Imagine walking into a restaurant with your children and receiving a card that reads:
“Children at La Bella are expected to remain seated and ask their parents for restroom breaks. They do not scream, throw tantrums, or touch the walls or decorations. They are respectful!”
La Bella, a restaurant in Austin, recently spent $1500 to repair damage caused by a child who scratched a mural with a coin while their parent was preoccupied with their phone. The restaurant’s owner, Sarah Matthews, recounted that the mother responded aggressively when approached about the incident, insisting her child was simply “expressing himself.” Although the mother offered to help cover the costs, the check she sent was far from sufficient. Their insurance policy does not cover damages caused by children, leaving the restaurant frustrated.
Every parent has encountered their share of unruly kids in dining establishments—I certainly have. Having spent years working in a family-friendly restaurant, I’ve seen it all. Yet, we often overlook the numerous instances where children behave well, sitting quietly with attentive parents. The misbehaving child, running amok while the parent remains indifferent, is more of an exception than the norm. Those parents should be the ones receiving a gentle nudge to leave, while those who teach their kids proper restaurant etiquette shouldn’t face scrutiny for the actions of others.
If I were handed a note like this upon entering a restaurant, I would likely walk out. I have zero interest in being met with a condescending, passive-aggressive note when I’m about to spend my hard-earned money. If you’re going to hand out a card, at least frame it as if you’re addressing an adult, not a child. Why stop there? Why not also distribute cards that say, “Adults at La Bella do not drink excessively, talk loudly on their phones, or leave tips under 20%. They are respectful!!” Imagine the backlash from that!
The few parents who disregard their surroundings have inadvertently ruined the experience for the rest of us. Public spaces are becoming increasingly sensitive to the presence of children, and it seems to be getting worse. Let’s all take a deep breath. Address the actual offenders instead of punishing the responsible parents who are doing their best.
Babies in restaurants are now treated like infants on planes—people tense up at the mere sight of one. As a parent, you can feel the weight of judgment when you step into a public space. This growing scrutiny is a direct result of a few negligent parents, and I refuse to be treated differently because of their actions. If you hand me a card like that, you won’t be getting my business.
That seems fair, doesn’t it?
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Summary:
Dining out with children is becoming increasingly stressful due to the actions of a few negligent parents. Restaurants are reacting by imposing strict expectations on families, which unfairly penalizes those who manage their children’s behavior. The tension surrounding children in public spaces mirrors the anxiety often felt when flying with them. Responsible parents should not be subjected to scrutiny due to the actions of others.