Parenting is undeniably challenging. Amid the daily hustle to keep our children entertained, nourished, and safe, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. This often leads parents to opt for dining out instead of facing the chaos of cooking at home. However, when one frustrated parent reached out to a columnist regarding their child’s behavior at a “moderately upscale” restaurant, they received a sharp reminder: if you bring kids to a restaurant, they shouldn’t be allowed to explore beyond the menu.
Nicole Bennett, a prominent voice in parenting advice, didn’t hold back when addressing the situation. In her column, she provided essential insights on maintaining decorum in public spaces. A parent wrote in seeking validation after their four-year-old son was scolded by a server for running around the establishment. “My child is energetic, and it’s hard for him to sit through a meal, so we let him wander a bit,” the parent stated. “I noticed the waitress giving him a disapproving look, so we eventually told him to stop.”
First and foremost, a disapproving look shouldn’t be the catalyst for telling your child to behave in a setting where others are trying to enjoy their meals. The dad further shared that after posting about the incident on social media, he received backlash for his parenting choices. He claimed his son was “doing alright,” but did end up being a nuisance when the server was navigating a busy area with a tray, prompting her to ask him to return to their table. “I felt this reaction was unnecessary; she should have approached us directly instead of reprimanding my child,” he argued. He concluded his letter with, “It’s tough for a 4-year-old to remain still.”
Bennett quickly set the record straight. “This situation is entirely your fault,” she asserted, emphasizing that it’s the parents’ duty to teach their children appropriate behavior before bringing them to restaurants. “Allowing a child to ‘explore’ a restaurant is simply not acceptable,” she continued, pointing out that if they had managed to keep their child at the table initially, none of this would have occurred. “You weren’t parenting, so the server had to step in. She was right; you were wrong.”
To mend the situation, Bennett suggested they apologize to the manager for their complaint and give the server a proper tip for her efforts.
Summary
A columnist addresses a parent’s complaint about their child’s behavior in a restaurant, emphasizing the importance of teaching children proper manners. The parent was criticized for allowing their child to roam, leading to a confrontation with a server. The columnist advised the parent to take responsibility and apologize to the staff.