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Parenting
By Laurie Ulster
Updated: August 12, 2015
Originally Published: May 7, 2015
As a parent dining out, I strive to be mindful of servers and kitchen staff, ensuring I tip generously and keep my kids in check. I fondly recall a time during my waitressing days when a table of patrons cheerfully stacked their plates for me, stating, “We’re waiters too!” They even left me a generous tip despite doing most of the cleanup themselves. Acts of kindness can truly brighten someone’s day.
However, not all experiences are pleasant, which is why a group of servers shared their worst customer stories on Reddit, later featured on Foodbeast. Many of these horror tales involve children, and I hope none of these resonate with your behavior as a parent.
- Leaving Chewing Gum on the Plate
I personally can’t stand gum chewing; the sound drives me up the wall. But the idea of leaving chewed gum on a restaurant plate? That’s just unacceptable behavior, and I suspect adults are as guilty of this as children. - Expecting Servers to Discipline Kids
One server recounted a mother asking him to intervene with her children running around. Seriously? There are multiple similar accounts, including a tale of a child wandering into the kitchen unsupervised, playing with potentially dangerous items. The parents were completely unaware and just laughed when the waiter returned the child. - Changing Diapers at the Table
This one is particularly gross. It’s hard to believe that some parents would opt to change a messy diaper at the table instead of using the restroom. One individual even reported receiving a used diaper instead of a tip. Who behaves this way? It’s a puzzling question, and comments on Reddit reveal that such behavior is disturbingly common. - Indecisive Diners
I vividly remember instances of diners who claim they’re ready but then take ages to decide. It’s akin to being interrupted by a child who has suddenly forgotten what was so urgent. This indecision can be frustrating for servers who have multiple tables to attend to. - Arriving Just Before Closing
I completely understand the struggle of finding a place to eat late at night. However, showing up mere minutes before closing time can inconvenience the entire staff, who may be eager to head home to their families after a long shift.
This article was originally published on May 7, 2015.
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In summary, being mindful of your behavior as a diner can significantly impact the experience of restaurant staff. Simple acts of consideration can make a world of difference.