Posted on 11/14/2005 5:51:48 AM PST by Cagey
Parent Says Restaurant Offers Kid Food, So It Should Cater To Kids
"We were surprised at how many times we would see children really out of control," McCauley said. "And we actually had people leaving the bakery because the children were so out of control."
So, he put a sign on the door at kids' eye-level, asking children of all ages to use their "indoor voices."
"We thought it was just a friendly reminder to people that when they come here, just be considerate of the people around them. We had no idea the kind of controversy that was going to explode out of this," McCauley said.
But some parents who spoke with NBC5's Natalie Martinez took immediate offense to the sign. The angry mothers said there are plenty of places in the Andersonville neighborhood where they can take their kids, even if they're acting out.
"I've e-mailed friends and said, 'Just so you know, this man has a sign up. I know there are lots of other options, and I'd encourage you not to go there,'" parent Kate Bremmer said.
When she spoke with Martinez, Bremmer and her kids were picking out goodies at a Swedish bakery, where all kids are welcome.
"Our custom has been to offer a cookie to every child that comes into the store for as long as I can remember," said Kathy Stanton-Cromwell, the co-owner of the bakery, which is just a few doors down from A Taste of Heaven.
Stanton-Cromwell said the cookie serves as "a good calmer" for kids who are acting up.
Bremmer said A Taste of Heaven "is not a five-star restaurant," so she thinks it should cater to kids, not the other way around.
"They offer ice cream cones and cookies and lots things that kids love, and therefore, I don't think that they should make such an issue of it," Bremmer said.
Other parents enjoying lunch with their kids at A Taste of Heaven were more diplomatic.
"I have mixed feelings about it. It's a little off-putting," one mother said.
Linda Wallace, also a mother who eats at A Taste of Heaven, said she thought McCauley was "sort of brave" for putting up the sign.
"It did cross my mind that he might offend some people," she said.
McCauley said he loves kids, although he has none of his own. He said he has no immediate plans to take the sign down.
Actually you would be the kind of teacher public schools need but because of PC liberal bull, wouldn't be allowed to teach!
Saturday night. No music, no kids. The restaurant was full of liberals, but they were the best kind of libs...QUIET ones.
"Good for you - you and your husband need the positive reinforcement"
Thank you! We are always so proud when people stop by to tell us how nice our kids are.
Whovever stood up and said "that child is possessed!" ought to get an award for the best line ever.
Ha,ha....our mother had the "look" and we all knew it. Didn't matter where we were. If you got that look you had better stop what you were doing cause if you didn't...look out!!! :) Am sure other mothers did the same thing. There were no BOOKS ON HOW TO PARENT YOUR CHILD...it came natural AND...you learned from your mother as well.
Children need to know what is right and what is wrong and if the mother is "boycotting" she is being ridiculous and reenforcing her childs ill behavior. Instead she should be teaching them to respect others arund them with proper behavior but...she chooses to reenforce their ill manners by boycotting.
I think her boycott is futile because if this bakery is as good as they say the people will support the baker. Once again, the woman doesn't realize it is a free country. People don't HAVE to go to this bakery...they CHOOSE to.
People always seem to forget we have CHOICES. Choose to buy your baked goods there or...go somewhere else where the propriet3er doesn't care much about his other patrons. Obviously, this owner DOES care about his patrons and not just one person who chooses not to discipline her children.
Now, point me in the direction of that bakery...suddenly I have a hankering for some sticky buns and crumb cake.
An example of engaging such a situation with a greater force of presence and wit, to create success.
"Then try some targeted dietary changes (it's hard), and note daily behavior. Been there, done that, and allowed an ADHD-symptom child to regain calmness with no drugs."
My oldest was very well behaved but at times acted out horribly and would cry because he wanted to stop but couldn't. We finally found out that he was reacting to dairy products. We cut them out and his outbursts disappeared within 3 days. It was amazing.
a lot of parents have had their hands tied. parents are afraid to haul off and spank or otherwise discipline because so many are reported to social services. having one adult college age student, and a high school student, in my years of raising mine, I've known lots that have ended up in anger management and otherwise had their kids taken away for spanking in the grocery store and some observer reporting the parents for abusing the kids.
so guys maybe that is why. these parents have given up and are afraid the big bad social services are going to show up for the parents disciplining the kids.
So, the time out, etc. doesn't always work. Sometimes the kid does need a spank on the backside to get their attention.
I do agree, NO REWARD FOR BAD BEHAVIOR. and yes, indoor voices please. are a step in the right direction.
but social services has been a blessing and a curse because some people will report for a swat on the butt. and it has had an impact on parents.
Parents have EVERYTHING to do with it.
"My wife and I were talking with a security guard at the Medford shopping mall. Subject of children came up somehow and she said the if they saw a mother or dad spanking their children in the mall they were "under orders to hold them for the police for child abuse"
Holy cow. Parents really can be stuck between a rock and a hard place. It's the hardest job I've ever had, I'm glad I have my husband to be my workmate. I couldn't do it without him. But imagine the scenario: mother of 5 swats unruly 6 year old at local mall, CPS called, all 5 children removed from home. Scary, and easy to understand why parents fail to discipline in public.
My response would have been: "Thank you so much for letting me know there is at least one restaurant where I can enjoy my meal in peace!"
OK, in the name of truth, I'd like to see some interviews with the places that don't mind when kids are "acting out".
Then they can do an interview with a bar that doesn't mind folks vomiting on the floor,
stores that don't mind people eating the produce,
gas stations that don't mind people who run over the windshield squeegees,
daycare centers that don't care if you're late picking up your child,
department stores that don't care when used clothing is brought back for a full refund,
designers who don't care when you call them just to steal their ideas,
restaurants that don't care if their wait staff is tipped, doctors who don't care when you don't pay,
attorney's who don't care if they get stiffed for court costs... ... , etc., etc. Yep, the rude are always with us - and those in business put up with it, but they don't like it.
Nowadays it is not safe to leave a child alone in a car. In fact, you can be arrested for it.
Your son sounds like a clone of mine. btw, mine just graduated last June too! (whew!)
firm consistent discipline.
Exactly. Positively. Also, there is plenty of love along with it but the discipline must be enforced or God help the country when these kids grow up and are told NO in school or wherever. Personally, I'm pretty sick and tired of seeing mothers dressed in low slungs and trying to look "cool" instead of acting and behaving like a mother. Bring back the aprons... :)
I just know I am going to be a crotchety old MAN waving my TASER at misbehaving little snots AND their parents.
You're completely off base on this one.
If an irresponsible parent chooses to allow their children to behave like Howard Dean in the privacy of their own home, it's not my concern.
We're talking about a failure to control the behavior of one's children in public.
Assuming personal responsibility for oneself ands one's prepubescent children IS a Conservative value.
Defending the irresponsible is not Conservative. It's not even Libertarian.
Are you sure that is the position you wish to support?
GREAT POINT!!! I bet you are absolutely correct too. GREAT POINT!!!!
hey get me one too, that sounds more fun. and if you are good at acquiring stuff like that, how about something to mount on the hood of my minvan to vaporize drivers that annoy me, as well! ; )
Exactly right. Part of the joy of working with the public, you gotta deal with all kinds. I guess, "the customer is always right" just doesn't apply anymore.
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