Children Crying in Restaurants?

[Princess12]

How do you guys feel about children crying in a family restaurant atmosphere?

Here's the story:

My husband and I have a 3 Month old little girl, who we took to dinner with us tonight at the request of the couple whom we were dining with. It was the first time they had the opportunity to meet her, and we were excited to do so.

We chose to eat at the local Mexican restaurant, which is a family oriented atmosphere that we dine at very frequently. Well, being that our daughter is only 3 months old, her temperament is pretty unpredictable, and she just happened to be fairly cranky this evening.The couple who we were with made several very rude comments to us about her interrupting and disturbing other people who were in the restaurant. It's not like she was screaming incessantly or even letting out loud shrills. To say the least, I spent a majority of the evening with my daughter in the car.

So... if you are dining in a family oriented restaurant, and a child cries occasionally during your meal, how does it make you feel?

[TIGERJC]

makes me want to punch the baby

until you're able to control your child or the child is old enough to understand that they need to be quiet, then you need to leave the child with a sitter when you go out to eat, to the movies or any public gathering that loud children are not welcome

["B"]

^ That is such bullshit.


She wasn't at the movies or anywhere that is isn't acceptable. She was a restaruant.

[redrumracer]

I voted absolutely intolerable. Basically I don't mind at first noise, but at the first noise I believe the parent should take them somewhere and calm them down. If that can't be done then what Tiger said.(minus the punching part.)

[Mr. Clean]

yeah it pisses me off pretty bad. if i have to listen to it more than a couple of times i want to to punch the parent in the face lol. as mean as it sounds, i agree with tiger... until the kid is old enough to know when to hush, don't take them out. sounds like your baby wasn't doing anything ridiculous like crying non-stop or screaming, but it still sucks when you have to listen to it. i don't have kids for a reason lol. i don't want to listen to what i have chosen not to get into yet.

[.::UNKNOWN::.]

makes me want to punch the baby

until you're able to control your child or the child is old enough to understand that they need to be quiet, then you need to leave the child with a sitter when you go out to eat, to the movies or any public gathering that loud children are not welcome

completly agreed just bc most people dont try and calm their children down they just hand them something to keep them occupied for a few seconds

[TIGERJC]

^ That is such bullshit.


She wasn't at the movies or anywhere that is isn't acceptable. She was a restaruant.

Other families are trying to enjoy themselves and it is really hard if you can't hear the person next to you because of a crying baby. You want a kid friendly restaraunt, then go to chucky cheese.

[Princess12]

As I mentioned, I did get up and sit in the car with her so my husband could enjoy the rest of dinner with our friends when I was unable to completely console her.

I understand that there is a fine line between it being ok and unreasonable, hence my move to the car.

[HyPer50]

If your at mcdonalds fine, but if your at an actual sit down resteraunt, you need to control your kids or not bring them.

[HyPer50]

^ That is such bullshit.


She wasn't at the movies or anywhere that is isn't acceptable. She was a restaruant.

Are you stupid? As I said in previous post, unless your at a fast food resteraunt or a KIDS resteraunt don't bring your screaming ass baby with you. I'm not paying more than $5 for a meal to have to sit and have a baby screaming beside me. Maybe the opinion changes when you become a parent, but when I become a parent I plan on having the COMMON SENSE and respect for people to not bring a child into a sit down resteraunt when they are still unable to behave.

Screaming at any resteraunt is "unacceptable" and if you think otherwise... refer to my first sentance.

[TIGERJC]

As I mentioned, I did get up and sit in the car with her so my husband could enjoy the rest of dinner with our friends when I was unable to completely console her.

I understand that there is a fine line between it being ok and unreasonable, hence my move to the car.

That was nice of you and I am glad that you will be passing on your manners down to your child.

I hate it when parents don't think of others and will just allow their kid to keep crying like nothings wrong. I was at a funeral awhile ago, and while the eulogy was going on a baby was cutting up and just yelling for attention. Instead of thinking of others trying to hear the eulogy, the mother just let the kid keep crying. If I was a member of the family I would have asked the mother to take the child out of the church

[BluesClues]

I don't think a child crying is that big of a deal, but if they are screaming and kicking and just pretty much throwing a fit, then you and the child should leave until they are consoled (just what you did). Some people have to understand that children are people too. Just like the rest of us, they deserve to go out and eat. They shouldn't be excluded just because they are kids. Kids will be kids. Some are just not at the age of understanding of how to act when in public. Even some adults don't know how to act when in public. Some people just need a little more tolerance. I think until some people have kids, they will not understand. I don't have kids, but I know what it's like to be around children. I have more tolerance for their behavior.

[HyPer50]

I don't think a child crying is that big of a deal, but if they are screaming and kicking and just pretty much throwing a fit, then you and the child should leave until they are consoled (just what you did). Some people have to understand that children are people too. Just like the rest of us, they deserve to go out and eat. They shouldn't be excluded just because they are kids. Kids will be kids. Some are just not at the age of understanding of how to act when in public. Even some adults don't know how to act when in public. Some people just need a little more tolerance. I think until some people have kids, they will not understand. I don't have kids, but I know what it's like to be around children. I have more tolerance for their behavior.

I perfectly understand that once I have a kid, I won't be able to go to Mt. Fuji or some other decent sit down resteraunt without a baby sitter... Other people don't need more tolerance, parents just need more respect and need to consider things before they do them. Kids don't belong everywhere.

[Princess12]

That was nice of you and I am glad that you will be passing on your manners down to your child.

I hate it when parents don't think of others and will just allow their kid to keep crying like nothings wrong. I was at a funeral awhile ago, and while the eulogy was going on a baby was cutting up and just yelling for attention. Instead of thinking of others trying to hear the eulogy, the mother just let the kid keep crying. If I was a member of the family I would have asked the mother to take the child out of the church

Thank you, and yes, I understand. I really just wanted other inputs. I'm a first time mom, and a crying child has never really bothered me even before I was pregnant. I did apologize to the couple sitting behind us as I walked out of the restaurant, and they said they understood and it was not a problem.

[BluesClues]

I perfectly understand that once I have a kid, I won't be able to go to Mt. Fuji or some other decent sit down resteraunt without a baby sitter... Other people don't need more tolerance, parents just need more respect and need to consider things before they do them. Kids don't belong everywhere.

If it's a family restaurant like Applebees or Red Lobster, then children should be allowed. If it's a more upscale restaurant, then I can understand. She was talking about a family place. Also, movie theaters are family places too. Do you all forget that there are kid movies? Are they not allowed to see those? lol

[redrumracer]

If it's a family restaurant like Applebees or Red Lobster, then children should be allowed. If it's a more upscale restaurant, then I can understand. She was talking about a family place. Also, movie theaters are family places too. Do you all forget that there are kid movies? Are they not allowed to see those? lol

If they wanna throw a fit in the movie theaters then they don't deserve the movie.

[blaknoize]

doesnt bother me at all

[Atlblkz06]

Kids will be kids. If you think they're "absolutely intolerable" - you can go fuck yourself.

Parents are responsible for them to an extent - but its a very play-by-ear situation.
Wow so your little girl is 3 months old eh? The last time I saw one of your threads you were pregnant. Time FLIES!!

[Princess12]

Kids will be kids. If you think they're "absolutely intolerable" - you can go fuck yourself.

Parents are responsible for them to an extent - but its a very play-by-ear situation.
Wow so your little girl is 3 months old eh? The last time I saw one of your threads you were pregnant. Time FLIES!!

Yeah I know! It seems like just yesterday! She will be 4 months old on 4/1. It's crazy how fast time goes by!

[HyPer50]

If it's a family restaurant like Applebees or Red Lobster, then children should be allowed. If it's a more upscale restaurant, then I can understand. She was talking about a family place. Also, movie theaters are family places too. Do you all forget that there are kid movies? Are they not allowed to see those? lol

Children are not the same thing as screaming kids. Screaming kids belong in no resteraunts other than fast food and chucky cheese.

[green91]

I vote absolutely intolerable. In a sit-down restaurant, the entire purpose of going is to sit down and eat a meal.. its a convenience and a break away from home. If Im paying for a meal thats suppose to be convenient and relaxing and having service bring the food and refills to me.. i should absolutely be entitled to a relaxing atmosphere. Hearing a kid screaming incessantly is ruining the entire point of eating a meal away from home.

[RL...]

makes me want to punch the baby

until you're able to control your child or the child is old enough to understand that they need to be quiet, then you need to leave the child with a sitter when you go out to eat, to the movies or any public gathering that loud children are not welcome

x2

[Humphrizzle]

after a while, i'll leave if it is that much of a nuisance

[quickdodge®]

I can guarantee you that the each one of you who posted a negative attitude about NOT taking your child out to eat has NO children of their own.

When you have a child (if you do), I guarantee that you change your ways of thinking. Just because you have children does NOT mean you are automatically home bound until the child grows up. That's ludicrous thinking. I agree 100% about movies, but as far as restaurants, that's a different story. Now with any four of mine, when he/she started acting up and would not calm down after a minute or so, I or my wife would take the child somewhere to calm him/her down. I wouldn't and can't stand for a child to just be left to cry until he/she is done crying.

But there is no reason at all that parents with younger children can not go to a nice restaurant with their children. I understand you voicing your opinion about liking it or not, but you have no voice when it comes to what a parent should or should not do unless you've lived on the other side of the fence.

For the record, neither of my four were really that bad in our dining out experiences. Later, QD.

[GLulic]

yea a 3 month old is understandable but if its like a 5 year old making too much noise then it would piss me off badly.
ages 13-18>4-13

just sayin'

[redrumracer]

I can guarantee you that the each one of you who posted a negative attitude about NOT taking your child out to eat has NO children of their own.

When you have a child (if you do), I guarantee that you change your ways of thinking. Just because you have children does NOT mean you are automatically home bound until the child grows up. That's ludicrous thinking. I agree 100% about movies, but as far as restaurants, that's a different story. Now with any four of mine, when he/she started acting up and would not calm down after a minute or so, I or my wife would take the child somewhere to calm him/her down. I wouldn't and can't stand for a child to just be left to cry until he/she is done crying.

But there is no reason at all that parents with younger children can not go to a nice restaurant with their children. I understand you voicing your opinion about liking it or not, but you have no voice when it comes to what a parent should or should not do unless you've lived on the other side of the fence.

For the record, neither of my four were really that bad in our dining out experiences. Later, QD.

You remove your children until they calm down, and that's the main thing that upsets me is when they don't do that.

[IMPORTchic]

First off...there is a HUGE difference from a crying baby to a crying child IMO. Babies cry and there is not too much you can do sometimes to prevent it 100%. Usually though whatever the reason be that they are crying for, it is easy to fix unless, they are sick or it is nap/bed time in which they should be doing just that and not be out. I am nanny to 3 different infants for over a year now so I should know that much. As far as a 2, 3, 4+ year old.....I feel that they should not be allowed to cry in a public resturants/places. They should be taken out immediately and probably be disciplined b/c they are more than likely throwing a fit. What gets me though is not the crying baby or crying 3yr old b/c they are tired/having a bad day/whatever....its the screaming and shouting child with no manners that is crawling around everywhere and the parent is not getting onto them and enforcing it. I want to go jerk those kids up and whoop their ass myself and make them sit there properly like a child should. No child in my family has ever been allowed to act like such in public. We ALL knew better.

But to the OP....sounds like you done the right thing by taking the baby out. I know that probably sucked for you, but that is a good/respectful thing you done. It kind of bothers me to know that they other couple made such "rude" comments when the KNEW it was a baby and babies cry. Me personally.....if the baby was just kind of fussy and not screaming I would have just continued on with my dinner b/c every mexican place I have ate at is loud anyways...so what does it matter? lol Very good question and point.

Every child will have a bad day every once in a while, but that does not mean that they should be home bound until older. If that happens then it will be starting at square one when you do get them out. The oldest baby I keep is prime example. She is 13 months at the end of this month and she HATES people besides me and her mom/granny/dad. THat is b/c she was never socialized as a younger infant. So now...when they tried to take her out last week....she screamed the whole time from anxiety of being in new places with new people. Kids will learn. Even as infants. All of my lil cousins learned VERY young to even sit through church and be quiet but they were living terrors at home....so goes to prove.....decent behaving children in public CAN be had.

Sorry for the ranting..I am half asleep! lol

[quickdodge®]

You remove your children until they calm down, and that's the main thing that upsets me is when they don't do that.

Right. That's the part where I agree with the annoyance. But if a child cries out because he/she is hungry and it takes a second to fix the bottle or whatever is on that child's menu, then give it a second. If the crying is incessant, then the right to get upset is valid.

Another thing I might add. I was very aware of annoyances so I did not go to nice restaurants very often at all BECAUSE I knew that I might have a chance of ruining someone else dinner.

I have a good time now because my oldest daughter has a daughter of her own now (two months old) and watching her go through the motions is amusing, lolol. Haven't been out to dinner with her with the baby yet, though.

Later, QD.

[IMPORTchic]

I can guarantee you that the each one of you who posted a negative attitude about NOT taking your child out to eat has NO children of their own.

When you have a child (if you do), I guarantee that you change your ways of thinking. Just because you have children does NOT mean you are automatically home bound until the child grows up. That's ludicrous thinking. I agree 100% about movies, but as far as restaurants, that's a different story. Now with any four of mine, when he/she started acting up and would not calm down after a minute or so, I or my wife would take the child somewhere to calm him/her down. I wouldn't and can't stand for a child to just be left to cry until he/she is done crying.

But there is no reason at all that parents with younger children can not go to a nice restaurant with their children. I understand you voicing your opinion about liking it or not, but you have no voice when it comes to what a parent should or should not do unless you've lived on the other side of the fence.

For the record, neither of my four were really that bad in our dining out experiences. Later, QD.

You dear king of asses.....has said it pretty much perfectly!!! lol *runs*

Seriously though...hit it right on the head!

[redrumracer]

Man QD, didn't think you were that old, your a grandfather, late congrats I guess.

[GLulic]

Man QD, didn't think you were that old, your a grandfather, late congrats I guess.

lol how exactly old is he?

just askin'

[T34me]

why the fuck are parents bringing kids into movies that are rated R for a reason. When the first re-do of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre(sp) came out, there were couples with their infants/toddlers with them. ARE YOU FUCKING HIGH????? And bringing kids into restraunts....Im sure by now you know you know how your kid acts...is he quiet...or an obnoxious bitch....not rocket science. If he is option B, dont bring them the fuck out.

[FriskyWalrus]

why the fuck are parents bringing kids into movies that are rated R for a reason. When the first re-do of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre(sp) came out, there were couples with their infants/toddlers with them. ARE YOU FUCKING HIGH????? And bringing kids into restraunts....Im sure by now you know you know how your kid acts...is he quiet...or an obnoxious bitch....not rocket science. If he is option B, dont bring them the fuck out.

now i wouldnt exactly go that far. a parent can know how the child reacts at home but doesnt know how they will react at a restaurant. as well as they may have been taken to restaurants previous times and had no problem with the child but something at that point in time, may have caused the child to react and cry or get upset. now me personally, i can stand a child crying. i guess its just one of those things you get used to. when i was younger, it annoyed me but not that much. now, i just block it out

[vinayak]

Okay I have a 3 year old boy, he has never been real fussy. Even when he was cutting teeth he never really cried or acted like he was in discomfort. He has only puked 1 time in his hole life and only been sick a handful of times. Yes I am very lucky.

As far as the other couple that is pretty shitty of them to get upset when a 3 month old cries. They wanted you to bring your child. If i were your husband I would have told them not to have children after there comments. I would really look at that "friendship".

If a child is > 2 crying is expected and never wrong. Chances are a > 2 year old child does not have the verbal skill to tell the parent what the hell is wrong. Crying is the only way.

Now if the child is < 3 it has the verbal skills to tell what the fuck wrong with them. If a child over 3 is acting up it really not there fault either. This is what they have learned is acceptable from there parents. People are a direct extension of there parents. Parents do not do a good job raising there children it shows.

To the op you did the right thing. It sounds like a bad night out and the comments from your "friends" did not help. Do not let that discourage you in going out. Since I have had my son i have not gone to the movies in 3 years. I have trust issues when it comes to letting my child stay with people. I really do not want to be in the news if someone where to hurt him.

[BobbyFresco]

It's easy to pass judgement when you're not a parent. Life doesn't end just because you have children and I don't understand why some of you suggest that parents of young children should not be able to enjoy the same activities that the rest of society can partake in. However, there is a distinct difference between a three month old baby crying in comparison to a 5 year old child.

[Arm&hammer]

it would piss me off if the child was never calmed down.
but since she tried to make the child stop crying and she took care of it it wouldn't bother me.

[ironchef]

Can't stand it. Its almost as bad as a kid crying on airplane.

[Buttons]

I was at the court house the other day trying to get a title for my car. The lady in line had three kids, two able to walk and one who looked about a few months old. The baby was in the stroller, but it was crying at the top of its lungs. And the mom didn't even look at the baby. That bothers me. The mom could have at least tried to calm the baby down or something. My mom ended up going over there and rocking the baby til it hushed.

To an extent, it bothers me. I know kids will be like that. I took my niece out the other day. She's 10 months old. Sometimes she is the best baby in the world, but sometimes she's just really fussy. If she starts crying, I try to calm her down. If I can't calm her down, we just leave. I don't like bothering people.

So you did the right thing. You at least tried to make it stop. And when it didn't, you took your baby away.

[Total_Blender]

When I was little I went everywhere with my mom. The thing about infants is, like everybody said, you have to socialize them. Once they get used to crowds they are usually OK. You just have to anticipate what they want (which is usually just a diaper change, titties, or just attention). Basically the same things an 80 year old man wants .

When my sister and I were kids (3-7) knew if we showed our ass she would not hesitate to take us outside and spank us, she kept a hickory switch in the car. And we'd get another one when we got home.

[Buttons]

You dear king of asses.....has said it pretty much perfectly!!! lol *runs*

Seriously though...hit it right on the head!

x2. But the OP has to consider her audience, most of these responders are immature guys.