Another few minutes and I gave them the hairy eyeball.
Finally, I got fed up and mentioned to them that "somebody needs a spanking".
THAT sent the "mother" into hysterics.
How dare I tell THEM how to handle their child.
I then calmly told her, that it wasn't the child that needed the beating, but her.
That got dad all suddenly big and brave. He decides to get out of the booth to confront me.
I then advised him that he didn't have the balls to handle his own 4 year old child, that he most definitely didn't have the balls to handle me. And that if was smart, that he'd sit back down and shut up, while he was still able.
To which, the wife grabbed the pants back and announced that they didn't have to take this and that they were leaving.
They stopped at the front and talked to the manager, who seemed to apologize and tell them there was nothing he could do. So they huffily left.
The manager then came by and apologized and took my check. He then brought us out dessert, which we never ordered.
When the behavior gets out of hand in public, I will usually say “somebody needs a nap”. Which is most likely the problem. I believe too many kids are shuffled around here and there at all hours of the day and night. They’re on mom’s schedule when really, the child needs to be home napping, or tucked in for the night.
Oh yeah, been there.
If the parents can’t make their kids behave in a restaurant it is clear that they do not make them behave at home.
I feel sorry for the kids. Shame on the parents for not doing their job, which is to prepare them for life (not to be their “friends”).
I frequently stop and compliment parents with kids who behave well in a restaurant. Good for them!
I think you were horribly rude. Perhaps they could have chosen not to continue their meal, but perhaps they weren’t from near there and needed food. Perhaps their child had autism and there was nothing they could do. I know badly behaved children are horrible and I remove mine when they are loud, but when a child with autism or other special needs starts to lose it, sometimes you are in a bad situation and people in public will be affected. My heart goes out to every parent in such a situation. Children and parents do not need to be whipped, nor does violence bring about better behavior in kids with disabilities. Give parents a small break. It can be very hard especially when the child has neurological damage, as one in 50 have now.
Wow. You are my hero. How tough that must have made you feel. I would say you are lucky you picked the right guy. Some of us would not have been impressed with your tough guy act and accepted your invitation to discuss it outside.
Of course I imagine you knew there was little chance you would have to back it up.
Great story!