Chicago Restaurant Takes a Stand Against Bratty Kids

http://www.cnn.com/2005/EDUCATION/12/06/kids.behaving.badly.ao/index.html

Restaurant owner, Dan McCaulry, posted a sign in his restaurant that read,"Children of all ages have to behave and use their inside voices". This sign caused a wave of controversy in the Chicago neighborhood in which the restaurant resides. So much so, that it gained national attention. The situation caused the nation to question parent's responsibility for their children's behavior.

The controversy began when residents of the nieghborhood complained that they and their children felt un-welcome in Dan McCaulry's restaurant. They claimed that the sign was insensitive to families and the nature of children. McCaulry claimed that his only intention was to remind people to set limits for their children and keep an eye on them while they were in his restaurant.

As the owner of a buisiness, McCaulry has the responsibility to look after the well being of all of his customers. He must ensure that his customers can enjoy a peaceful meal with out the distraction of misbehaving children. As a waitress, I have witnessed hundreds of families eat in a classy restaurant. There are indeed families who have very well behaved children, who are well versed in polite etiquette. There have also been a number of uncontrolled children in the restaurant. Such children are not only unpleasent to other customers, but they can pose a danger to others. When children run about a restaurant un-supervised they pose the threat of bumping into a waiter with a tray full food or hot coffee.

When in a place of buisiness, even a restaurant, it is the parent's responsibility to ensure their children's good behavior. If parents cannot control their children, they should either get a babysitter, takeout, or go to McDonalds.