A diner owner in Portland, Maine, is facing a storm of mixed responses online after she yelled at a two-year-old during a busy Saturday. The owner, Linda Thompson of Betty’s Diner, claims that the child had been crying for approximately 40 minutes while the parents appeared oblivious to the situation. Frustrated, she decided to intervene.
The mother of the toddler expressed her outrage on Betty’s Diner’s Facebook page, stating, “I had a dreadful experience at this place. The owner is out of her mind and screamed at my nearly two-year-old for crying. Who behaves like that? You’re insane. If you can’t handle a child’s tears, you shouldn’t be managing a business. You could have spoken to me instead of traumatizing my kid with your shouting. May karma come back to you.”
In response to the mother’s comment, Thompson noted that she was frustrated not only by the child’s crying but also by the parents ordering three large pancakes yet keeping them just out of their child’s reach. It’s clear that Thompson stands firm in her approach, showing no signs of regret regarding her actions.
While many might argue that yelling at someone else’s child is inappropriate, it’s also crucial to recognize that public spaces shouldn’t be treated like private ones. Personally, I allow my kids to have their meltdowns at home, but in public? That’s a different story. The general public deserves to enjoy their meals without constant disturbances.
Thompson’s management style is a departure from the typical “customer is always right” philosophy. She seems unconcerned about what others think, which some view as a refreshing change. Opinions on social media are divided: some criticize her as unprofessional, while others back her stance, emphasizing the need for responsible parenting when taking children to restaurants.
As one supporter put it, “Taking kids to public places demands attentive parenting. If you let your child scream without intervening, you might encounter an owner like Thompson, who’s not afraid to shout back.”
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In summary, Linda Thompson, the owner of Betty’s Diner, has generated significant debate online for her decision to yell at a crying toddler, defending her actions as necessary in a public setting. While reactions vary widely, her management style stands out in a world often dominated by the notion that the customer is always right.