The same sentiment applies to parenting—though the days with a newborn can be exhausting, they pass quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be reminiscing about those sleepless nights and baby cuddles.
In conclusion, whether you’re navigating the world of restaurant work or the challenges of parenthood, the skills you’ve developed along the way will serve you well. Embrace the chaos, and remember to enjoy every moment, however fleeting it may be. For more tips on parenting and home insemination, check out our other posts, like this one, and gain insights from experts at Make a Mom and News Medical.