Reply #43: Wow--that's some sucky parenting, right there

[MorningGlow]

That is totally uncalled for. I mean, even if the parents didn't drink (but...drinking and then driving? and with kids? :wtf:), ignoring their kid is just so wrong--like another form of child abuse.

We have taken our son to restaurants since he was around 18 months old (he's now 4). We NEVER let him destroy the place, run around, or even be loud. And the waitstaff appreciates it, lemme tell ya.

It's easy to wrangle a kid in a restaurant:
1. Go during a child's regular mealtime.
2. Give the child a snack before you go or bring something to munch on while you read the menu.
3. Do NOT go when the child is tired. (I swear, there's nothing that pisses me off more than seeing kids out at a restaurant when they should be in bed--7:00, 8:00, etc.)
4. Do NOT go to a restaurant where there's an hourlong wait for a table.
5. Bring toys.
6. Be vigilant at all times, even if it means interrupting your own dinner or conversation. Pay. Attention. To. The. Kid.

A family friend used to say people should be forced to take a test before they're allowed to procreate...I kind of agree with him...