Why do people bring bratty children to restaurants?

Dear Ms. HeartBeat:
I can think of very few things more rude than bringing an infant to a theater or nice restaurant. I think if you can’t get a sitter, you need to sit your butt at home! The audacity of some people is staggering. Has this happened to you? How do you handle that kind of incident?

Signed,
Tired of Other People’s Children

Ms. HeartBeat Responds:
Here in the San Francisco Bay Area most theatres have rules against bringing infants into the facility. Movies cost $10-15 per person. Add popcorn and a soda for 2 and you are out $40. There is no way I am paying that kind of money to have my good time ruined by some screaming brat.

Some parents think that because THEY feel the sun rises and sets on their little monster’s heads that everyone thinks that way. No, we really don’t. Nobody is interested in your demon spawn but you, folks! No one wants to see them, and especially hear them when we are trying to have a good time.

The screaming, laughing, gurgling, whining, crying – nothing. That is why we left OUR kids at home, to get away from the little crumb snatchers. I am sick and tired of kids screaming and running around while their old parents sit there and do nothing to correct their behavior.

I find that older parents are especially guilty of this type of behavior, people in their 40s that you would think should know better. Many parents now apparently weren’t raised to respect others and that’s why their kids are disrespectful, loud and virtually uncontrollable. So, to have an adult evening out enjoying ourselves while you selfishly ruin hundreds of people’s good time because you think you have the right to bring your brat with you everywhere you go is just stupid.

In response, more businesses around the country are refusing to have children in the premises – no children allowed at all. Unlike senior citizens, children are not part of a protected class, so there’s no law that prevents a restaurant from banning them if it chooses to do so. In response, many parents got insulted and wished that the restaurants would go under. But the restaurants have the last laugh! Each business reported an increase in business due to the decision to ban young children. The “no children” laws are spreading even into Canada, and find favor with older adults, childless young people and even parents that want to enjoy a quiet evening out.

Actually, when you think about these rules and why they were instituted, the restaurants aren’t really banning children… they are banning inconsiderate parents! All parents need to leave their brats at home more often. Say “NO!” to them more often. Set rules for your children and yourself for appropriate behavior when in the company of other people. So to answer your question I say:

No, they do not belong in movie theaters.
No, they do not belong in classy restaurants.
No, they do not belong at plays and dance performances.
No, they do not belong at concerts.
No, they do not belong at bars whether in restaurants or not.
No, they do not belong at nightclubs.

MsHeartBeat

Relationship and dating advice columnist of Ask HeartBeat! Has enjoyed dishing out insightful yet hilariously funny advice, tersely worded reality checks and "let me slap you upside the head" wake up calls to men and women around the globe since 1991.