Excuse Me Waiter, Here's My Mess

As I’m way past due for a blog, I figured it was time to talk a bit about restaurant etiquette. I could probably talk all day about this subject ... not that I don’t like to talk. But I’ll keep the subject matter to bringing your children to restaurants for today.

My kids and I recently went to the local Applebee’s, just the three of us. The kids love to go there, as they always offer the kids crayons and activity sheets to keep them occupied until dinner. That, plus the kid-friendly meals, and it’s a parents dream!

During the meal and afterwards, I always tell my kids how important it is to clean up after themselves. This certainly doesn’t mean I expect them to wipe the table down, but I expect them to put their napkins and garbage on their plates. 

This isn’t just a job for the kids. It’s a job for the parents, too. I have seen some parents that leave a ridiculous amount of garbage and food (all over the floor, no less) for the staff to clean up. When you have little ones, a bit of a mess is mostly to be expected, but use your common sense. And it’s not just about common sense. It’s about common courtesy-courtesy for the staff at the restaurants that have to clean up after you and your family. Put yourself in their position and ask yourself what your expectations would be.

There is an added benefit to this. Asking your children to clean up after themselves will also lead to better behavior at the table at home and when they visit other people’s houses too.

Don’t get me wrong, everybody. My kids are far from angels, but I try to teach my children every day about the little things that make them better people and more considerate of others.