Reply #77: lemme tell you as a parent of a small child

[Maine-ah]

I don't let my child get out of hand like that while we're in a restaurant. I also clean up after her as well since not all food makes it to her mouth. There's usually a good amount on the floor underneath her. If she throws a tantrum, (which she hasn't yet) I plan to 1. clean up after her and 2. pay and leave. I will not tolerate it. If she's acting like a monster, it's usually for a reason, like she's tired, or not feeling well. In which case it would not be appropriate for us to take her out.

I am also a waitress, and I know how it feels to only get 5 bucks on a 50 dollar check and have to clean that crap up. The OP is right. I had one table tonight that was letting their kid run amok, trash the table and left a shitty tip to boot. With no reason too. They had good food and good service, with a server who understands how kids are. But I also know it's the parent's responsibility to take control of the situation.

Yeah, we're used to it, but it doesn't make it right.