Coffee Shop Boycott by "Moms". Debate?

[Marseeya]

Do a lot of kids eat sushi? or do their parents bring in Happy Meals? This just aggravates me to no end. We purposely don't bring our youngest to certain restaurants because we know he has a limited capacity to sit still. A sushi bar would be the last place I would take him.

My kids enjoy ethnic foods and always have. They like some maki, and a lot of the soups and noodles. Mmmm, I'm making myself hungry for some! Guess what I'm getting for dinner!

And they know how to sit still. Except the 14 year old, because I think he's regressed to the toddler years. But he's too "cool" to go anywhere with us now anyway.

I don't like seeing kids bring in happy meals to places like that. I feel like it's really rude, even when the restaurant says it's okay. I know an Indian place that doesn't mind it, but I figure my kids can find something to eat there that they'll like.

 

[Ziva]

I think it's great that the owner took a stand.

 

[golfgal]

Somewhat related--the school had a play a couple weeks ago and there were a bunch of young kids in the audience running around, talking loudly, etc to the point that you couldn't hear what was going on on stage. I could not believe that their parents just sat there and let it go on. For the next performance they did make an announcement that if your children are being noisy to take them out. There were also plenty of adults that were getting coming and going throughout the play, I am assuming to go to the bathroom??? It was very disturbing. The play was only an hour long if you can't sit still for an hour then don't go.

 

[ducklite]

This would be me! I have it on full blast otherwise I can't hear it ring. Sorry.

Why don't you just keep it on vibrate, you'll feel it, and it won't disturb anyone.

Anne

 

[kasar]

I'm in the minority here, but I like lively places where everyone's welcome. I'd rather go to a coffee shop with boisterous families and happy, friendly people than some of those places where everyone's working on their laptops and taking themselves way too seriously. I like action and I enjoy seeing kids out and about.

The owner is certainly within his rights to put that sign up and I think we can infer from that sign that while children are allowed, it's more of an adult place. And that's okay. He has a right to put the sign up and those moms have a right to not want to go there (the boycott is silly, it is what it is - just don't give him your money). There are someplaces where children just are not welcome - this is one of them. Those moms need to get over themselves.

I, for one, would not patronize that shop (just not my cup of tea - or coffee as the case may be) but I'm sure he'll have people lined up outside the door.

 

[imsorry]

I hope that includes cell phones!!! Now that would be "heaven".

YES!!! The only thing more annoying than someone elses children bothering me are self-centered adults who think we are all interested in their conversations!!!

 

[golfgal]

Why don't you just keep it on vibrate, you'll feel it, and it won't disturb anyone.

Anne

I can't fell it vibrate in my purse and I don't wear my cellphone. I also don't use it all that much.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Sorry to those looking for a debate--I'm 100% behind the store owner here! And I'm a mom and a tea drinker! Even my own kids get fed up with screaming brats all over the place. If I'm on my own time, it's very precious (with #4 on the way, I'm lucky to get 2 hours a week to myself!). I don't need to here whining and screaming--I get that at home for free!

As far as taking kids to restaurants--we stick with buffets mostly, the occasional diner. You know, places where they can practice their manners, but don't have to wait too long for food. If you want success, you have to give the kids a chance. I wouldn't likely have them in a coffee shop to begin with, although Dunkin Donuts would be a possibility.

 

[mickeyfan2]

I don't want to be bothered by other's children when I am in a coffee shop or other place. The problem is that ladies kid is just undiciplined and she did not like that to be pointed out to her.

 

[jennyl772003]

Is it just amazing how parents can be so oblivious of how annoying their precious children are!

My son is a very out going person who would talk to anyone he comes into contact with. As a parent, it is my job to stop him from doing that. Teaching a child how to behave in public and among strangers is important!

I can take my son to coffee shops, etc, cuz he knows how to behave. If he forgets for a minute, you can be sure I will be reminding him!

 

[ducklite]

I can't fell it vibrate in my purse and I don't wear my cellphone. I also don't use it all that much.

Then when you are in a public place like a restaurant, set it on vibrate and put it on the table. You WILL notice it if it vibrates, and it won't disturb everyone else around you. Ringing cell phones in restuarants, libraries, stores, etc. are just obnoxious.

Anne

 

[golfgal]

Then when you are in a public place like a restaurant, set it on vibrate and put it on the table. You WILL notice it if it vibrates, and it won't disturb everyone else around you. Ringing cell phones in restuarants, libraries, stores, etc. are just obnoxious.

Anne

If I am someplace where it is inappropriate to have a ringing cell phone, I turn it off. If I am expecting an important call, I will put it on vibrate and put it someplace where it can feel it. If I am out shopping or someplace where you are not expected to be quite, it is on loud ring. I am sorry that my hearing problem is so inconvenient for you but I can't do anything about that.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Then when you are in a public place like a restaurant, set it on vibrate and put it on the table. You WILL notice it if it vibrates, and it won't disturb everyone else around you. Ringing cell phones in restuarants, libraries, stores, etc. are just obnoxious.

Anne

This is what I do b/c I don't wear mine either. I was shopping at Target yesterday and my cell phone was in my purse and it rang. Everyone was looking at me b/c it took me awhile to find it. I was a little embarassed .

 

[Beth76]

I just saw the bit on the Today show. They made it out as the store owner trying to discipline these kids. I don't think that's fair or accurate. He just asks that the kids be quiet and if they're not, they're asked to leave. That's not disciplining the kids. That's keeping the peace in the store. I can understand why that one mom is boycotting. She's embarrassed that she was asked to leave. I would be too. Hopefully, I would be out of the place with a screaming kid before I would be approached by management.

 

[Rozzie]

I watched the segment and cannot agree more with the business owner. It is his right to do whatever he wants. I just wish all coffee shops had a "inside voices, no cells" rule for EVERYBODY! Someone standing up for peace and quiet, it has made my morning!!!!!

 

[poohbear1029]

I'm in the minority here, but I like lively places where everyone's welcome. I'd rather go to a coffee shop with boisterous families and happy, friendly people than some of those places where everyone's working on their laptops and taking themselves way too seriously. I like action and I enjoy seeing kids out and about.

The owner is certainly within his rights to put that sign up and I think we can infer from that sign that while children are allowed, it's more of an adult place. And that's okay. He has a right to put the sign up and those moms have a right to not want to go there (the boycott is silly, it is what it is - just don't give him your money). There are someplaces where children just are not welcome - this is one of them. Those moms need to get over themselves.

I, for one, would not patronize that shop (just not my cup of tea - or coffee as the case may be) but I'm sure he'll have people lined up outside the door.

I think everyone likes a place with a positive vibe. I do also think that even if an establishment is geared towards children that it is no excuse for child to not act with manners. This is why we are creating a generation of people who think that they can do what they want when they want despite its affect on other people.....people were more considerate to others when teaching manners was a more common lesson in childhood.

Note, we are expecting our first child, and I do not claim to know the answers, but I do know that I will make sure manners are a top priority of parenthood. And, if my kids cant act with manners, then they wont go out to public restaurants, etc.

I have a relative who wont bring her children to the crying room in church. She says that it actually makes them act worse because other parents use that as a place to let their children run wild, not an opportunity to teach their children to mind in church.

 

[goofygirl]

Yaay coffee shop!!!

It says "Coffee Shop", not "Playground". Nuff said!

Unfortunately I can smell the frivolous lawsuits happening already- by angry ( and money hungry) parents who feel their and their noisy kids' "rights" are being "infringed upon."

 

[poohbear1029]

Yaay coffee shop!!!

It says "Coffee Shop", not "Playground". Nuff said!

Unfortunately I can smell the frivolous lawsuits happening already- by angry ( and money hungry) parents who feel their and their noisy kids' "rights" are being "infringed upon."

You are probably right...and another sad account of how people are more concerned with themselves than the general good.

 

[Swimnoid]

I like the kids "of all ages" part. ONe of the girls I go to lunch with has a very loud voice and seems to not be aware of it. It hurts my ears sometimes!!!

 

[Maleficent13]

Where is this coffee shop? Did I miss that somewhere?