Friend's out-of-control children

[sidonie1]

Disclaimer: this is just a rant really.

Have you ever taken your children out to the park to meet friends and been rained off, only to have to find refuge in the nearest cafe?

We've done this twice this week and both times have been disastrous.

I think I have pretty high standards for behaviour in public. In somewhere like a cafe, where other people are trying to enjoy a coffee and conversation, I don't let them run round; shout; climb under tables; scream; play tag.

They have to sit quietly and eat or drink, and share conversation at a sensible pitch. They're three boys under four. They can do it.

But... add a small friend into the mix who doesn't follow these rules and I've found both times I've been scowled at by other customers, assuming it's my children causing the mayhem, whilst my friend chatters on obliviously to the commotion.

I think one of the things that frustrates me most is that the out-of-control child is fuelling child-hater's reasons to hate. I do get that it's annoying to have kids going nuts nearby when you're trying to enjoy a moment of relaxation. I really get it.

So what do you do?

Go to a child friendly cafe if possible, preferably with an area where children can play safely. Or make some excuses and go home instead.

I don't think you have high expectations, I think it's normal to expect children not to run round, shout, climb under tables, scream or play tag. In a cafe, running round, climbing under tables or playing tag is dangerous!

I think that people who dislike children will do so irrespective of what the children are actually doing. Anyone who actually likes children will most likely not blame the child, and silently judge the parenting instead.