I was reading Gawker today and came across this story that as a longtime restaurant employee I found interesting.  Essentially, a restaurant located at a driving range no longer allows kids under six years old to enjoy time at their establishment.  Of course, this angers some people.  I think it’s fantastic and I hope other restaurants join them in their idea.  Most kids under six require much more work for restaurants that do not cater to families than they are worth.  A driving range eatery does not cater to little kids.

The owner of the restaurant released this statement:

“Beginning July 16, 2011 McDain’s Restaurant will no longer admit children under 6 years of age,” it said. “We feel that McDain’s is not a place for young children. Their volume can’t be controlled and many, many times they have disturbed other customers.”

The Max when he was seven at a restaurant in New Orleans.

I think that says it clearly.  Sure, there are a lot of parents who actually do control their kids in public.  However, those that do not have a good reign on their children’s behavior don’t always realize it. I am sure these are the patrons they are trying to avoid.

Everyone parent and most non-parents have a great amount of wisdom to pronounce when they are discussing child rearing and discipline.  We should believe that the individuals with the strictest ideals have the glowing pristine children who always say please and thank you, never crush crackers on the carpet and dump cups of root beer on the table, and of course, they never scream.  Not true.  I feel as though I have a strict parenting style, but when my son was young he did not obey my rules.  He screamed.  He wanted to run around and sitting for the hour it takes to order, eat, and pay for a meal was never gonna happen unless he was a little baby and sleeping the entire time.

So, if this offends you because it is not your child, go somewhere else.  Most places do allow children.  And when you visit a place that no longer allows your kids, be grateful that you don’t have to put up with the other kids who have parents not nearly as glorious as you.

Let me end with this:  Whenever I hear a parent brag endlessly about their well behaved child it usually means the kid is a bit wild.  Calm, quiet kids speak for themselves with no need for parental explanation.  And if your kid is wild (as mine was and still is sometimes) don’t give up.  One day you’ll turn around and they are nine years old and good most of the time, which means they’ll sit still when you hug them. 🙂