Ban kids from restaurants?

Grant · 09-27-2011, 10:23 AM

If the kids are bad enough to be banned, then the parents are also.

My wife and I have raised four kids (now ages 22, 20, 20 & 16), and NEVER had an issue with behavior in an eating establishment -- whether is was Burger King or a fine restaurant. In fact, I can remember MANY times when we had all four out -- at very young ages -- and were approached by patrons who commented about how well behaved the children were.

The secret? There isn't one. It's called discipline. Respect. Instilling it in children is a primary responsibility of parenting. If you've failed on that front, then leave the kids at home when you go out to eat. Same with air travel, movie theatres, malls, libraries, concerts, etc.

Caveat: I do remember one Lake-related incident with my kids. We took them all on the Mount Washington for the long cruise. One of my twin daughters (probably 2 or 3 at the time) was definitely in a mood that day, and threw a full-blown, lying-on-the-deck-kicking, red-faced tantrum. I forget how we squelched it, but I remember thinking about telling her that I would toss her in the Lake if she didn't stop.

A photo from that fateful day...still cracks me up.

09-27-2011, 10:23 AM	#16
Grant Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Pennsyltuckey, Tuftonboro, Moultonborough Posts: 1,505 Thanks: 385 Thanked 232 Times in 126 Posts	If the kids are bad enough to be banned, then the parents are also. My wife and I have raised four kids (now ages 22, 20, 20 & 16), and NEVER had an issue with behavior in an eating establishment -- whether is was Burger King or a fine restaurant. In fact, I can remember MANY times when we had all four out -- at very young ages -- and were approached by patrons who commented about how well behaved the children were. The secret? There isn't one. It's called discipline. Respect. Instilling it in children is a primary responsibility of parenting. If you've failed on that front, then leave the kids at home when you go out to eat. Same with air travel, movie theatres, malls, libraries, concerts, etc. Caveat: I do remember one Lake-related incident with my kids. We took them all on the Mount Washington for the long cruise. One of my twin daughters (probably 2 or 3 at the time) was definitely in a mood that day, and threw a full-blown, lying-on-the-deck-kicking, red-faced tantrum. I forget how we squelched it, but I remember thinking about telling her that I would toss her in the Lake if she didn't stop. A photo from that fateful day...still cracks me up. Attached Images __________________ "When I die, please don't let my wife sell my dive gear for what I told her I paid for it."