Don’t Ban Kids, Help Guide Them
Instead of prohibiting kids from certain businesses, parents should be teaching them proper manners.
Don't ban kids! Instead, teach them proper manners.
Stephanie Frey
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I’m not happy about the recent movement to ban children from certain restaurants, airlines or movie theaters.
I enjoy dining out, traveling and going to the movies; I also have a 9-, 6- and 2-year-old. Just because I have children I shouldn’t be restricted as to where I spend my money.
Children are going to act up and most of the time and they’re not going to give you any warning. It’s our job as parents to take control of the situation.
As a child, my parents took my brother and I out to dinner quite often, we learned early on to be polite and have proper table manners.
I try to instill those same values in my own children. But kids are unpredictable and they’re going to make mistakes now and again.
When my husband and I want to enjoy an evening alone, we hire a sitter. When we want to dine out with the kids we plan accordingly: get there early, sit in a booth and if my toddler acts up my husband and I take turns walking her around outside.
Sometimes just a little fresh air can change her demeanor, other times, it means an abrupt end to our dinner, so we head home. Children shouldn’t be banned from restaurants; parents should take more responsibility and be considerate of others.
If people complain about a loud child at a restaurant, I say, “What about the rude customer who talks loudly on their cell phones?”
Frankly, I have been that parent in line at Trader Joes with a cranky kid. I do my best to get in and out, but sometimes you just need to get it done right now.
Children are the future adults of the world, let’s show them how to act properly and when they don’t, let’s help them, not restrict them.
What do you think about banning children from restaurants or other businesses?
Tell us in the comments.
Bradley Bobbs
8:18 am on Saturday, July 30, 2011
While it is certainly a good idea that "parents should take more responsibility and be considerate of others" and show kids "how to act properly and when they don’t, let’s help them", this does mean that kids should not be banned anywhere.
No matter how much parents are encouraged to be more responsible in this regard, there will inevitably be disturbances by kids. You even admit that your own kids sometimes cause disturbances. While it is responsible of you to take the kids outside briefly, or just head home, when this happens, a disturbance to other customers has already been created.
Just because you have kids and like to go to restaurants is no reason that a restaurant owner must allow what you want. Many people would like to do all kinds of things at restaurants that would disturb others, but this does not mean that the restaurant should allow it. You mention the example of people talking on cell phones. This IS banned in many restaurants, and of course in all airplanes and movie theatres. Should we remove all these bans and instead encourage people to use cell phones responsibly? What about smoking bans -- do you think that smoking should be allowed everywhere just because some people want this?
I do sympathize with your wanting the opportunity to go to restaurants, airplanes, and movie theatres where you may bring your kids along. However, I do NOT sympathize with your wanting to deny others the opportunity to go to these places in a kid-free environment.
Steve
9:54 am on Saturday, July 30, 2011
I raised 4, so I am not "anti-kid." I support a ban on children in certian areas and establishments. Too many of today's parents of young children want to be their children's friend, not their parent. They will not or can not control their precious little darlings. Please, bring on the ban!! I can enjoy a great dinner with a good dry cabernet, and they can go to Happy Harry's Hamburger Heaven.
Bradley Bobbs
6:12 am on Monday, August 1, 2011
Whoops: My 1st sentence should have ended with "this does NOT mean that kids should not be banned anywhere".
Barbara Hirsch
9:49 am on Monday, August 1, 2011
I'm all for it. There are a lot of restaurants, movies, airlines and other public accommodations in the world. It's not like your children are all of the sudden not going to be able to go places. But there should be some places for adults to have a nice meal and not have to see children -- even well-behaved children. Even Disney World has a childfree restaurant (Victoria & Albert's).
And airplanes? OMG. There is nothing like getting on a plane to London and having some kid cry and kick your seat for 8 hours as happened to me many years ago. Now I ONLY fly first class or charter, and the main reason is to ensure that I have a peaceful ride. Despite the fact that Malaysia Airlines has banned children from first class, it is very rare to see a baby or child there, because most families can't afford the thousands for the ticket.
For years the only way I've been able to avoid the badly behaved children of today is to price myself out of it. But you shouldn't have to be wealthy to eat a meal in peace, or take an airplane ride. I think peace and quiet should be something that's available (and affordable) to everyone.
I'm all for some accommodations being adults only.