kids

[Stick]

You dont need money to bring up kids, I know for that for a fact. Im still a kid, got tight a*sed parents and apart from being a fell runner Im perfectly well adjusted! Mind you, I will admit to needing bussed everywhere....

Brett ol'pal - looks like Jack's posting incognito again. You ain't gonna stand for this are you?

[Martins Mrs]

Just been to my local pub for a meal with my elderly in laws. However the evening was ruined by an annoying toddler (guessing to be aged 2 ½ ), banging his toy hammer on tables and chairs whilst his parents sat chatting.
I was trying to be quite tolerant and didn’t want to make a scene. This happened between 7.15 and naughty child didn’t leave until 8.45, I would have been a bit more understanding it if it was earlier. I’m all in favour of the European idea of taking children out to eat but to the detriment of other diners?

Not having children myself I'm not sure of the etiquette in this situation or wanting to come across as Mrs Grumpy?
Should I have asked the parents to control their child?
Spoke to the child myself?
Asked a member of staff to speak to the parents?
Parents out there (JJ?) what should I have done?
What would other forum members have done?

[over the hill?]

I like it when other people's children are unruly. It gives me perspective.

[Swoop]

Just been to my local pub for a meal.

What! Less than 48 hours before a big race!!

[Joliver Jim]

Just been to my local pub for a meal with my elderly in laws. However the evening was ruined by an annoying toddler (guessing to be aged 2 ½ ), banging his toy hammer on tables and chairs whilst his parents sat chatting.
I was trying to be quite tolerant and didn’t want to make a scene. This happened between 7.15 and naughty child didn’t leave until 8.45, I would have been a bit more understanding it if it was earlier. I’m all in favour of the European idea of taking children out to eat but to the detriment of other diners?

Not having children myself I'm not sure of the etiquette in this situation or wanting to come across as Mrs Grumpy?
Should I have asked the parents to control their child?
Spoke to the child myself?
Asked a member of staff to speak to the parents?
Parents out there (JJ?) what should I have done?
What would other forum members have done?

I dunno, it's hard to say. I'm always acutely aware of my children's behaviour in public places and I'd never take the two smallest horrors into a pub so late but on the other hand it's always such a relief to go into places where children are made to feel welcome.

A case of striking the right balance I suppose. Me personally would have had a little word with the brat in a nice way. You could have done a Bytey and say "I eat children like you." It worked on mine.

[Martins Mrs]

What! Less than 48 hours before a big race!!

Dam internet entry lists, is there nothing secret anymore?
Good excuse - family duties, mother in laws birthday - honest