Taking a 12 y.o. to Hooters to celebrate his B-day?

[Blondie]

What do you think about that?

My son's friend is celebrating his 12th B-day today, and his mother has offered to take his friends (my two sons included) to Hooter's for lunch.

I know it's not a strip club or anything along those lines.....but is it appropriate for a 12 year old to celebrate his b-day lunch there?

I don't now what to make of it! :confused:

[Mark P.]

Hmmm...Don't think I'd want my younger kids going there.

[EROS]

BLONDIE, if you let your two sons go to the beach/pool, then Hooters should be nooooooooooooo problem;) ;) ;) .

[binny]

uhhhh no not in my house :)

I dont think its appropriate.

Youre surprised arent you? ;)

[kejoda]

Whats next Playboy when he turns 13?

[browneyes]

I've never eaten at Hooters. My SO has. He said he wasn't impressed at all. He said his chest was bigger than most of the waitresses, and he said it had a sportsy type atmosphere (I'm the sports lover in the relationship). I think the kids see more at the beach than they would in the restaurant, going by what Allen told me.

[Rock'n Robin]

Maybe for his sweet 16 she'll get him a prostitute! Jeez! This is insane. Don't hormonally raging boys have enough to deal with in the media without eating lunch where the waitresses are falling out of their tops!!
Sorry if I sound harsh--but I'm really into the 'let kids be kids' thing and this sounds like the "he'll grow up someday so why not throw it in his face now" way of thinking.
Robin M.

[aahmom1]

Why does she want to take them there? Seems a little old for 12 year olds.

[Serena]

No it's not a strip club, but why would you take your 12 yo son and his friends to Hooters?
I might even understand if it were his father that was taking them, but his mom?

I think it would be better not to. I mean 12 years old is a little young to be taken to a place to stare at women, isn't it.

[Hnymoon@Dixie]

I wouldn't let my son go! (Even though I don't have a son! HA! HA!

[Dan Murphy]

I suppose it would be if you don't have a problem with the concept of the continual societal stereotyping and demeaning of women. The restaurant is a theme restaurant, as so many are today, and its theme is demeaning to women in general. JMO. I personally, would not, but I suppose you knew you would get that answer from me.

[JasonLyons]

12 year old boys like hooters, its alright

[Toby'sFriend]

I think it really depends on the atmosphere of your local Hooters.

I've been in a few that were nothing more than a typical Sports Bar. I know of a few that have reputations of being glorified semi-strip clubs.

Regardless, I think lunch is definately more appropriate than Friday evening and should be tamer.

[RhondaS]

Interesting dilemma.

There are a couple of boys, ages 10 & 11, who drag race at the same tracks we do, and they are actually sponsored by Hooters Restaurants. Many of us parents feel that it is just a tad bit inappropriate for their ages, just as a beer or tobacco sponsorship would be.

But, you know, the boys can see the same things if they go to the local pool, lake, beach, water park, so what's the real difference? We, as parents, can only try out best to instill good moral qualities in our children, male and female.

I'd probably let them go, but tell them that they darn well better be nice young gentlemen.

[browneyes]

I think it would be better not to. I mean 12 years old is a little young to be taken to a place to stare at women, isn't it.
And yet we send 12 yo's to school and the mall.;)

[CBRorBust]

I still don't get why the mom is wanting to take her son to Hooters.

Is this is favorite Resturant? Or does she just think she's doing him a favor?

[JerseyJanice]

Is your son even interested in going?

Depending on how advanced he is, it might not be his idea of a good time.

[Disney Doll]

Obviously, they can see the same stuff at the beach, the mall, and in school. But I think the difference is the focus is on the women and their attributes. Hello!!!! The name of the place is Hooters!!!

My 12 year old(if I had one;) ) wouldn't be going.

[dizneenut]

I wouldn't let my boys go!

[TimeforMe]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Disney Doll
[B][COLOR=deeppink]Obviously, they can see the same stuff at the beach, the mall, and in school. But I think the difference is the focus is on the women and their attributes. Hello!!!! The name of the place is Hooters!!!
QUOTE]


My sentiments exactly. First of all, most schools have some sort of dress code and a beach is................well a beach where swimsuits are appropriate attire, whether one chooses to focus on certain aspects or not. A place entitled Hooters' main purpose is to bring attention and as Dan said, view women in a demeaning manner. I have a 12 year old and no, he wouldn't be going. JMO, of course. Good luck with your decision!

[EROS]

BEWARE..............this woman is DANGEROUS to the 12 year old boys of America:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

http://www.originalhooters.com/Saga/images/product3.jpeg

[TimeforMe]

Eros, spoken like a true man.:rolleyes:

[Poohbear123]

:o I have been to Hooters, and all I have seen is 18-22 year old young GOOD looking girls, waitressing for Xtra money for College, etc. A few I know of, are young Mothers. Believe me, if they thought Hooters was demeaning, they would NOT work there!:rolleyes: (Yes, and my Hooters are sometimes BIGGER than thiers, I know my BUTT IS!):eek: ;)

[Blondie]

Originally posted by CBRorBust
I still don't get why the mom is wanting to take her son to Hooters.

His parents are in the process of a divorce and the father is rarely, if ever, around to celebrate anything with him. I guess she is trying to play the father role here, that is just my observation.

Is your son even interested in going?

That would be a big YES! Both are interested in going.

I've made a few calls to some friends who I know have either been there, or would know someone who has been there.

Our local Hooters is a sports bar with waitresses in tank tops and shorts. I've been told that they aren't "pouring out" of their shirts and it's pretty low key.

[Deb in IA]

:rolleyes:

EROS, dear, will Mrs. EROS allow you to take Cameron there for his 12 th birthday?

[EROS]

Originally posted by TimeforMe
A place entitled Hooters' main purpose is to bring attention and as Dan said, view women in a demeaning manner.

Of course, DAN certainly does not have to be a patron at Hooters:cool: . However, I do NOT feel that the women who work there feel "demeaned" or "diminished". Let's remember.........Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation to "free" the slaves.

I suppose that some here would feel that the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models are "belittled" by their scanty garb:rolleyes: :rolleyes: ........EROS thinks......NOT!!!!!

http://i.cnn.net/si/features/2002/swimsuit/images/gallery/yamila/lg/1.jpg

[POLLY ANN]

The heck with the women falling out of their shirts, is the FOOD any good?!!!! ;) LOL

[Fantasia Girl]

I don't see anything wrong with an adult going to Hooters, however I do believe it is sending the wrong message to young people. It is objectifying women and demeaning, I realize the women that work there are adults and made the choice to work there, but young people cannot reason that way, boys see the women running around in skimpy outfits acting like bimbos and, I think, get the message that it is ok to ogle women because that is what they are there for. Young girls get the message that women should be dressed skimpy and act like a bimbo to get attention from males.

I don't see a problem with an adult going because they should be mature enough to realize it's just a good time, and in the "real world" you cannot stare at women's breasts and get away with it without a slap in the face or a few choice words. But as far as a child going.....I think Chuck E Cheese is more appropriate. They are going to grow up so fast in the next few years, why rush it?

JMHO ;) :)

[Ranatra]

What's the point I wonder?
I personally wouldn't do it or let my 12 yr old go with a friend.
There going to do this stuff on their own soon enough,(like as soon as they get that drivers license!) why rush it?

[TimeforMe]

OK--let me ask you this then EROS, what is the "draw" and the reason why most people frequent Hooters? Is it because the cuisine is so good, or because it's a great place to bring the family, or is it perhaps to look at some young, attractive girl's HOOTERS????????? Whether she actually FEELS demeaned or not, the intent is the same. And, as a matter of fact, I do think SI swimsuit issue is for exactly the same reason. That's why it's in SI and not Good Housekeeping.

[CamColt]

I dont about the kids, but from my one experience there, I wont be going back. I ended up there one afternoon before a Bruins game. A big fight broke out and ended up on our table! 1 woman was in there with a baby and a waitress helped her leave the restaurant so they wouldnt get hurt. It was quite a scene. The worst part is the fight was over the Bruins/Rangers... a year that both teams stunk! :rolleyes:

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Poohbear123
....all I have seen is 18-22 year old young GOOD looking girls, waitressing for Xtra money for College, etc. A few I know of, are young Mothers. Believe me, if they thought Hooters was demeaning, they would NOT work there....
I have not personally seen, but do know there are 18-22 year old, young good looking girls, some who are in college, and/or are young mothers, who are hookers who are just doing it to earn extra money. I would think that they may think that work is demeaning, but they do it for the money, demeaning work or not. I am not saying or insinuating that Hooter waitresses are hookers, but I am saying that it is presumptious to think one may not work there if they thought it demeaning. I am confident that there are many people, men and women, who do jobs they know or think are demeaning, because it pays them money. The theme of that chain is using women, selling women, and demeaning them in the process, all in the name of money. Again, JMO.

[Fantasia Girl]

I would think that they may think that work is demeaning, but they do it for the money, demeaning work or not.

I agree Dan, I had a job for a while that I knew was VERY demeaning to women....but at the time it was all I could do to make ends meet. I think most of the women that work there know it's not the most respectable job, but are probaly doing it because they have to. I like to think no woman would take a job to be ogled and hounded by men because they thought it was fun.

[EROS]

Originally posted by Dan Murphy

The theme of that chain is using women, selling women, and demeaning them in the process, all in the name of money.

I feel that THIS comment is DEMEANING to all women who are cocktail waitresses, models, dancers, and the like:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: . It's sooooooooooo easy to get paternalistic and righteous about the vocational choices that people make. Hey, no one says that any of us have to go to their bars,see their shows,etc.

[helenabear]

I have been to a Hooters a few times and I do not think it is an appropriate place for 12 year olds to go for a birthday party. It does objectify women by flaunting certain aspects of their bodies. Having been to three different locations in the mid-west I can say that nothing was ever "hanging out" however the short shorts worn and the shirts pulled back so that they remain as tight as possible showed to me that the focus of this place was not on the food served but on the servers themselves. To try and take a bunch of pre-teen boys to a place like that is just wrong IMO. So if I had a 12 year old boy, I sure as heck wouldn't let him go there.

[JohnTBap]

One time when my brother was "coming of age" we were at a cafeteria with my grandparents. Now, I'm not quite sure which of the ladies there was the inspiration, but when we were leaving my brother asked to carry my grandmother's purse so as to avoid embarrassment. My grandfather just couldn't understand why a boy would want to carry a purse. :confused:

SO.....what I mean to say is - I hope that the birthday boy gets to carry the purse.

[Deb in IA]

LOL, JTB.

One of my collegues is a male nurse, now married, and definitely heterosexual. He vividly recalls seeing a detailed video in nursing school about BREAST SELF EXAMINATION, a very important subject, of course.

Well, let's just say that he suddenly needed to put his notebooks and folders in his lap . . .

[kidzmom3]

I concur with some other views here. It's not really so much what the girls are wearing or how they look. It is the entire concept of the resteraunt. Look at our beautiful women. I would not want my son (9) to go to a resteraunt, where the entertainment is to look at the women. Yes, he could look at many scantily clad women in various other venues, but I would not want to take him to a place that specifically advertises come and ogle. (well maybe they don't say come and ogle, but they want you to)

[Mermaid02]

What a stupid idea.

[gemmie214]

Hmmm, I wonder if the main focus of the restaurant is NOT HOOTERS then why are there NOT older experienced waitresses or for that fact waiters working for the chain. In experience I mean having years of experience in that field. Would a 55 year old woman be welcomed as a waitress at Hooters? I think not. She must be missing something that makes her employment desirable to the company and it is NOT years of training or job expertise. If it is not about job skills and it is not about the terrific food then lets all call it what it is. It is about the Hooters.
I would not wish to see a table of 12 year olds there. I just do not think it is neccessary, try the lazer tag place.

[EROS]

SAVE YOUR CHILDREN FROM THIS EVIL VIXEN;) ;) ;)

http://www.hootersofamerica.com/images/funstuff_pgtitle.jpg

[Serena]

There is no way you can tell me it's appropriate for 12 year old boys to go to Hooters for a birthday party.

I'm not even getting into the debate on whether or not it's demeaning for women. It is just something that should wait. Parents shouldn't be in such a hurry for their children to grow up.

Chuckie Cheese?, no, I don't think that's an alternative either.

JTB, definitely has a point.

And Eros, I have no problem with adults making the decision to dance, or to eat there, or strip or whatever. Each person decides what is best for them.
I'm not happy I missed the Chippendales last week.:mad:

But not our children.

[Fantasia Girl]

SAVE YOUR CHILDREN FROM THIS EVIL VIXEN

Please, I do not think anyone here thinks the waitresses at Hooters are evil....:rolleyes: I am all for the place for adults! I would just choose to raise my child as a gentlemen...and when he is old enough to make his OWN decisions....he can go to the restaurant...or anywhere else he pleases.....until then it's Game Works or Chuck E Cheese for birthday parties!;)

Eros...if you only knew MY past, I could make YOU blush!;) Believe me, I have NO problem with this place (FOR ADULTS):)

[Mermaid02]

I'm saving my kids from something alright.... :rolleyes:

[Lucky4me]

The food is lousy. Along the lines of TGIF's but not as good. Chicken wings seem to be their specialty but even those were just so so the one time we ate there. Personally I could think of better places for a 12yo's birthday. The beach being one of them, although they'd definitely see more skin there than they would at Hooters! lol

As far as demeaning women, I would have to say that the place itself is not at fault. It's a business. Hooters makes money, the waitresses make money, the patrons see young girls in sexy short shorts and tank tops. Everyone is happy.

Blondie I don't think it'll scar your son for life if you allow him to go, but it is a little strange....

[Blondie]

I'm on my way to work.........I'll let you all know what I decided tomorrow AM!

In the mean time everyone play nice!;)

[Serena]

Play nice?! But he did it first! ;)

I don't think it would scar him for life either, it's just something I would do as the mom of the birthday boy.

edited*** I mean wouldn't do. :rolleyes:

[Kermit]

I don't think that Hooters is a horrible place for adults. I'd be a little disappointed if it were my DH's favorite hang out, but I know that it's easy to see a lot more other places, even at the mall sometimes.

The problem is that 12 year old boys need to learn to respect the female body before they become more hormonally-charged. (Actually, 12 year olds now may be a little more hormonal than they were when I was that age. Since girls are obviously developing younger, boys may be too.) I want my sons to grow up thinking that women's bodies are functional and something to respect. I'd much rather a 12 year old see a woman breastfeeding discreetly than a woman in a sports bra. Boys will all figure out in due time the sexual nature of both men's and women's bodies. There's no need to force that realization on them.

I also don't like the word "hooters." They're breasts. They're wonderful objects capable of sustaining human life. They're not a means by which to judge women.

And another thing. Wearing shiny hose with shorts is stupid. :D

[wovenwonder]

Going as a party with other 12 year old boys is not appropriate in my book. I would not let my child go. This may seem double standard --- but I would consider having my son go with my husband and I as a family. He would see us showing respect to our servers (they do have guy servers too). Where as the atmosphere that would likely be created by a bunch of raging hormones would not be one that is showing respect --- in my opinion.

[robinb]

Originally posted by Blondie
What do you think about that?

My son's friend is celebrating his 12th B-day today, and his mother has offered to take his friends (my two sons included) to Hooter's for lunch.

I know it's not a strip club or anything along those lines.....but is it appropriate for a 12 year old to celebrate his b-day lunch there?

I don't now what to make of it! :confused:

My opinion is that Hooters is no place for a 12 year old boy. The Birthday Boy's mom should have her head examined for planning a party there for her son and his friends. Hey kids! Let's go have lunch and ogle some scantily clad women!

[Deb in IA]

OK, I gotta put my 0.02 in now . . .

Yes, you can see more skin at the beach. But, let's face it; the biggest gimmick to Hooters is the babes. It's a pseudo-sports bar and restaurant that features curvy young women in tight low-cut tops and short shorts. That's what they are famous for (and it is certainly NOT the food!) And the target audience is 20 to 40 year old guys.

Sex sells, folks. And Hooters is using sex to sell their burgers.

Now, it is certainly not illegal to have a birthday party at Hooters for a 12 year old, but one wonders how APPROPRIATE it is. Maybe for an 18 year old, but 12?

Which brings me to my main point: the big push for our children to emulate "adult" behaviors. As a pediatrician, and as a mom, I confess that I am saddened by the 4 year olds in beauty pageants, the 7 year old Britney wanna-be's with their bare midriffs and jeans down to their netherlands, and the 12 year olds hanging out at Hooters.

Why the big rush? Why can't kids be kids? Their loss of innocence, wonder, and just being a kid is gone forever. They grow up fast enough as it is; I just don't see the point of hastening it.



By the way, our 11 1/2 year old DD doesn't like MTV; she'd rather watch Cartoon Network or Disney, anxiously awaits her subscription to Disney Adventures, not Teen Magazine, and reads Archie comics at the grocery store checkout, not National Enquirer.
I'm sure she'll grow up soon enough; right now I'm happy she's not.

[EROS]

NICE........WINGS!!!

http://www.hooters.com/images/fancard_girl.jpg

[RitaZ.]

And another thing. Wearing shiny hose with shorts is stupid.

LOL. Kermit, I agree. They are just trying to hide their cellulite.;) ;)

Personally, I wouldn't take my son and his friends to Hooters. I agree with Deb about our children growing up too fast these days. Let them be children, they will be adults soon enough. What's the rush?:confused:

[Saffron]

I don't know that as a waitress I'd feel that comfortable wearing a Hooters uniform waiting on a party of a bunch of 12 year old adolescent boys ????? That would feel kinda creepy to me.

Haha! Edited because my comment read as if the boys would be wearing Hooters uniforms. :rolleyes: :cool: :teeth:

[EROS]

Hey, I used to be a waiter for 12 year old birthday parties for GIRLS..............they loved me;) ;) ;) . I didn't feel the least bit self-conscious.........even in a tight t-shirt and tight jeans:p :p :p :p.........

[POLLY ANN]

EROS, you're a sick puppy. :rolleyes:

[EROS]

EROS as a pup..................BEFORE he went to Hooters;)

http://www.puppyshop.com/caninebreeds/ad_images/lab_regev.jpg

[Poohbear123]

Oh, and I have SEEN 12 and Under at Hooters, with thier Dad's and Mom's in tow. As far as a BIRTHDAY party......NO! Not for a 12 year old. Besides, WHAT else is there to do at Hooters but drink beer, eat chicken wings, and watch(Gasp!) Sports on TV??! By the way, the HOOTERS name is a synonym for OWLS!! They do go HOO HOO you know!!:rolleyes:

[Mermaid02]

Blondie is there time for you and your dh to go for lunch or dinner and check the place out? That way you would know exactly what you would be sending your child/children to. If not..... I would take Deb's opinion heavily into account as children are really her area of expertise and she is a professional.

[EROS]

ARMED (with wings;) ) and DANGEROUS .......

http://www.hootersoftheemeraldcoast.com/a_hootgirl1.gif

[Dan Murphy]

Originally posted by Deb in IA
....Sex sells, folks. And Hooters is using sex to sell their burgers.

.....but one wonders how APPROPRIATE it is. Maybe for an 18 year old, but 12?

Which brings me to my main point: the big push for our children to emulate "adult" behaviors. As a pediatrician, and as a mom, I confess that I am saddened by the 4 year olds in beauty pageants, the 7 year old Britney wanna-be's with their bare midriffs and jeans down to their netherlands, and the 12 year olds hanging out at Hooters.

...Why the big rush? Why can't kids be kids? Their loss of innocence, wonder, and just being a kid is gone forever. They grow up fast enough as it is; I just don't see the point of hastening it....

...I'm sure she'll grow up soon enough; right now I'm happy she's not.

Very well said, Doc.http://www.disboards.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

[fireplug]

Just a thought...........

Many of you out there are concerned that by taking them as a group to a resturant called Hooters, their sons might get the wrong message about women, Some have said that it is demeaning and other statements to the same general effect. Some of you have said that they would not let their son go (some that apparently don't even have sons!).

Here is another view .

How many allow their daughters of the same age or younger to play with Barbie dolls. Studies have shown she has impossible to obtain body measurements. Yet they sell lots of them. Doesn't that give the wrong message that to be glamorous you have to be top heavy and have an extremely small waist? What about letting them wear clothes like "Brittney" or "Shakira" is that the "wrong" message.

I agree we should let our kids be kids. I doubt one party at Hooters is going to send many 12 y/o boys into a hormonal rampage. The waitresses are not going to go to entice them into manhood.
Could this mom find a different place to have a birthday party for her son? Perhaps, but if that is where he wants to have it and wants to have his friends with him why let him down.


Steve

[EROS]

EROS STANDS UP AND APPLAUDS FIREPLUG;) ;)

However, I will say that MALIBU BARBIE sent me on the downward slope that I'm on today:p :p :p :p :p .........

http://fp.collectiblestoday.com/images/product/450/1613868001.jpg

[NHAnn]

Some points well made Steve. And Deb in IA too.

As the mother of the b-day child I doubt I'd have chosen it, but I'd probably let my son go (if I had one ;) )...and use it as an opportunity to have a conversation with him about marketing messages and social issues, in terms he can understand.
In and of itself, the party is not going to be a huge influence on the development of his attitudes about women. Neither is playing with Barbie going to be the sole contributing factor in a girls self-image. Parental values can temper social messages. Raising teens is tough..heck raising children of any age is tough... parents have to do what they feel is right, and COMMUNICATE with adolescents. Just my 2 cents ;)

[Saffron]

Steve said:
How many allow their daughters of the same age or younger to play with Barbie dolls. Studies have shown she has impossible to obtain body measurements. Yet they sell lots of them. Doesn't that give the wrong message that to be glamorous you have to be top heavy and have an extremely small waist?

Absolutley! And it's been a complaint made by women for many years. Same with the media focus on being "model thin".

The best comparison to a brithday party for 12 year old males at Hooters would be to have a restaurant where muscle bound hunky waiters all walked around in tank tops and speedos. The restaurant could be named Hot Dogs or something. ROTFLOL!! :teeth: My DSDs would not have been allowed to celebrate a 12th birthday party there. Why let them down? As adults we can decide whether or not we wish to visit such establishments (which I am not against at all), as parents or step-parents, we have to make the choices for our children. We have to decide what we feel is appropriate for our own children. I pesonally think 12 is too young for males or females. :)

[ahutton]

My problem with this place is not whether it "objectifies" women or not specifically. Rather, I think it is not appropriate for pre-teen or early teens because it is a SPORTS BAR, and I don't believe that is a family environment. I've been to our local Hooters for lunch, and most of the folks there are business people, but I still don't think a bar is a place for a family.

[damo]

I think that if the child is twelve years old and requests to go to Hooters for his birthday then the stereotypical attitude already exists and is not about to be created. I don't think that what he does now is going to make much difference. His ideas are already quite well formed.

[Saffron]

Hmmmmmmm, interesting thought damo. :)

[Buckalew]

I agree with Dan's perception of Hooters. One just opened very close to our town and not a dime of my hard earned $ will be spent there. My choice. As the mother of a daughter, that sort of message is NOT what I'll be sending her.
BTW, she plays a bit with barbie and I did too. Can't say I ever thought about Barbie's hooters very much. :rolleyes: I think it is adult that have more of a problem with barbie than little children.
I grew up at the beach and saw it all -- the ocean was very rough in NJ.

I think it is an inappropriate place for a 12yo birthday party and my child would not be attending.
My niece was invited to a 13yo girls party at Hooter's a few months ago. It was a boy/girl party! I thought my sister made a good decision to keep her DD home from that one.

[Jeff in BigD]

Originally posted by TimeforMe
Eros, spoken like a true man.:rolleyes:
Joy. I thought the bashing the guys phase on the DIS was over, but I guess I thought wrong. :(

[Jeff in BigD]

I'm not saying I agree with taking the boys to Hooters, but I wonder how many of the outraged DISers have no qualms about watching daytime talk shows or soaps in front of their kids, or how many of their DDs have posters of actors & boy bands, dressed in a slightly risque manner?

[gina2000]

I'm not outraged but I do think there are more appropriate venues for a 12 year old boy.

Oh, and EROS, dear.....if everyone thought it was a good idea, you'd be spouting on about women's rights and liberation. The game is old, old, old.

[Jeff in BigD]

I just want to clarify that I'm not saying anyone who disagrees with letting the boys going to Hooters is "outraged", but I think CAPS & "!"s are pretty telling signs.

[dianeschlicht]

All right. I just read 5 pages of this (not sure why), and I am surprised no one mentioned the fact that this is a BAR!!! Wake up folks!!! This is a BAR!!! For that reason alone, it would be inappropriate for 12 year olds to celebrate a birthday there!!!!!

[The Mystery Machine]

If I had boys and they came to me with this invitation, I am sure they would expect me to be LMAO before I said NO!

If you are not old enough to drive yourself there you are not old enough to go.:p

[Big Dude]

WOW! Lot's of input for this topic. I do have one question though that would determine my response. I have a Chinese restaurant near me that has a bar as a relatively "main" attraction to the property. I had my daughter's 10th birthday there but it was in a reception room in the back of the building. The children had no access to the bar area. I have also DJed at various places that had "prominent" bars (Lonestar, TGIF, Outback Steakhouses etc.) but again, there were reception rooms in the building away from that area. Could it be that the community is assuming that there will be scantly clad women at this event because it will be in the bar area or could it be that the Hooters in question has a reception room separate from the main bar area?

I would have to know what the setting would be before I make an informed decision. Something to think about.;) ;) ;)

Adam aka Big Dude

[Serena]

Adam, that's one thing I didn't think about.


Malibu Barbie was my barbie. They used to make clothes that fit the barbie's back then.

[Blondie]

Okay, here's what happened yesterday.

The actual "party" was at the boy's house after their lunch at Hooters. It was just lunch, the mother was there (ofcourse) the birthday boy, and three of his friends, my 2 sons included..

Cake and ice cream followed at the house, not at Hooters. So, it wasn't a birthday party at Hooters, it was lunch at Hooters.

Go ahead, flame away....think less of me.....call me what you will...pin the DIS Shame button on my shirt...it was a lunch and nothing more.

I asked them what they thought of the place and they seemed very underwhelmed. I don't know what they expected, but apparently Hooters wasn't all that. I guess seeing all the thongs at the Disney waterparks and at the beaches kind of left Hooters with something to be desired.

Could this mom find a different place to have a birthday party for her son? Perhaps, but if that is where he wants to have it and wants to have his friends with him why let him down.

I think this mother, who as I stated in this thread pages ago is going through a tough divorce. I'm not defending her actions, but I feel she is trying to wear all the hats in this family, and didn't want to let her son down. Doesn't mean I would take my kids if they asked, but if that was what her son wanted for his birthday, lunch at Hooters, she granted his wishes.

I asked the kids what he got for his birthday and they said nothing. :( I had to re-ask my question, because I couldn't believe the boy got nothing more than the lunch.

I guess she couldn't afford much more....I'm not sure....but apparently my boys saw him get nothing more than the lunch, and cake and ice cream.

I am surprised no one mentioned the fact that this is a BAR!!! Wake up folks!!! This is a BAR!!!

So is TGIF and Applebees....we go there all the time as a family for lunch. :confused:

[Mermaid02]

Hey.... it was your decision.... I probably would have made a different one..... but it was YOURS to make for YOUR kids...... something I am trying to teach my dd right now is that just because someone's parents have a different philosophy than ours (as far as parenting goes) it doesn't make EITHER one wrong... just DIFFERENT.

I think it does make a difference that the actual "party" wasn't at Hooters..... a birthday Party (cake ice cream etc) there seems like a dumb idea to me.... lunch is different..... I'm not sure why though.

[Mark P.]

What would have been wrong with TGIFridays? It's older than Chuckie Cheese, and definately more appropriate than Hooters. I get a laugh when Hooters is referred as just a sports bar.
Imo, divorce or not, it was a lame attempt for the Mom at being a 'cool Mom'.

[dianeschlicht]

I didn't say taking a family there for a lunch was wrong just because it is a bar. What is wrong is that the kids are having a birthday lunch at a bar. Seems a little warped to me.

[Blondie]

I thought it was an odd request myself...but they all went anyway.

Now throw me to the wolves!:rolleyes:

[dianeschlicht]

No one is throwing you to the wolves, Blondie. It all worked out all right. I just think it was poor judgement on the mother's part. Twelve is still a child in my eyes. They grow up too fast anyway.

[EROS]

BLONDIE, I think that you made a good decision, but I certainly would have supported you if you chose for them NOT to attend. Hey, we ALL know that parenting is tough!!!!!!!! I support ANY parent who makes their best call in an effort to love and care for their children.

Kids today are frankly inundated with all types of sexual messages............from TV, media, peers, entertainers (Britney;) ) and the like. I don't think that simple exposure over a lunch to some attractive waitresses provides any more stimulus than going to a WDW pool..........where young girls and women often FLAUNT sexuality rather than serve food!!!!!:) :) :)

[pollyanna]

Now Blondie.....I'm thinking you knew EXACTLY what reaction this post would draw from "this" board. Right?

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Blondie, I think your decision. :) I was 12 the first (and only) time I've been there. It was with my cousin! He wanted to take me to this "great" restaurant! LOL - I've often wanted to go into the one in Lake Buena Vista (pretty close to Disney - it's on Palm Parkway), passed it many times!

[Serena]

I think I would have done the same Blondie. My objections are not big enough to spoil the kids' day.

[POLLY ANN]

Hey, there's nothing like peer pressure.

[Buckalew]

Blondie,
I don't think anyone would pin the "DIS shame button" on you (do we have one of those??!!) I think you have to make your own decisions for your children and that is what you did. From anything I have ever heard you say about you and your family, you are a very good and wise mom. {{{hugs}}} to you, Blondie. :D

[Saffron]

Buckalew said:
I think you have to make your own decisions for your children and that is what you did. From anything I have ever heard you say about you and your family, you are a very good and wise mom.

I agree. :) :) :)

[John Smith1]

Wow, I just found this..

Hooters is a sponsor of my station and yes, I've frequented there a few times, myself. But to have a 12yo think this is the place to go or a male rite of passage of some sort, I don't think so.

I'm sure your kids survived the trip, though, Blondie, and kids who have been raised correctly will not all of a sudden CHANGE with one trip to this place. I think keeping them from it would've made them want to go even MORE.

My only concern is with the woman who initiated this thing. Playing the 'male role' due to a divorce? I hope she wasn't thinking that this would make her a "guy"!

My son is 7, 5 years from now I intend to make a better choice!