When my son arrived four weeks ago, I was filled with anxiety. He was so small and delicate, wailing and flailing, and all I could think about was how to be a good parent. My only experience, however, was waiting tables. What was I supposed to do, offer him a wine pairing for his bottle or clean up his bib like it was a table?
But after four weeks of fatherhood, I’ve discovered that I had no reason to worry. Surprisingly, the skills I honed in the restaurant business were exactly what I needed to manage an infant. At the end of the day, he was just a needy little human, demanding my constant attention, much like the guests I dealt with during a busy shift. So, if you’re a server about to welcome your first child, take heart—these six lessons from your waiting days will help you navigate the crucial first month of parenting with a bit more ease. Kind of.
Lesson 1: Stay Calm, No Matter What
Whether your orders are lagging, the register is malfunctioning, or a diner just found a bug in their soup, panicking is never an option. I apply this mindset to my parenting as well. Right now, my baby is crying for ten minutes straight, the cat is doing its business on the new rug, and smoke from the forgotten toast is setting off the alarm. Am I losing it? Not at all. I’m writing this, proving that my experience waiting tables taught me to keep my cool—or maybe it’s the six shots of espresso I consumed, who knows? The key is to remain composed.
Lesson 2: Develop a Strong Bladder
We’ve all been there: desperate for a bathroom break, but the rush is relentless, and you have no one to cover for you. So, you hold it in like it’s a precious secret. This skill is invaluable when you have a baby; the first rule of parenthood is to never awaken a sleeping baby. Even if you feel like your bladder is about to burst, you freeze like a statue until they decide to wake up. Sure, I’ve never wet myself to keep my child quiet, but I wouldn’t blame anyone who has.
Lesson 3: Devour Meals Like It’s Your Last Chance
If you’ve ever seen restaurant staff scarf down their pre-shift meal, you know it’s like a pack of hungry piranhas. You have a narrow window to eat before the customers arrive, and you’ve got to be quick and fierce. The same goes for eating around a newborn—you devour your food like it’s the Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, because you only have a few minutes before your little one starts demanding attention again. But honestly, savoring your food is for amateurs anyway.
Lesson 4: Alcohol Is Your Best Friend
In times of stress, alcohol can feel like your closest ally. I wholeheartedly recommend it to both restaurant workers and new parents, but only after your shift and definitely not while breastfeeding.
Lesson 5: Your Circle Shrinks
When you work in restaurants, your social circle tends to consist of fellow industry folks due to conflicting schedules. This continues into parenthood; you’ll find it challenging to relate to your child-free friends. If you ever do see them, conversations about pop culture or politics may leave you lost. “What’s this about a Twitter feud? Who’s that person?” In my world, it’s all about diapers and late-night feedings.
Lesson 6: The Customer Is Not Always Right
In waiting tables, you quickly learn that many diners are self-centered, demanding immediate attention for their trivial issues. The same applies to babies; they may be adorable, but they also have an uncanny ability to demand what they want when they want it. Whether it’s a bottle or a new diaper, you’ll find yourself catering to their whims, hoping to get a moment’s peace.
Bonus Lesson: You’ll Look Back Fondly
Yes, the restaurant life can be grueling with late shifts and demanding patrons, but it comes with camaraderie and unforgettable nights. You may find yourself reminiscing about those days, much like you’ll miss the fleeting moments when your baby is tiny and helpless. They say time flies when you’re raising a child, and before you know it, you’ll long for those sleepless nights spent rocking your newborn.
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In summary, the skills developed while waiting tables can surprisingly translate into effective parenting strategies. From maintaining composure during chaos to adapting to the needs of your child, these experiences can prepare you for the challenges of parenthood.