A while back, I wrote a blog called (a bit dramatically), Why does our society hate children? Unlike most of other blogs, which are about creativity, this one kind of "took off" (in the "a lot of people read it" sense). My point was that we are often strikingly mean and insensitive to parents with small children in public places. My perhaps understated assumption was that these parents were mostly attentive, active parents, not the folks who let their kids run all wild and willy-nilly (which is a great word). The general consensus in the comments was that I was histrionic, clueless, and absolutely moronic (none of which I can particularly argue with).
My point is not to dredge up the original topic but to expand on my thoughts, triggered by another recent news article. Specifically:
(actual sign)
The Olde Salty restaurant in North Carolina has stirred passions with this message to patrons who are parents.
"It has been a good thing for us," Armes told NBC affiliate WECT. "It has brought in more customers than it has ever kept away."
[snip]
But not all agree: In fact, one local woman told the station she believes the sign is downright illegal. Kelly Chambliss, the mother of an autistic child, accused Armes of discriminating against special-needs children.
There's a poll at the end of the article asking if readers think the restaurant should be allowed to maintain the ban. 93% say yes. Many of the comments on this article are people supporting the restaurant (perhaps some of the same people who weren't big fans of my original article), with a few criticizing the restaurant for insensitivity.
My general reaction is: that's fine. Sidestepping the autism issue (it doesn't seem to have been the main point of the sign), I have no objection to this policy. I probably wouldn't eat there - but then they're not after my business anyway.
I prefer this approach.
Here's what I don't understand - and my business idea that I wish would take off:
Why aren't there restaurants FOR people with children? I don't mean fast food places like McDonalds, or "family" restaurants that are generally child-friendly (California Pizza Kitchen, Mimi's, etc). I'm talking about places specifically aimed at people with children. There used to be a restaurant in Davis, California, that had a play area for the children and nearby sitting for the adults; it's now gone. I've never seen another one (if you know of one, especially in Southern California, please let me know in the comments section).
Kid-centered theatre is everywhere. If you go to see "The Emperor's New Clothes" by the Children's Youth Theatre, you know you'll be surrounded by active kids yelling at the stage. It's a great "training ground" for parents who eventually want children who like theatre. The actors know they're performing for kids. The ushers know they're surrounded by kids. Nobody's forced to be there.
Most of the opinion about children in public places seems to be divided into the groups who think children should be seen but not heard (and, ideally, bound and gagged) and those who think that children have a right to be everyone, regardless of location or behavior. I think there's a middle ground, filled with the same people who go to kids' theatre and playgrounds.
I'd love to see a restaurant with playpens, Legos, and board games everywhere. No one without children will go there - and that's fine. They don't have to. I'd be happy to eat in a place where I don't need to worry (as much) about my kid's behavior, probably just as happy as some are to eat in a place with no screaming children.
And I bet there would be enough business to keep it open and thriving.
Certainly, he would eat his share.
