Posted by PJK on June 03, 1997 at 20:22:10:
In Reply to: Children and Restaurants posted by Karen Upright on May 15, 1997 at 15:49:07:
I've been there as both customer and parent.
As a patron I have had to endure other patrons who think nothing of allowing their kids free reign of the establishment. One place we dined in was small, tables jammed closer than the ought to be. It was only the skill of the servers that prevented the kids getting trampled underfoot.
The owner (not the servers) should have taken matters in hand and told the clients to keep the kids in tow.
On the other hand, I have been in places (some allegedly family places too) that seem to have no clue.
Provide distractions-- crayons and paper never hurts and is cheap enough. Folks with young kids should get plenty of napkins-- I know I tip well when the server knows what I mean by "a few extra napkins" (read-- towels and a fire hose).
And for the parents, a copy of miss manners.
Unfortunately, louts will still be part of the mix. But try and make your place kid friendly (remember how boring some of those places your parents took you could be...?). And if you really don't want kids, charge really outrageous prices on the childrens portions-- then the parents will think twice...