I recently read an article about Olde Salty's restaurant, in North Carolina, that posted a sign reading—“Screaming Children Will Not Be Tolerated”.
Hummmmm…..
Does a restaurant owner have the right? One mom, Kelly Chambliss, doesn’t think so. She believes Olde Salty’s is discriminating against her son because he is autistic.
Ms. Chambliss--are you serious??? Isn’t that a little extreme?
Do you think it’s alright for you to remain in a restaurant with a screaming child, autistic or not, and spoiling the dinner of everyone around you? Talk about indigestion!! What about the parents who have paid for a sitter to enjoy some time away from their kids, and the whole time they have to listen to a screaming child? They could have gotten that at home for free. Don’t they have a right to an enjoyable dinner?
Here, let's get a little more extreme.... Maybe the restaurant should sue the parents of screaming children. Screaming children drive away customers, which results in loss of income.
Ka-ching!
People!! Let’s try on some of that seemingly uncommon, common courtesy, some more of that good old-fashioned respect. If your child is throwing a fit in a restaurant, or your baby won’t stop crying, remove them. Trip to the bathroom? Outside? To-go box??
Maybe our rights as parents have been stripped down. I think there are people who want to discipline, but are afraid, so they resort to lazy parenting. It’s just easier to give in. You don’t like the whining, the crying, and you want it to stop. Totally get that. But giving in to the whining--giving a child what they want because they are whining??? Whew.….that's bad news. That’s when they get what they need—a swat on the butt, maybe? Can’t do that, though—you might get arrested.
(Now child abuse is a total extreme to what I’m talking. Let’s keep that in mind. I am also not suggesting spanking an autistic child. We're talking generalities here. Don’t want those extremist breathing down my neck.)
No means NO! It doesn’t mean having a fit, or whining and carrying on to get your way. It means 'No--and if you don’t stop, you’re going to be sorry'. If that lesson is learned early on, you’re golden. You’ve won half the war right there. Pick your battles--the important ones. Your child acting a fool in public—that’s kind of an important one.
I applaud Ms. Chambliss for being an advocate for her child. Kudos! But I think she is being very extreme with her allegations of discrimination. Olde Salty’s just wants to create a pleasant environment for all their customers. They aren’t saying that kids aren’t welcome, but merely screaming and crying won’t be tolerated. If an adult were to behave in such a manner, as to disrupt other patrons, I'm sure any restaurant could ask them to leave. Why not an out of control child and their parents?
Maybe Olde Salty’s should change their sign to read—
Screaming People Will Not Be Tolerated
Amen
ReplyDelete