Parents, what would you do in this situation?

[LowonLuck]

Originally Posted by Murk

There is absolutely no way of knowing whether her kids "yelps" of excitement were really shrill screams, albeit short, or exactly how soon after "growing restless" they were taken out of the restaurant.

Like the writer herself so astutely pointed out, there are two sides to every story and everyone has their own comfort levels, etc.

I rather think both parties behaved badly for their snotty remarks. The busy-body could have moved or asked for more quiet if they were being noisy. The mom taught her kids that "winning" even if it's mean, is the goal in inter-personal relationships.

This. I would have had to watch and listen to the kids to make that determination.

I know I do find that I strongly dislike children and their antics, although I love my own dearly. But I do not put up with much crap from them.

We dine out no less than 6-8 times a week. This is sit down restaurants, not take out. My teenager is fine to go to nicer venues that serve multiple courses. No way in heck would I expect my 6 year old boy to handle that. He is quiet but sitting for hours for food is beyond his capabilities. He does fine at the chains and local casual dining restaurants, and we order an appetizer and entree or entree and dessert, never all three. My children are very good about sitting patiently, and coloring or playing games on their devices.

We ate at Chili's last Friday night and a young child in a high chair was shrieking at the top of its lungs. My own children were watching me waiting for me to go off. I would never allow them to sit and scream. I would yank them up faster than they could blink.

Bottom line, we are paying on average $100-$125 to feed our family at an establishment, so I may enjoy my meal. Having a loud, obnoxious child makes the meal a dreadful experience. I will not allow my kids to act like fools and I expect other parents to do the same.