A recent incident at Dragon Pizza in Massachusetts sparked a conversation about dining with children when the pizzeria went viral for kicking out a group of parents whose children were causing a disruption. While the restaurant assured the public that it loves kids, it made clear that negligence, such as allowing children to play unsupervised, is not acceptable in a dining space. This incident, which made headlines including coverage by People Magazine, raised questions about the expectations of restaurant owners when it comes to dining with kids. So, where should the line be drawn between good customer service and unnecessary babysitting? Delish spoke to restaurateurs and examined Reddit threads to find out.
Do: Encourage Kids to Explore the Menu
Mendel Segal, owner of Mendel’s Kansas City BBQ, suggests that parents allow their children to experiment with the restaurant menu rather than defaulting to kids’ meals. “There’s nothing wrong with encouraging your kids to eat regular restaurant food,” Segal says. He reflects on his own childhood, sharing how much he enjoyed learning about food when dining out. Encouraging children to explore different tastes can create a more enriching experience for them and help them develop broader tastes.
Don’t: Let Kids Run Around
While it’s understandable that children can be difficult to manage, running around in a restaurant is a major no-no. This can lead to accidents such as collisions with waitstaff or spills, and it also disrupts the dining experience for others. Servers often carry hot dishes and breakable plates, making it dangerous for children to roam freely. As one Reddit user put it, “Any parent that lets their kid run around a restaurant should be jailed.”
Do: Come Prepared With a Plan
Segal advises parents to come equipped with tools to keep their children entertained and under control. This could include items like a coloring book, crayons, or an iPad. If you’re aware that your child has a short attention span, bringing something that doesn’t disturb other diners is a great solution. However, if things start to spiral and your child causes a scene, be prepared to leave. “If it falls apart, be ready to take them out,” Segal adds. Sometimes, it’s best to admit that it’s not the right moment for a meal out and address the situation at home.
Don’t: Leave a Mess Behind
While it’s acceptable to bring along distractions like snacks or toys, parents should be mindful of the mess they leave behind. Staff are there to clean up, but it’s unreasonable to expect them to handle excessive messes like crumbs from Goldfish crackers or broken crayons. Being considerate and cleaning up after yourself ensures a more pleasant experience for both the staff and future patrons.
Do: Pay Close Attention to Your Kids
Restaurant staff often express frustration when parents fail to pay attention to their children’s behavior. Kids can sometimes be charming with their antics, but these behaviors aren’t always appropriate in a restaurant setting. Many restaurant workers have encountered situations where children waste condiments, draw on tables or windows, or play with items meant for the next customers. It’s important to keep an eye on your child to ensure they aren’t damaging property or engaging in behavior that disrupts the meal for others.
Many staff members also advise against seating all children at a “kids’ table,” as it becomes harder to monitor their behavior. Mixing adults and children in a more integrated seating arrangement helps keep children under control and ensures parents can handle their behavior more effectively.
Do: Put Yourself in Others’ Shoes
Finally, as a parent, it’s important to consider how your actions impact other diners and restaurant staff. Dining out is often a break for many, including the staff who may be working long shifts. It’s crucial to be mindful of others’ experiences—especially those who might be seeking a quiet, relaxing meal after a tough day. Respect for the restaurant and its patrons goes a long way in ensuring that everyone has an enjoyable dining experience.
Ultimately, dining out with children can be challenging, but with the right approach and consideration, parents can create a positive experience for their family while respecting those around them.
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