So why must others speak so loudly that someone sitting across the room can understand their every word? No one is interested in their cruise to the Caribbean. And their lack of respect for others reveals low self-respect.
The other situation is when parents allow their children to run free in the restaurant, which is usually accompanied with these children yelling as if they were at recess on a school playground. Those parents turn a blind eye and deaf ear to their unruly children.
A restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia has a printed a caveat on its menu for parents, asking them to remove their unruly children from the restaurant. Although some patrons have not returned due to this policy, the restaurant owner claims that his business has seen a percentage increase in customers and revenue.
Patrons who respect a venue for nurturing a quiet dining experience might respect their fellow-diners with low-volume conversations as well.
A more recent news article talked about making kids more "restaurant-friendly." The most important suggestion, I believe, centered on speaking with children about behavior.
ReplyDeleteChildren must understand that their behavior in public is governed by specific rules. When the rules are explained and understood, children should never be loud and unruly. It is important to provide appropriate activities that support children who are expected to remain quietly seated at the table.
Appetizers, main course, and dessert might turn into too lengthy an ordeal for children. Skip the appetizer and order dessert to go (or skip that as well). The shorter stay can help kids remain restaurant-friendly.