How Much Mess do Your Kids Make???
Several years prior to BJ being born the wife and I were at a restaurant where we witnessed a group of 5 ladies eating at a table with 5 plus infants/toddlers. The first thing we noticed was how poorly behaved the children were acting, and the parents acting as that type of behavior was cute. The kids had complete control of the table and got to do whatever they pleased. (Keep reading, this post is not about the kids behavior, but the inconsiderate nature of the parents.)
We have all witnessed similar scenes, but what really got our attention was the lack of concern when the party left their table. See, the children left a small mountain of food, utensils, paper-products and a lost toy on the restaurant floor. Once the restaurant staff of four(4) pulled out the chairs, we could see the scope of the damage. It looked like the kids were underneath the table building a sand castles. The parents divided up the bill, got up and left without any attempt to apologize or clean up the mess. I promise you, this was a total disaster that required multiple carpet sweepers and a vacuum cleaner. At that point in time, I made a mental note to never be so inconsiderate and at least attempt to clean up my child's mess.
Since BJ's birth, I have always tried to be considerate of restaurant staff and at least attempt to clean up any mess we have left. At home it's a must because there's no wait staff to do it for you, so why not make it easier for yourself. It's hard to keep a toddler entertained while eating out or at home, but the Piggy Platter Placemat is here to help.
(Click to enlarge)
It's a shatterproof, stain-resistant plastic mat that allows you to insert material to keep your child's attention. The option I love the most is the removable plastic gutter to catch "run-away" cheerios. Although this is more suited for dining at home, the concept is fantastic. As an alternative, you could always bring the family dog to the restaurant to catch your droppings. I love this product and highly recommend it.
6 comments
Whenever there are kids out of control,the parents are out of control too.
Well, I wish I could say I am surprised. My wife’s family are the kind of people you don’t want to eat with at a restaurant because of behavior like this, among others.
BTW, popping in to vote for you in BOTB, good luck!
i always prided myself on the fact that i made my kids behave in public…at resturants, grocery stores etc…the nice thing about a small amt. of child abuse…is once they know you will use it…you don’t have to…once in a store mojo was about 4-5 and sitting quietly in the cart writing her pretend grocery list..and some mother with about 6 kids running and screaming and throwing things in the cart and knocking stuff on the floor..it was enough to make you punch the mother…mojo looked at them..looked at me..and said ‘you’d kill me if i did that’…and i smiled and said..’and don’t you forget it’…she got ice cream on the way home for being a good girl…( i read her grocery list)
Jackiesue,
Mojo’s comment deserved ice cream…good for her and good for your home training…..
Mr. Fab,
We all got family like that.
Michelle,
Like parents like children
In most cases a kids behavior is a reflection of their parents behaviors/ attitudes. Yes there are kids with ADD but it seems that almost everyone and their dog has that these days, so I’m starting to think that a lot of it is a fad diagnosis. I don’t have any kids yet but if and when I do I hope that I can raise them to be polite and respectful, and to have enough of an attention span that they can amuse themselves when in boring situations (ie restaurants etc). The Piggy Platter looks like a great idea. Have you tried that one yourself? I mean for little B – not you!
Hi there.
Ever since Ben was a baby we have been doing various activities while in restaurants. Like trivia. The past year or so the trivia has been centered around our government, and Ben seems to enjoy the game. Or we make up stories etc to keep him occupied. I am not surprised about the amount of mess you described, we see it all the time. My family and I would just never let that happen.
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