If there is a kids menu and a playground, then you expect to hear noisy kids. If I went out for a nice expensive dinner at a restaurant that didn’t have a kids menu or a playground then I would be disappointed to hear loud children….I wouldn’t say anything though. I would never take my kids somewhere that wasn’t kid friendly.

We used to take our kids out to family friendly places that welcome kids and generally those are the ones affordable . I was lucky we used to blackmail our kids that if they dont behave we wont take them out again and you do this before you walk out the door. Some kids are being themselves no matter how strict you are so I think its best to know your child and if they are distressed or unhappy there is a reason . If they don’t listen , they stay at home anyway.

We didn’t go to many restaurants when our kids were little, still don’t, they aren’t us really. But if I was in a restaurant, or a supermarket or shopping mall etc etc etc, and a child was playing up. I would be sympathising with the parents, if it looked like they were at their wits end and doing all they could to calm the child. Some parents let their kids run amok when out which is awful. But I’m a mum, I know what it’s like, I wouldn’t complain or get bitchy

I would understand to some extent, and wouldn’t approach the parents. I would try to ignore that.

We’ve been taking our daughter to restaurants and cafes since she was about 2, maybe 2 1/2. We only really go to family friendly places and expect there will be some noise from kids. It would be weird if there wasn’t in a kid-friendly restaurant! The only one who seems to funny about kids noise are my in-laws, but they don’t live in Australia all year round and aren’t used to the noise kids make. I think if I was passing by the family and saw the parents struggling or looking stressed about it I would say something to commiserate and probably try to make them laugh, like, “Poor little man, we’ve been there before. It’s hard somedays, isn’t it?” I wouldn’t deliberately go over and jump in because that could be taken the wrong way. But if I was bringing my daughter back from the loo say, I might make a supportive comment. It helps not to feel alone in the struggle.

I take my daughter everywhere with me

I take my boys out all the time. I think it was their early and frequent exposure to restaurants and cafés that helped them learn how to behave.

It depends on the type of restaurant and whether I know how long it will take

Honestly depends on the restaurant. Family friendly restaurants are more our way. My children just won’t stay still. We normally go to a bistro where they have play equipment as my kids won’t 9 times out of 10 actually eat the food

Yes Maccas family restaurant only

We’ve always taken our children out and we take things for them to draw on, activities, books and playdoh. We try and get their food served first. We have a five year old and a 20 month old. We’ve taken them out since they were new borns

Take them out but keep it short and sweet.

We have always taken our children out to restaurant (although I admit when they were toddlers I wouldn’t go fine dining). We have always made sure they had something to do and never really had issues with behaviour

Yes i take my kids to restaurants with me

I used to get embarrassed and antsy about my daughter having tantrums and running around especially in restaurants or the pub. Now i dont carw. People want to look that’s their issue.. I’ve had people stare at the shopping centre.. I just think kids are going to make noise, if others want a meal in peace stay home.