Today we played a new game. It was called Restaurant. Lissa got to be the waitress and I was the bratty kid. I screeched, demanded things, confused my order, and made a mess. I wanted crayons and I scribbled on the play table (telling her she had to clean it), I didn't say please or thank you. I screamed for crackers and threw them on the floor (whispering to her that she needed to sweep it up, it was HER job)..and I left her a penny. She was so mad. At one point, she said, just make up your mind, you're driving me crazy!!*
Then we did it again and I played nice, was polite and left her a whole dollar. Not only was it fun and hilarious, but, I think she learned something and it only cost me a dollar. She told me next time she goes out to eat, she's going to be extra nice and use her words and manners. I wish I'd done this years ago, she's actually pretty polite in public now.
*
Can you imagine waiting on that kid in the top pic? Uhh, no thank you.
13 comments:
Cool... one dollar and lesson learned! Best way to teach a child, let them see how they would like to be on the receiving end of bad manners.
You're a good gramma :) Lissa sounds like a good kid & I'd love to spend time with her (don't say that about most little kids. Too many are illmannered monsters)
Pat, that is the absolute coolest thing that I've heard in a long time and I'm going to remember this. As a waitress I appreciate someone taking the time to make my job easier, but as a grandparent I really like the idea of taking responsibility for ensuring a pleasant dining experience for everyone. On behalf of waitresses everywhere, we appreciate you taking the time to teach Lissa how it feels to clean up after a bratty kid. Wish more people would do that.....
i think the bitchy waiter would love this idea!
That's awesome.
When my youngest boy was four years old he once asked a server if they could heat up his soup. It wasn't hot enough. Bitch told him no honey then it will be to hot. He refused to eat it until it was warmed up. I had to put it in carry out and heat it up at home. and it was pretty luke warm.
But I digress, what is with the parents that seem oblivious that there child is ruining everyone within a 20 feet dinning experience. I hate that, just because you have learned to tune them out don't expect the rest of us too. I have worked in restaurants a long time. I have run on to the parent that damn near expects staff to watch them as they explore all the high traffic areas at a run. Dangerous! The kid needs a nice lesson like yours the parent needs a swift kick.
Noelle, I find that when they're under your feet a well timed kick to the leg will make the little buggers scatter.
I so agree. What about the mess they leave? Bread and cheerios everywhere, god knows what smeared all over the high chairs...I made my son clean up his mess at restaurants. After dinner he and I would pick everything up off the floor that was dropped and we'd wipe down the high chair. Kids don't even notice the mess they leave behind and parents who allow it are not doing their kids any favours.
I'm in food service and I can't stand the way people talk to you like you're an idiot. Their children pick that up and adopt their attitudes. Respect is something everyone deserves.
Having just sold mt restaurant after nearly 12 years I can only support the following quote from a hospitality worker
"I used to have faith in humanity until I started working in hospitality"
Too true, no regrets bat selling and getting a different life
:-)
I was in Starbucks the other day, patiently waiting my turn. The line was very long and there were several people in front of me and several people behind me. A parent and child got on line and the child proceeded to push his way through the line so he could look in the treat case. Mind you he was not polite and stepped on many toes, including mine. This kid then began LICKING the front of the treat case!! The dad, who is in the back of the line and no where near his child just says, "No tongue". His kid didn't bat an eye and kept right on licking away all the way down to the metal strip at the bottom of the case, Dad didn't do crap to stop him. 1st, I would have never let my kids push through a line. They stayed next to me....or else! 2nd, just YUCK! What kind of parent lets their kids lick things in public and doesn't do jack to stop them?
It's not just restaurants that people let their kids run wild in...it's all over. My parents would have kicked my butt for behaving rudely in public. Their motto was, "Children should be seen and not heard." We were a loud bunch at home but in public, not a peep unless asked.
Great job DD. I think kids really pick up on hands on training than just telling them. Stop it, quit it and your acting up. Sometimes they need to see it first hand. So they realize boy im acting up. I better start behaving.
Ava does pretty good behaving and listening when we are out.
She does have her moments when she wants to get down and play. But I try to bring things for her to do.
The worst time ever in a restaurant. Was they had kids eat free for the price of a adult meal. One parent had 5 kids. From age 2-13. Ava bite into a cracker and just slightly cried. The one 4 year old turned around in her chair and told my daughter to SHUT UP. while we were eating and this parents 5 kids were screaming, caring on harping at each other throwing things and etc. This parent didn't do anything about her child telling my child to SHUT UP..
SEA dat? Who Dat now? The team that sent the superbowl champs packin'! GO SEAHAWKS! Take DAT!
This is a wonderful idea! Good for you. I always felt "less than" when I had to stand there and take orders from a 4 year old...
Sometimes a teaching moment for a parent--is actually humiliating for a waitress.
Sally,
UGH! I HATE when parents let their kids order. They don't know what they want and I can't hear them. There's no reason you can't order for your toddler. Speaking to a waitress isn't a hard task to learn at a later date.
That's my biggest complaint, parents who let toddlers order when you're swamped. I used to smile and walk away. When you're slow, it's fine, but, not when it's busy.
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