Surprising Parent Behavior at V&A's

[hmp2z]

I just wanted to post this, because I was actually quite surprised by how well these parents handled this situation. Notice that I'm somewhat shocked when someone handles a situation well. ;)

We were at V&A's a few weeks ago, and a large-ish party (about 6-8 people) entered. One of the members of the party was an EXTREMELY irate child who was maybe 3-4 years old. He was dressed very cutely, but had his arms crossed and an angry look on his face, and he was getting a bit loud & fussy. My DH & I groaned & wondered why on earth parents would bring such a small child to such a quiet, lengthy dinner.

The small boy's mother kept trying to talk him into staying, and he kept grumbling & fussing & getting a bit loud. So the mother took him out. The other members of the party waited around for a bit, and then I guess decided that the child wasn't able to come back into the restaurant without making a fuss, so the entire group left the restaurant.

I was very, very surprised that parents who would attempt to bring a small child to V&A's (probably not the brightest idea) would also leave if he started getting loud. It's a pity that they didn't make alternate plans sooner, like arranging for him to visit one of those kids' clubs, so that their entire group's dinner wasn't ruined. But I thought it was incredibly polite of them to leave the restaurant rather than allow their child to disturb other diners.

I guess good manners aren't completely absent, after all!

Cheers!
Heather W

[kennancat]

My first thought is did V&A's charge them since they would have been cancelling on such short notice, or did they let it go to make the best of the situation? ;) Either way, good for those parents for knowing that their kid wasn't ready to handle that dinner and not forcing the issue, thus ruining everyone else's meal.

[serendipity]

wow, that really is wonderful. I also would have been HIGHLY impressed by such responsible behavior!

[spiceycat]

most fine dinning places have a place for the kids. Disney wants you to pay for everything.

besides I didn't think little children were allowed in that restuarant in the first place.

[CarolA]

most fine dinning places have a place for the kids. Disney wants you to pay for everything.

besides I didn't think little children were allowed in that restuarant in the first place.

Not sure where you eat, but the "fine dining places" that I go to don't have ANYPLACE for kids.

I was at Ruth Chris just last week for example, there was nothing there for kids.

I find that moderate and fast food places are designed for children.

(And to be honest when I am at nice resturant I don't want the playground there too!)

[yearbook50]

When I was there on Sunday, there were two parents with a young child there. The couple at the table next to me were from England and had a well behaved child that truly loved that experience. The other one was not like that. The daughter kept running around the table, crying, whining. It was ridiculous and the parents didn't leave. It didn't ruin my experience but still not my favorite time I have had there.

[susieq76]

The other one was not like that. The daughter kept running around the table, crying, whining. It was ridiculous and the parents didn't leave. It didn't ruin my experience but still not my favorite time I have had there.


I don't even allow my children to do that at home, let alone a Friendly's or Fridays. Victoria & Alberts????? Well I wouldn't bring mine- but allow them to run around :scared1: Ya gotta be kidding me.

As for the OP- why couldn't they bring him to a kids club? B/c if he's under 4 the only thing you can do is in room sitting- and some people just aren't comfortable with that option- especially for a lengthy meal. One of the reasons we have NOT been able to go somewhere nice. :confused3 Oh well- Patrick will be 4 in 1 1/2 years...

[Boardwalker]

I am surprised that nothing was said to the parents.
When we ate at V&A I was afraid that I was going to be punished if I got out of line. It just has that "best behavior" vibe.
Unfortunately with the wine pairings for every single course, I got the giggles by dessert. I was mortified, but couldn't stop. I was so ashamed.

[rigs32]

Nothing seems to surprise me anymore. Last year around this time there was a thread from a woman aghast that V&A's would charge her child full price *on Valentine's Day* since the kid wasn't going to eat anything.

[webray]

There are a few parents with great "manners" knowing what to do when their children don't want to sit still for dinner.

We saw an example one night at Artist Point, and that is definately kid friendly. Two youngsters where tired, tired, tired. The couple asked for their food to go, kept the kids as quiet as they could, the food came out in bags quickley and they left.

At a table right beside them were 5 adults and a couple children, naughty kids, parents drinking and talking, kids acting up, tired, not wanting to be there. They did nothing but continue.

Our grandaughter is very good in restaurants. We would never, ever consider taking her with us to V&A's, we have taken her to Artist Point, Yachtsman, etc. If she gets tired, one of us immediately leaves the table and takes her outside. We will not ever ruin someone elses meal with an unruley child, never.

[desamnik]

why should other patrons have to deal with an upset childs behavior?

Also, some small toys go a long way. I am always surprised at how many people bring their young children to restaurants, doctors office, the "other"kids after school activity, etc... with out bring the child anything to do!

Most kids are easily kept busy, if given some tools!

[spiceycat]

Not sure where you eat, but the "fine dining places" that I go to don't have ANYPLACE for kids.

I was at Ruth Chris just last week for example, there was nothing there for kids.

I find that moderate and fast food places are designed for children.

(And to be honest when I am at nice resturant I don't want the playground there too!)

the ones at nicer hotels - the Renaissance arranges for free baby sitting (or did) when you eat at the Atlantic.

I think Loews does too - if you get at their best (highest priced) restuarant.

then the kids get to play and have fun and you get to eat your meal in peace.

I though V&A would have something similar. Especially since they have a kid's club at the GF.

[dcox931]

Im surprised they left? Most parents (in my experience) would have stayed and not even payed attention! :thumbsup2

[gigi1313]

thanks for sharing a "happy ending" instead of a Happily Never After ;)

although i'd have done things differently... i'd have left the rest of my party behind and taken my ds somewhere else... yep, i'd "suffer" rather than make my whole party suffer... and i'd turn it around into a fun time for me and ds alone :)

although it's possible, since they had not even been seated yet, was that they did not have ressies and were unable to be accomodated, so it only looked like they were doing "the right thing" ;) [yep, i'm a cynic at times]

[hmp2z]

I wanted to post this, because we've seen so many awful examples of parent behavior - I was very pleasantly surprised. Of course, on our most recent trip, there was a child screaming & carrying on during our dinner at Yachtsman Steakhouse. The parents finished eating, got the check, paid, then sat around for almost 20 additional minutes, I guess to subject the other diners to their child's obnoxious sounds. So I get excited when I see good parents. The little things in life :)

On a similar note, but unrelated to restaurants, we also saw parents allowing their children to play under a WDW maintenance man's golf cart. Makes you wonder if they let them play under the cars in parking lots. ;)

Cheers!
Heather W

[MrOakie]

I wish more parents would be that considerate. DW and I don't have kids, and will make plans around not having to deal with kids. I see parents all the time that have no regard for other people around them. I applaud those parents.

[Cheshire Figment]

I have, on occasion, congratulated parents as they were leaving an upscale restaurant on how well that have brought up their child(ren); thanking them for allowing us to have a peaceful meal.

[susieq76]

I think Disney Kids clubs should be for potty trained children 3 & up. ;) Then by next trip I could try V & As :thumbsup2

Seriously though- you have to pay for children at 3- why can't a potty trained 3 year old be allowed at the kids clubs? Granted my 2 1/2 year old is not potty trained yet- but by next year... Too bad!

[NotUrsula]

Seriously though- you have to pay for children at 3- why can't a potty trained 3 year old be allowed at the kids clubs?

Florida state law. The WDW kids clubs are not licensed to take care of kids who are under age 4.

[Margie J]

Now these are responsible parents. I commend them and the rest of the party for leaving and not caving into the demands of a child. It's also a great lesson for the child. If you act up we ARE leaving.

[InstImpres]

Also, some small toys go a long way. I am always surprised at how many people bring their young children to restaurants, doctors office, the "other"kids after school activity, etc... with out bring the child anything to do!

Most kids are easily kept busy, if given some tools!


I agree totally. That is why even though DD is passed the age, I still carry dollar store toys (the 3-4 to pack kind) in my backpack when at WDW. I am happy to give up a toy to the child screaming or kicking me in line not to have them unhappy behind me. I look at this way, it isn't the child's fault the parent is clueless.

[Whosemom]

Chesire Figment, I would find that quite condensending, akin to going up to a person you don't know who has a disability and saying "Wow, you are getting along pretty well there, considering your disability and all." I'm not saying that raising kids and dealing with a disability are equivelent, just that I would consider good ettiquite to be similar.

I tried for a couple hours to figure out how to say this that wouldn't sound argumentative, because I really don't mean it that way, just something to think about.

[MNdisneymom]

Sorry, Whosemom, but I personally have to disagree with you. I have an almost 4 year old DS who is a pretty good kid...but it's a process. We were out for dinner on my mom's b-day and we sat for over 2 hours, and he was extraordinarily well-behaved (even for him)--and 3 different people came over as they were leaving to say hello and tell him how good he was being. I made sure he knew why they were talking to him...For little kids (at least mine) learning good manners is just that (learning) and having reinforcement from somebody who isn't a family member is an excellent stimulus.

That said, I have a real..."thing" about kids with bad manners in public, which is why I am working so hard to make sure mine does have them. (And which is why my hair may go completely gray before I'm 40, :rotfl2: :laughing: )

[gigi1313]

Now these are responsible parents. I commend them and the rest of the party for leaving and not caving into the demands of a child. It's also a great lesson for the child. If you act up we ARE leaving.

while i agree that if you make a threat you have to carry thru with it (and we've left many a gathering or restaurant) but in the case of 7 adults out to dinner, i need to ask... who are you punishing? the kid "got his/her way" by not having to sit thru an insufferably long meal... or the adults who had their hearts (and wallets as you have to leave a deposit w/your ressie i do believe) set on V&As and left? first of all, in my opinion, one or both of the parents would leave w/the child allowing the remainder of the party to enjoy a peaceful adult meal... of course, if it is only mom/dad/junior then the entire party would leave (unless mom or dad opts to dine alone!)

secondly... i am still not convinced that the scenario went down exactly as the OP saw it, and the party may not have had a ressie and was turned away by V&As, not chose to leave due to an unruly child...

also, very curious... this thread was started on the Restaurant board, which was seemingly an appropriate place for it... why was it moved to the Adult/Solo Traveler board?

[kennancat]

Chesire Figment, I would find that quite condensending, akin to going up to a person you don't know who has a disability and saying "Wow, you are getting along pretty well there, considering your disability and all." I'm not saying that raising kids and dealing with a disability are equivelent, just that I would consider good ettiquite to be similar.Frankly, you're the first parent I've ever seen who found this at all offensive. Most parents I've seen on these boards brag about people coming up to them and telling them how well behaved their children are, because it's not really a compliment to the kids, it's to the parents - you're thanking them for doing a quality job in raising the next generation. I once complimented a mom who had four small children with her at the Electric Umbrella. Given the way she beamed when I told her how I was really impressed with her children and their good behavior, I don't think she found me condescending. You're certainly entitled to your point of view, but I think you are in the minority.

[InstImpres]

Not to hijack but did everyone catch this extreme...
Jan. 23, 2007 — Every parent has dealt with a child having a tantrum and causing embarrassment at the worst times — in a grocery store, in a restaurant, and at weddings.

For a Massachusetts mom and dad, however, their toddler's tantrum cost them their flight home.


Related: Should Crying Kids Be Kicked Off Planes?



On Jan. 14, 3-year-old Elly Kulesza and her parents, Julie and Gerald, were kicked off an AirTran Airways flight from Florida to their Worcester, Mass., home because Elly would not stop crying.

Elly, who had been a model passenger on the flight to Florida four days earlier, began to cry uncontrollably once she got on the plane, throwing a temper tantrum on the floor.

AirTran employees demanded that the Kuleszas calm down their child. When Elly didn't stop crying, the crew banned the Kuleszas from flying for 24 hours. Later, AirTran offered an apology to the family along with a refund on their tickets.

"As we have an obligation to the 112 other passengers onboard the flight to operate the flight on time," AirTran said in a statement, "we had to make an operational decision to ask the Kulesza party to deplane so the flight could depart."


Passengers Sympathetic, Unlike Crew, Parents Say

On "Good Morning America," the Kuleszas insisted that their toddler wasn't doing anything out of the ordinary.

"I don't know what happened. No one can tell when something like this is going to happen. She had a great morning, but then she got on the plane and she started to cry," Julie Kulesza said.

"She's like the typical 3-year-old. She has her moments, but overall she's a very, very good child."

The Kuleszas said that unlike the AirTran crew, the passengers on the flight were sympathetic to their situation.

"I jokingly turned around and asked the three gentlemen behind me, 'Aren't you glad you got these seats?" Julie said. "Another passenger offered up a lollipop to try and calm her down."

Despite AirTran's apology and offer of a complimentary flight, the Kuleszas don't plan to fly with the airline anytime soon.

"We'll pass on that," Gerald Kulesza said. "After that, I told them I'd never fly with them again."

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/AmericanFamily/story?id=2815486&page=1

[aes74]

Chesire Figment, I would find that quite condensending, akin to going up to a person you don't know who has a disability and saying "Wow, you are getting along pretty well there, considering your disability and all." I'm not saying that raising kids and dealing with a disability are equivelent, just that I would consider good ettiquite to be similar.

I tried for a couple hours to figure out how to say this that wouldn't sound argumentative, because I really don't mean it that way, just something to think about.

I disagree. I work hard to make sure my children are well-behaved and well-mannered. I am grateful if someone takes the time to mention it to them, and also to myself.

I would also add, that if my husband and I went to V & As, paid that sort of bill, took the time to make arrangements to pay for a babysitter for my own children in order to insure a lovely night out, I would not be pleased to have some other parents' unruly children hijack our entire meal. It's just selfish to me. :mad:

I understand my children are young, and I do not expect them to be perfect, but I have also always taught them that they do not have the right to basically be little brats, destroying the day for others around them. If it is a case of a child simply being tired, etc., then it's the parents' responsibility to handle that.

[hmp2z]

secondly... i am still not convinced that the scenario went down exactly as the OP saw it, and the party may not have had a ressie and was turned away by V&As, not chose to leave due to an unruly child...

They were actually inside the restaurant (when I said "entered," I meant entered the dining room, not the lobby). They were walked to a table, and some of them sat down. We were dining inside the restaurant (we were already seated), which is why we first became alarmed b/c we noticed the boy was fussy. Most of the adults left with the boy, while 2 or 3 stayed behind. They waited for about 20 minutes, then left, too.

also, very curious... this thread was started on the Restaurant board, which was seemingly an appropriate place for it... why was it moved to the Adult/Solo Traveler board?

I actually started this thread here on the Adult/Solo board, not the restaurant board. You never know when you post on the general board. Sometimes rabid parents take offense at the oddest things.

Cheers!
Heather W

[Cheshire Figment]

I would like to thank those who supported me in their comments to Whosemom. Since I am a moderator, although in a different forum, I did not feel it would have been proper to try to defend myself publicly.

[Whosemom]

I guess its a matter of not what you say, but how you say it. I'm sure all parents have had the experience of someone complimenting their child or children on their nice manners and good behavior. I know we've had that many times, and it was a boost to the children.

It just seems different to me to direct your comments to the parents. In particular, it was the "thanking them for allowing us to have a peaceful meal" that put me off. I just heard "because when we saw you, we were sure our evening was ruined" hanging off the end of it.

[northriver]

First off, I would never take my children to V & A's! But, I wanted to throw out a couple comments because embarassingly, we eat out more than we eat in. I'm divorced with two kids and eat with my parents most nights, so my kids are outnumbered. They know what to expect and we know what to expect from them - we always eat early so they are not tired and hungry. That is really the key to having well behaved children imo - always making sure they have enough food and sleep. Good manners cannot overcome hunger and fatique.

At Disney, you need to cut families some slack. The kids are away from home, off schedule, and usually both tired and hungry! Everyone has to eat, and most families do not know to plan their trips like DIS'ers, so families face long waits for meals compounding the problem. Most kids are not accustomed to eating out, either. I LOVE the suggestion from a PP to have small toys to give to kids. Attention from a stranger really makes kids more accountable for their behavior - they know other people are watching them, and watching out for them kwim? I also think praising children for their good behavior is a nice gesture. It takes a village.

[Boston5602]

I think Disney Kids clubs should be for potty trained children 3 & up. ;) Then by next trip I could try V & As :thumbsup2

Seriously though- you have to pay for children at 3- why can't a potty trained 3 year old be allowed at the kids clubs? Granted my 2 1/2 year old is not potty trained yet- but by next year... Too bad!

Florida state law. The WDW kids clubs are not licensed to take care of kids who are under age 4.

We did not know it was because of Florida State law , we too thought it was for potty trained issues. The first time I put my niece into a childs program she was potty trained and it was a big 3 year old . SHe will turn 12 a week after coming home this year and is a little sad it will be her last time in the kids program she loved it EVERY time.

[kennancat]

Most kids are not accustomed to eating out, either.I don't know about this statement. I could swear I remember reading/hearing something about more meals being eaten outside the home than in it these days, but that may be of the McDonald's type variety.

[Every_other_year]

I have to agree with whosemom.

I have three kids who I have worked hard to make sure they are well-behaved. We have always taken them out to dinner and are responsible enough to take them outside if someone gets too loud or unruly.

When someone compliments the parents on how their children are behaving it feels condesending to me as well. It is as if they are saying "we noticed you walk in and we thought for sure we were in for an unpleasent experience with you and your children in the same area as we are so thanks for not making this a bad experience". It makes me feel like I was watched and observed and judged while I was out enjoying a meal with my family. Just because I am sitting there with my kids and they are behaving (which is what I expect them to do) does not mean I want people walking up to my table and telling me what a great job I am doing. If my kids were not there you would not come up to my table, just like I would not approach your table and tell you that you were doing a good job. KWIM?

I too cannot stand when I arrange for a sitter and get the chance to go out with my DH and there are someone else's kids misbehaving.

Just because I feel like this (and maybe whosemom) I know that everyone might not feel like this. I just wanted to agree with whosemom and show that she was not totally in left field with her feelings.

[ZephyrHawk]

As a child I was used to eating out at fine restaurants and was very well behaved (thus say my parents). However, when my parents booked reservations at V&A's, it was strongly suggested to them that they not bring me along. They agreed that it was probably not an experience I would enjoy due to the length of the meal and the exotic nature of the food (I was, and am, picky). I stayed in the room, watched cartoons and was perfectly happy. It was the right choice. Children, in general, do not belong in a place like V&A's and would not appreciate it.

That being said, I think it was silly for all the people in the party described to leave. The mother or father should have left to care for the child and allowed those remaining to enjoy their dinner. Sure, it wouldn't be exactly fair to the parent who had to leave, but that's being a parent. Why all the adults had to miss their nice evening out (and the money they'd likely already put into it) because of the tantrum of one toddler is beyond me.

[D&R love Disney]

My husband complimented a family in Shula's during our last trip. We don't normally see many families eat there and they had 4 kids under 10. Very well behaved and they were still there when we left at 9:00 pm. They gave us a big smile and thanks. I wouldn't take my 2 younger stepkids there and they are 10 and 13 (not that they wouldn't behave but they'd hate the long dinner).

I'm really surprised the entire party left V & A's.

[TDC Nala]

First off, I would never take my children to V & A's! But, I wanted to throw out a couple comments because embarassingly, we eat out more than we eat in. I'm divorced with two kids and eat with my parents most nights, so my kids are outnumbered. They know what to expect and we know what to expect from them - we always eat early so they are not tired and hungry. That is really the key to having well behaved children imo - always making sure they have enough food and sleep. Good manners cannot overcome hunger and fatique.

At Disney, you need to cut families some slack. The kids are away from home, off schedule, and usually both tired and hungry! Everyone has to eat, and most families do not know to plan their trips like DIS'ers, so families face long waits for meals compounding the problem. Most kids are not accustomed to eating out, either. I LOVE the suggestion from a PP to have small toys to give to kids. Attention from a stranger really makes kids more accountable for their behavior - they know other people are watching them, and watching out for them kwim? I also think praising children for their good behavior is a nice gesture. It takes a village.

Cut them some slack at Disney, sure, but this thread is about Victoria & Alberts. I still believe little children don't belong in Victoria & Alberts. They don't have food suitable for them, or an atmosphere that is comfortable for children. If I paid a lot to go sit in the main dining room and eat, I don't think I'd have a problem with the presence of a kid unless the kid started to act up, but it's beyond me why, with so much else to choose from at WDW, the parents would bring a small child there in the first place.

[QueueCT]

I think this is all about expectations. When I go to Bennigan's or Chili's or whatever I expect to have young children seated near me. And a good portion of them will be struggling to behave themselves . . . and losing! And I'm perfectly okay with this. Children need to experience dining out and that's a good environment for them to learn.

On the other hand, when I go to V&A, I expect a completely different experience. Some children can handle sitting quietly for 2-3 hours (although younger than 10 might be difficult) and other's can't. Some children's palates are more developed and adventurous than others. Of course, the parents should already know whether their kids can handle it or not. Plus, sometimes the kids are having an off night and what would normally be tolerable for them isn't. Bottom line is that it's not a black and white decision regarding what age is appropriate for V&A.

On a side note, I'd say that my worst meal experience at Disney was at Cali Grill. The food was fine, but it was overrun with children coloring on the placemats, excited about Wishes, etc. I had expected something a little more sedate . . . if I had known what it would be like we probably still would have gone but had a better attitude about the whole thing.

[waltskids]

I was surprised when I came across this thread. We will be dining at V & A's for the first time in May and will be eating in the dining room. I had just assumed that children didn't go to this restaurant. Our reservations aren't until 9:30pm so I wouldn't expect children to be there at that time of evening, but you never know. Has anyone had any experiences with children eating in the main dining room (good or bad)? I really want to have an enjoyable evening.:)

[julm26]

I don't mean to be out of line here, but even the best behaved child has a bad day. I wouldn't think of taking my child to V&A's. Before I had my child I was always depressed to see a child near me misbehaving when I was trying to eat. BUT now that I have a 2yo who is usually very well behaved but sometimes a monster when tired, sick etc. I sympathize with the parent who sometimes is at their wits end. It doesn't forgive bad behavior on the parents part but what are we supposed to do - not eat a grown-up meal to our kids are 18. Just a thought....:)

[dolcezena]

Congrats to parents out there who teach their kids the importance of "public" etiquette! Our neighbours (when I was growing up) had 2 daughters very close to mine & my sister's ages, so we all often went out to dinner. My parents had a simple rule - poor behaviour = consequences. Their parents apparently didn't - I remember the older girl throwing such a temper tantrum in a Chinese food restaurant that she threw up she was crying so hard! Her parents' response - ignore her, she'll stop. I was only 10 & even I was ticked off at her AND them!

[shazy03]

Whilst Crackerbarrel is quite a busy resturant, we do find it nice ,as hardly any children there, and of course the shop attached is always nice to look around:banana:

[QueueCT]

I was surprised when I came across this thread. We will be dining at V & A's for the first time in May and will be eating in the dining room. I had just assumed that children didn't go to this restaurant. Our reservations aren't until 9:30pm so I wouldn't expect children to be there at that time of evening, but you never know. Has anyone had any experiences with children eating in the main dining room (good or bad)? I really want to have an enjoyable evening.:)

It's rare to see a child in the dining room at V&A. Last time we were there a family of 5 was eating with the children ranging from 10-15 years old. They were no different than any of the adults there that evening. In the few times we've been there, that was the only table we've seen with kids.

I think the bulk of this thread is around younger children (2-8 years old) who would probably be unable to handle a meal like tat.

[Hollymom1229]

That's a great story of responsible parenting, but I must say I would never have taken a child under the age of 10 to V&A's in the first place. Older than that would depend on their track record. I was raised in an environment where restaurant dining etiquette was stressed from an early age and I began to eat in more upscale restaurants at about age 8 when my parents felt I was ready from past behavior. On our trip to WDW in '89 we ate at Bistro de Paris. I was 11 y.o. and I'll never forget the wonderful conversation I had with the waiter about the foods, and his compliments to my parents on both my behavior and my food knowledge.

[northriver]

Since this thread is still active (!) I have a question.

What is the cancellation fee for V & A? I know it is $20/person at Cali Grill.

What I'm getting at is did this large party really just walk out because of a poorly behaved child? Or could it be, as a previous poster mention, they the couldn't get seated?

We have ressies at CG and hope to stay for the fireworks. If my child can't make it that long, I'll hop on the Monorail and take her "home" to the Poly with me. The rest of our group will stay and enjoy desert and fireworks - I would not expect or even allow them to miss evening entertainment because of my fussy child.

Is in fact good parenting to let a child dictate evening plans for a group of adults? It is one thing for one parent to leave with the child - quite another for an entire group to leave because a child is misbehaving. In my opinion, this giving the child too much power by letting their behavior control a large group of adults.

[hmp2z]

What I'm getting at is did this large party really just walk out because of a poorly behaved child? Or could it be, as a previous poster mention, they the couldn't get seated?


As I explained in a later post (I guess this wasn't clear from my first post), the group was already seated at a table. We were only able to see them because they were seated; if they'd been out in the foyer area, we wouldn't have been able to see them at all.

I do think it was a bit over the top for everyone to have to leave as a result of this one child, but I was glad that he was removed!

Cheers!
Heather W

[DawnM]

But you aren't saying "Your child is well behaved." You are saying, "Your child is acting up and thank you for taking your uncontrollable kid out of here so we can enjoy our dinner." Those are 2 completely different scenarios.

I would be offended too.

Dawn

Frankly, you're the first parent I've ever seen who found this at all offensive. Most parents I've seen on these boards brag about people coming up to them and telling them how well behaved their children are, because it's not really a compliment to the kids, it's to the parents - you're thanking them for doing a quality job in raising the next generation. I once complimented a mom who had four small children with her at the Electric Umbrella. Given the way she beamed when I told her how I was really impressed with her children and their good behavior, I don't think she found me condescending. You're certainly entitled to your point of view, but I think you are in the minority.

[Mari annie]

Hello
Our ds is 18 (today) and dd is 13 and frankly I side with all of you!:goodvibes
We took them everywhere with us and they always behaved, you never take a fussy/angry child out and certainly not in a situation where it's really for adults, for this reason, I had to post!:flower3:

Now that our ds & dd are older we go out alot as a couple and I don't want any of that behavior going on when I want to quietly sit and "talk" to my dh, considering all the long hours he works..........we don't get to talk that much during the week......my new found freedom of being childless* of being able to go out to eat with my dh, as soon as we go into anyplace......be it fine dining or a snack shack on the water............I see any family with small whiney (brats) or loud parents, I tell the host=-hostess please sit us in some quiet corner, after all we took our kids everywhere (still do) but when we go out as a "couple" we want to enjoy this precious time.

There is NOTHING worse to me that it is so annoying than someone gorging themselves on food while their kid stands up on the chair, or is walking around or yelling "I am done", kids are tired, I mean, act like a responsible adult........you see the kid(s) are tired, pack up and go home, after all one's own dinner is ruined anyway by the carrying on, the whining, :crazy2: etc.:scared: :sad1:

Yes, even when our kids come with us, we still ask for a quiet area so we can talk amoung ourselves. May sound arrogant, but family time or couple time is precious and I hate it being spoiled by rude strangers!!LOL:rolleyes2 :upsidedow One of my biggest pet peeves...............lol:crazy2:
pixiedust:
Happy Dining, ya'll!!!

4/10 cannot come quick enough.......:hourglass ..FL SUNSHINE!!! YES!:drive:

[gigi1313]

Since this thread is still active (!) I have a question.

What is the cancellation fee for V & A? I know it is $20/person at Cali Grill.

What I'm getting at is did this large party really just walk out because of a poorly behaved child? Or could it be, as a previous poster mention, they the couldn't get seated?

We have ressies at CG and hope to stay for the fireworks. If my child can't make it that long, I'll hop on the Monorail and take her "home" to the Poly with me. The rest of our group will stay and enjoy desert and fireworks - I would not expect or even allow them to miss evening entertainment because of my fussy child.

Is in fact good parenting to let a child dictate evening plans for a group of adults? It is one thing for one parent to leave with the child - quite another for an entire group to leave because a child is misbehaving. In my opinion, this giving the child too much power by letting their behavior control a large group of adults.

FINALLY!! someone that agrees w/me!! :wave2:

[kennancat]

What is the cancellation fee for V & A? I know it is $20/person at Cali Grill.I believe you are charged the full price of your meal. Obviously, they don't guess at whether or not you would have ordered the wine pairings or any of the additional cost items ;)

[kennancat]

But you aren't saying "Your child is well behaved." You are saying, "Your child is acting up and thank you for taking your uncontrollable kid out of here so we can enjoy our dinner." Those are 2 completely different scenarios.

I would be offended too.

Dawn
Where did I say "Your child is acting up and thank you for taking your uncontrollable kid out of here so we can enjoy our dinner." ??? :confused3 I believe my exact words to that woman were, "wow, your kids are so well behaved". I'm at a bit of a loss to understand how you interpreted my post that way.

[DawnM]

I am sorry. I didn't read that well before I posted.

Actually, I think I raise my children to be well behaved, but honestly, they have their moments! They do well at restaraunts usually, but occasionally they get tired, etc....

Dawn

Where did I say "Your child is acting up and thank you for taking your uncontrollable kid out of here so we can enjoy our dinner." ??? :confused3 I believe my exact words to that woman were, "wow, your kids are so well behaved". I'm at a bit of a loss to understand how you interpreted my post that way.

[kennancat]

I am sorry. I didn't read that well before I posted.Thank you - I do appreciate that you came back to clear that up.

[sdbirdsong]

How times have changed. When I was a child, if we were LUCKY enough to be taken out to a restaurant, we were to be seen and not heard. We did not get out of our chairs without permission, we did not run around, and we did not raise our voices. Any misbehavior, and we got sent out to the car and it didn't matter if we had eaten yet. Having seen how parents let their children act and the parents are either ignoring the misbehavior or escalating it, I long for the Good Ole Days.

[dolcezena]

How times have changed.

I don't think times have changed, people's ideas of what appropriate/expected behaviour they have for their children. My parents raised me with expectations of proper ways to behave - and as is evidenced by the beginning of this thread, others do too! The truly sad thing is that they're now the exception, not the norm.

[Hixski]

Hello
Our ds is 18 (today) and dd is 13 and frankly I side with all of you!:goodvibes
We took them everywhere with us and they always behaved, you never take a fussy/angry child out and certainly not in a situation where it's really for adults, for this reason, I had to post!:flower3:

Now that our ds & dd are older we go out alot as a couple and I don't want any of that behavior going on when I want to quietly sit and "talk" to my dh, considering all the long hours he works..........we don't get to talk that much during the week......my new found freedom of being childless* of being able to go out to eat with my dh, as soon as we go into anyplace......be it fine dining or a snack shack on the water............I see any family with small whiney (brats) or loud parents, I tell the host=-hostess please sit us in some quiet corner, after all we took our kids everywhere (still do) but when we go out as a "couple" we want to enjoy this precious time.

There is NOTHING worse to me that it is so annoying than someone gorging themselves on food while their kid stands up on the chair, or is walking around or yelling "I am done", kids are tired, I mean, act like a responsible adult........you see the kid(s) are tired, pack up and go home, after all one's own dinner is ruined anyway by the carrying on, the whining, :crazy2: etc.:scared: :sad1:

Yes, even when our kids come with us, we still ask for a quiet area so we can talk amoung ourselves. May sound arrogant, but family time or couple time is precious and I hate it being spoiled by rude strangers!!LOL:rolleyes2 :upsidedow One of my biggest pet peeves...............lol:crazy2:
pixiedust:
Happy Dining, ya'll!!!

4/10 cannot come quick enough.......:hourglass ..FL SUNSHINE!!! YES!:drive:


Everyone deserves to have some peace and quiet while dining. We know some people whose boys are the rowdy type at a restaurant. They don't mind inflicting them on everyone else...but if they have date night they want peace and quiet. That makes me crazy. We have been told more than once that we don't get an opinion since we don't have children. It doesn't matter that we are in our mid forties and tired of children behaving badly. It almost seems like people are telling you since you haven't paid your dues you don't get the same rights. I would be curious what other childfree folks think. (And parents too).

[sdbirdsong]

popcorn:: Everyone deserves to have some peace and quiet while dining. We know some people whose boys are the rowdy type at a restaurant. They don't mind inflicting them on everyone else...but if they have date night they want peace and quiet. That makes me crazy. We have been told more than once that we don't get an opinion since we don't have children. It doesn't matter that we are in our mid forties and tired of children behaving badly. It almost seems like people are telling you since you haven't paid your dues you don't get the same rights. I would be curious what other childfree folks think. (And parents too).

Well I'm child-free and I definetly want to be free of rowdy behavior when I'm at a sit-down restaurant. Nothing infuriates me more than parents who let their children act like they're at Chucky Cheese ( my version of hell on earth) when at a restaurant. I see too many parents who just ignore that Little Timmy is behaving like a heathen and disturbing everyone around them. Some parents seem to think they have the right to inflict their misbehaving children on everyone around them. Whatever happen to teaching manners and respect for others. I definely not seeing it from many children these days.
popcorn::