Restaurant says NO to screaming children!

[Medusa]

I also agree but would like to see this policy extended to grocery stores, movie theaters, and everywhere else too

Ditto. When the boy was, well, a boy, I always received compliments from others about how well behaved and courteous he was. It didn't come naturally; he had to be taught to behave that way. It seems that many parents aren't bothering to take the time to teach their kids, they just seem to want them to get involved in every activity as possible to get them out of their hair. The result: self entitled kids who grow up to be self entitled adults.

[Marigold2]

I too taught my children to behave in public and they were good. If one started to cry for whatever reason, wet diaper, hunger, sick I left so as not to disturb others but mostly to just take care of my baby.
If a child has mental issues things might get a bit stickey and I would hope that people would be more understanding if a child has autism or another form of mental illness. Just because one is not so called perfect does not mean one cannot go out in public.
If I saw a child who had issues crying I would be much more understanding then a child just being a stinker and mom not doing her job.

[sparks19]

Ditto. When the boy was, well, a boy, I always received compliments from others about how well behaved and courteous he was. It didn't come naturally; he had to be taught to behave that way. It seems that many parents aren't bothering to take the time to teach their kids, they just seem to want them to get involved in every activity as possible to get them out of their hair. The result: self entitled kids who grow up to be self entitled adults.

yeah same here. I'm happy and saddened at the same time lol. I'm glad that she is well behaved and people realize it but sad that this is something people would notice because it's such an oddity.

but really people stop by our table almost every time we are out to talk to hannah or to compliment her... she loves the attention though. HAHA one time this elderly couple were leaving the diner and they stopped to say hi to her and the elderly gentleman ended up singing a song for her. I can't remember what song it was... it was one of those old crooner songs. it was so sweet and hannah loved every moment of it lol

yeah I don't really understand having them in an activity every night of the week. when do they get to be kids? do homework? spend time with their friends and family? that being said... Hannah is enrolled in a dance class starting next week. one day a week for half an hour. she'll love it I think

As for the kids with disabilities... yes I would think people would be more understanding... HOWEVER autism was mentioned and in young children that can be very hard to see to the untrained eye unless it's a REALLY severe case

[kitten645]

I work at a grocery store. Unfortunately there are health codes that don't allow animals other than service dogs into most public places with food. Ie grocery & restaurants. I know in CA there are many restaurants that have outdoor seating that you can allow your pet to sit with you or on the other side of a gate right next to your table.
At my grocery, I work in a very large non-food housewares sort of area and I offer to doggie sit in my "non-food" section because it's separated by a short flight of stairs so I don't technically sell food.
It's a REALLY big store and everyday I hear kids screaming like banshees for LONG periods of time. I think the parents sometimes become desensitized to it sort of like the "mommymommymommymommymommymommy" syndrome. For those of us who don't live in that world, it is really jarring and unnerving. .

[kitten645]

PS I ALWAYS compliment parents and kids that are well behaved. It happens so rarely!

[Randi]

I am for this policy and I'm also for a no cell phone policy in restaurants. There's nothing more annoying than having to listen to screaming children or people blabbering on their cell phones! There should of course be restaurants where children are allowed, but let people make their choices!

In fact, on flights there should be a section for families with children also, so the rest of us can have some peace and quiet.

[moosmom]

Too bad stores don't have sound proof rooms that parents and their children can sit and eat.

It's really too bad that it's come to this, though. When I was growing up, as my Dad would say, "We could take you kids ANYWHERE!!" That meant if we even thought of putting up a fuss, we'd get "IT" when we got home. But that is from a totally different generation.

[Kirsten]

We do eat out with our kids, and they will be kids, but we don't tolerate screaming and running around in a restaurant. We've taught them that from the beginning, and they know that's the way it is. We actually get lots of compliments on our kids' behavior when we do eat out.

That's the point! But unfortunately, it's becoming more and more popular for parents to tolerate their kids behaving like monsters; at least here in Germany. In return, it is unpopular to say something against it; if you do, you will be labelled a child hater immediately.

A while ago, we had a similar discussion here in Germany (about a restaurant with a restricted area for screaming kids, so that the guests could enjoy their meals in peace), but parents were furious.

I don't know what's wrong with children these days (or with their parents). I have to listen to screaming kids every day; they're playing on the street outside my house, and it would be nothing wrong with that if they we'ren't screaming ALL THE TIME, and really loud. Even now, at 8:30 pm and already dark outside, I can hear them screaming, and none of their parents is telling them to behave. I think the generation that's currently brough up will be a reckless one 'cause they're not taught to respect others.