Toddlers in restaurants - a social battlefield

I live close to a fine Italian restaurant, whose owner has the reputation of being rather grumpy when it comes to ill-behaved children.

It is precisely that attitude that allows him to have a packed house every night. Children are allowed in, but if the parents are unable to make the nasty little beasts behave, he tosses you and your larvae OUT. And he expects you to pay the bill as well.

I watched him do this once. He received a standing ovation from the civilized people in the restaurant. I left a 50% tip.

When I see large numbers of children in an eating establishment these days, i turn around and leave. I'm not that hungry. If the little vermin arrive and begin to act up, I asked to be moved, and i am not quiet about it at all. I have no problems humiliating bad parents. Perhaps i will shame them in to doing a better job.

And yes, I do have grandchildren. they behave. In public and at home. I have no problems taking them anywhere. If they behaved in any other fashion, they would not be allowed in my home, much less be seen in public with me. My wife feels the same way about all of this.

Note to parents: Your children are not as angelic and adorable as you think they are. instead, they are likely examples of your appalling parenting skills.