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.
no one on this thread has said that isn't true, or that the same hasn't been true in their case. but if you haven't come across the parents that allow their children to have control then you are lucky. because there are tons of them, and it is a disturbing trend. and that is what is being discussed, not the random fit that our kids might have thrown. if properly dealt with, that fit is a learning tool. the problem is that with the parents in question the only thing taught is that the kids are in charge. and they learn that lesson quickly.
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.
See posts: #15, #17, #43, #44, #49, #107, #109, #111, #114, #124, #140, #141, #143, #143, #154.. Well, you get the idea. Lots of people suggested ways to control or train out of control kids. Of course, if one hasn't started off on the right foot and has let the child get the idea they're in charge, the task will be more difficult, but it's still possible.
I suspect if you really want parenting advice, there are many excellent parents right here on FR who will be glad to give it to you in love and all sincerity.
susie
I determined long ago that this theory is bull.
Its a matter of how much you are willing to put up with to get the customers money!!
The older I get, the less I'm willing to put up with.
Regards
I bet the priest had to smile - just before presenting you with umpteen Hail Mary's for Penance. ;-)
If I lived nearby, all things being equal, I'd patronize this restaurant. With my two sons. They, too, prefer when other children behave.
You are right Tuffy.....It is not the children's fault. There used to be a time when children were seen and not heard...especially out in public.
I have a feeling many of these children are spoiled brats and I say good for the eatery!
They're trying to build their self esttem and encouraging their potentials as percussionists. < /sarcasm>
Don't touch, sweetie. THAT LADY doesn't want you to touch.
My consolation is that I may have the yard ape in my store for a while, but mommie dearest is stuck with it for life!
I really don't know what you're teaching her from the sketchy info you've given us. I only know that apparently you take her to restaurants and when she screams you either make a joke, or you do something that is not working (telling a one year old to shhh).
However, a one year old can certainly start seeing consequences for unwanted behavior. And, if not, then wait until she's a little older before you inflict her on others. She's clearly not learning good restaurant behavior with the method you're using (unless you're doing something you haven't shared with us).
susie
It is the PARENTS responsibility to teach children MANNERS. Or ar least it use to be.
LOL! Thanks in advance for the keyboard you owe me.
"Kids will be kids, they have their own little minds and sometimes they might do things that you don't want them to when you least expect it."
Bingo! That's what makes parenthood so interesting. NOTHING EVER goes as planned :)
I think the biggest difference between parents of today, and of yesteryear, is this: forty years ago, when a kid misbehaved at school and was punished, the parents would discipline the kid again. Nowadays, it seems the parents pretty much automatically take the kids' side against the school.
Yes. Did I say something different?
susie
No one is talking about babies. We are talking about children who have bad manners. If they don't behave in public they shouldn't be in public. Parents are supposed to teach children manners. By the age of 2 they will know what is acceptable and what isn't.
I am not seeing the problem at all. I made my children be quiet indoors.
Then you haven't read the whole thread....plenty of practical "this is how i handle it" posts.....
and what is being discussed on this thread is the fact that there are MANY parents that are not doing their jobs.
I'll better it was a pleasure to take your children out to public places.
Chances are that they will pass on your standards to their children.
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