General Chat

Agree Merlin.

Another thing is that in the "old days" when smoking was allowed in these places there were far fewer children ... One downside of the smoking ban maybe? LOL

Jill

I was recently out for a meal with friends, and across the restaurant a large mixed age party arrived for what was obviously a celebration meal.
To begin with everything was fine, but then the youngsters got bored (before the main course was served lol) and started playing with the balloons, hitting them to each other and running after them.
Instead of asking them to stop, or at least be careful as the poor waitresses played dodge-the-kids, adults joined in the game!!
There were a few tuts that evening!!

But it's not just restaurants - anyone who travels by bus must have seen the mums park their pushchairs, and then sit engrossed on their mobile phones while littleun screeches and screams for attention. No effort is made to quieten the child, and apart from annoyance to passengers I wonder about the safety factor with distraction to drivers.

My children were by no means perfect, but I suppose the fact that we had to fold buggys and sit with the child on our laps meant they had our attention, and if they were unsettled we would at least make an attempt to distract them.
And meals on a tray in front of the tv were for a treat, a bribe (yep, I used to lol) or when they were poorly.

Ooh don't get me started on children in buses. Not all of them of course, a lady infront of us yesterday had three children with her. One in the buggie who she was tickling and made him or her laugh, a tot sitting next to her who was very excited but very good and a little boy about five who sat across the bus on the side seats and was really well behaved. She talked to them and kept them amused and didn't go on her phone once. They were a pleasure. We have another local family parents no more than children themselves, Mum and 2 or 3 children sit at the back of the bus (a double decker - downstairs), Dad sits at the front with little one in a buggy. The adults hold a conversation across the bus!! Which is always full.

We so seldom eat out, that I was unaware of adults only restaurants.

Let's face it .............. if anyone feels that they need to take their children out to a restaurant in order to teach them how to behave properly then they have already failed..

Table manners are taught nowhere but at home.

That said .................. those of us who have taken the road of raising children have undertaken life's most impossible, yet essential, task.

My view ............... and it is only my somewhat aged view, is that children must be extended the warmest welcome in every restaurant ................. until such time that their behaviour outstays their welcome.

OOh -I'm feeling very smug!!
When my grand daughter was about 5, she,my 2 daughters and I went to Portsmouth on the train. (about an hour away).
We did what I always used to do with my own children when they were small - played games - count the cows, spot the trainer/shoeon the track when the train was at a station, and 'I spy' (the occurence when my eldest, aged 10 was so pleased that no-one could guess 'O' that she shouted the word 'Orgasm' (instead of organism) at the top of her voice is really best forgotten -but I won't/can't forget it!! LOL)
When grand daughter was hungry, the inevitable marmite sandwich was produced.

Towards the end of the journey,a lady came up and complimented us- she said it was lovely (and unusual) to see a family so 'in tune'!!!!

As one who doesn't drive, I take the opportunity of using journeys on public transport as a form of education. Sit at the top of a double decker and admire thatched rooves, guttering, and gardens,or even bedroom decor!! Trains are equally good for the fascinating hobby of looking in others' houses!! LOL
It takes little effort and can entertain a child (or nosey adult) for the whole journey.