Ask Rene:
Of Kids, Manners And Restaurants
Hey Rene,
I’m single and childless but my married sister, Caroline, has three kids, ages 3, 5, and 7. The kids are adorable but can’t seem to sit quietly when we go out to eat. They run around the restaurant screaming and bumping into other diners. My sister says nothing. Last week, an annoyed diner yelled at the kids and actually told my sister that she needed to control her “little monsters.” My sister was insulted, so we paid the check, collected the kids and left.
The funny thing is, I agreed with the annoyed diner! When I’m out at a restaurant with parents who let their kids run wild or scream at the top of their lungs while others are dining, it drives me crazy.
Do you think I have the right to tell other parents to control their children and should I tell my sister that her kids are out of control?
Debbie, Ohio
Dear Debbie:
Okay there are two issues here: Annoying kids at restaurants and whether you have a right to say something. Here’s my take on both and what I think you can do.
Kids In Restaurants
