Their just kids was the response?? Not acceptable and I 100% agree with the ban. When my kids were little we used McDonalds as the training ground and taught our kids that you sit at the table and eat your dinner in a polite manner. You NEVER run or yell in the resturant. My kids were often horrified at other kids behaviour as they would run screaming through the resturant to the playground. I taught my kids that no matter how others may behave we did noy behave that way. We could safely take our children to resturants and knew that they would not let us down. They were never allowed toys or phones at the table. We sit and discuss our day at meal times.

Banning iphones and ipads are one thing, but colouring pads, I mean, really.

I think it’s a fine of him to band those things. I think it’s important to try and teach kids to be patient or to have fun without things to do in front of them.
I have 3 kids under 4 and it’s definitely a challenge to take them out to dinner, but it’s a good learning experience for them to sit at the table etc.
I do understand how the wait can be quite long sometimes. In those cases I don’t think a bit of colouring would hurt. My son was never the colouring type, so wouldn’t help him anyway lol.
We avoid restaurants as much as we can and try do take away at a playground instead. Much easier!

I agree wholeheartedly with him – my children always behaved when we went out to a restaurant – it was a treat and if they didn’t behave they didn’t get that treat again for a long while. Why have children if you don’t engage with them and introduce them to different food and experiences including behaving themselves.

I agree wholeheartedly with him. When we took our boys out for a meal the stipulation was they behaved and ate their meal. How would these parents like it if they went out for a meal to relax and enjoy themselves, having a child minder at home with their kids, and others let their kids run around and annoy them.

I have no issue with these rules and I would dine there because of them. We now live in a world where there is no respect for rules or others. Often in the movies, I’ve witnessed people on their phones, flicking through their social media channels, and even taking phone calls. I think sadly, we have absolutely lowered the bar in terms of acceptable behaviour and manners. I do not think this owner is asking too much. If you took the time to just sit back and observe a dining area, I think you might be shocked by what you see. People don’t communicate with each other any more, or look someone in the eye, observe their surroundings, or even share a smile. I love that this man is fighting the fight for communication. I wish there were more like him. And if you don’t like those rules, you simply don’t dine there but choose somewhere else where you can disengage from your children.

I can understand them being upset about kids drawing on the napkins, etc that’s disrespectful. But I think the whole phone thing is a little extreme. I mean I agree with engaging with each other. I hate hubby playing with his phone and ignoring me, but occasionally people might like to send sms messages or even look at content together while waiting and I don’t think people like being told what to do. Especially when they’ve paid good money.

I think it all depends on how long the meals take to prepare, we recently took our 2 kids out no devices, but we asked for colouring which we used the colouring as a game because our meals seemed to take quite awhile and kids were becoming restless.

I know a family who have 2 young children who always finish eating their small meals before the parents go and they tend to sit and talk for a few minutes too. The children are allowed to have their colouring books and pencils on the table when their dishes are removed by the staff, The children (including the 3 y.o.) know they are not allowed to leave the table and run around at all.

wow i can understand banning devices, but colouring books, puzzles seems a bit much.
I know he is trying to encourage engagement but asd kids, that can be difficult. With really young kids its also difficult trying to keep them still, quiet for the hour plus it takes to get a meal at a restaurant.

I’m on the fence with this.
I think once food has come out phones and devices get packed away. I give my daughter either my phone or get her to colour in while she waits for her food to be brought it. Otherwise she gets really restless.
However being on your phone or device in front of people is highly rude. Especially at the table.

Yes I agree with him, it is not an entertainment space, it is a dining experience, and I think he has the right to say what is acceptable, he does say he wants children and parents to engage and enjoy the food and if you are taking kids along who don’t enjoy the experience than maybe you should get a baby sitter before going out. Go to a place that has a indoor play area if it is a problem for you.

He’s banning it from the table, and i agree with him! We have the same policy in this house.
I once seen a photo a mum posted of her young daughter out for tea with her friends for her birthday. The kids are sitting around the table all heads down on their devices

no. Do not tell me how to experience my children and life, you don’t know how my day has been and maybe going out to dinner was a way to destress, you don’t like the way people have their dinner dates don’t own a restaurant

It is harsh banning everything however there are plenty of places to eat. If you don’t like it, then eat somewhere else?

I’m on the fence. I too hate seeing kids attached to devices, but at least their parents are trying to keep them quiet.

The restaurant can have rules and people will decide if it is for them. We do not use devices when out but every family is different. Colouring books and pencils are fine as long as parents monitor the use and of course tidy up and ensure nothing is left on the floor or table. It is about respect!

I understand the activity packs being an issue and loud iPads etc but as long as the kids are quiet and well behaved it really shouldn’t matter.

Difficult to say. I guess a lot of families wouldn’t go out anymore, or just to places like McDonalds. I always brought a notebook for my daughter to use at the table. She could draw and write if she wanted to. And of course I was checking that she wasn’t drawing on the table. That parents let their kids do that is really outrageous.

I understand his point, but for some children an ipad or colouring book can be helpful to keep them sitting at the table and not causing a drama. My youngest gets really scared in restaurants and cries and cries and cries, her ipad can help her to settle down besides holding her and dancing a bit around.