Children in Restaurants

I just caught a little of a report on NBC about restaurants that have been and/or are beginning to make serious decisions about how loud children can be in their restaurants. Some mothers seemed very upset about this new trend. As for me, a grandmother now, I would like to know more details. Please accept my following comments as my personal opinion only with no intention of altering anyone else's. I have eaten in restaurants where no children were present and I was barely able to hear due to acoustics of the building and/or loud-mouthed adults in general. First, I want to know if the noise level of the building will be considered as a factor in these decisions. How loud is too loud? Will there be decibel monitors set up to determine this? How many adults will have to first complain or how many warnings do the guardians get before asked to leave?

Second, what behaviors of children constitute being too loud? Is it crying and temper tantrums, running around yelling, or laughter? (The laughter wouldn't bother me). Noise of children (unless it is totally out-of-control, excruciatingly loud, or kicking, hitting, on the floor, etc) doesn't bother me, BUT NURSING IN RESTAURANTS DOES! I believe that is something that is private for the parents and needs to be taken care of prior to entering or after leaving the restaurant. That habit is offensive to me and many others people, too. Smoking in most restaurants and public places has been curtailed for its offense to people (for which I don't mind since it is physically offensive). Is all of this happening because we are an aging society who wants more tranquility in our lives? (As a snowbird, one thing I miss seeing in our Florida park is children! Instead, what we often see is too many adults walking around with dogs on leashes picking up poop, too often using our space as their place of relief. Then, too, dogs like to bark at each other, cry in their RV's when left alone, etc. Now, I have nothing against dog lovers because I love them too. I just feel there are appropriate and inappropriate places for them: dogs have become a status symbol to some retirees. It seems that a new equation has been written: Retirement and RVing=1 or more pets. (No offense intended. Many times I believe people equate the two because they miss their little children so much).

Finally, what if the family is already eating when misbehavior begins? Will they get they meals in take-out boxes? Will they be forced to pay for the meal before leaving? (Hmm, that's an idea!).

I know these are issues with which many are concerned. What is going on today? It seems that almost everything is an issue for somebody today. Do we just voice our opinions more or are we becoming so self-centered that we want our ways about everything? I do have a few issues as everyone does, some to which I have alluded in this blog. What can we do to help solve all these problems? How can we help the parents with unruly children? How can we help others become more tolerant of other people's rights? I know what I will personally do: I will pray for this country, this people, this democracy in which we live. I will pray for God's blessings on us all and ask Him for forgiveness for our actions!...Perhaps you would join me in this venture?