No Kids Allowed Movement Thoughts?

Updated on September 23, 2014
E.M. asks from Albany, CA
48 answers

What are your thoughts on the no kids allowed movement spreading?

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So What Happened?

@Katrina A & LAWriterMom There does seem to be animosity and hatred towards children regardless of how well or poorly behaved they act.

@ Pippi L/Kristina M/Catwalk W/Kiki/Stacey B/Cheryl O/Laurie A/Tracy K/Christine C sure unruly kids can ruin a date night. But I want the obnoxious adults ruining a good night out to be banned too!!!

@ LuvMyWonderfulLife & Lynn M we do have the right to frequent or not frequent businesses. When I'm near loud obnoxious people of any age I either move or take my business elsewhere

@PoolMama I luv the babysitting @ wedding idea. I get a babysitter for weddings, baby showers, graduations...and wish other parents would do the same!

@ JayD your response makes sense. I'm torn on the airline issue. I don't think all kids should be banned from a plane because I have a kid that sits in her seat w/o kicking seats (hate that) or babbling to people or screaming... But then theres my little guy who needs to run. And I'm not letting him run and act up on a plane. So I'm in the no screaming babies and antsy toddlers or bad !@#$ kids camp

I too believe that kids don't belong everywhere. However, I think people take their dislike of kids too far. Just because you don't want any kids @ Cheesecake Factory @ Sunday Brunch doesn't mean I'm going to leave my kids at home. And no, my kids aren't the ones tripping the waitress with hot plates of food. My kids are the ones sitting @ the table behaving

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R.C.

answers from Chicago on

I have a child with excellent manners, nearly nine years old. She has also been through ettiquette classes. Guess what? I LOVE that some places get to be "adult only" zones. I want to go out on a date with my husband and/or friends, dressed to the nines, cleavage & all, and have adult beverages, food and adult conversations. Uninterupted..........it's a rare and beautiful thing! I do plenty of fun, family, things, so it is nice to know I am going to a kid free zone.

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S.S.

answers from Chicago on

I am very good with it. I love kids. But I also love to go out to dinner or a movie with my husband without listening to the kid next table over screaming for more whipped cream and cherries all while whipping his coloring books and crayons as far as they will reach. There are plenty of places that are child friendly. why not have a few that are adult only.

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K.F.

answers from New York on

There are some places that kids just shouldn't be and there are some people that just don't like being around kids.

Some people bring their kids to places kids just should be. There are times when there should be no kids allowed. I'm not a big fan of it but I do understand.

4 moms found this helpful

More Answers

V.C.

answers from Dallas on

This is not happening because people lack empathy or tolerance. They are fed up!
Recently we were in Joe's Crab Shack. A family let their son behave atrociously. He even climbed onto the table and started batting at the plastic fish hanging from the ceiling. Not one word was ever said to him to make him behave. That is an injustice to the child.
We were most always complimented on our children's behavior when we left a restaurant. While I was glad to hear it, it mostly made me sad, because it indicated people were not used to seeing good behavior.

14 moms found this helpful

L.A.

answers from Austin on

After reading your update, I wanted you to know.. We have a local movie theater that is getting lots of attention because they do/ always have removed and ban ANYONE in the the theater that talks or texts during the movie..

The good news is they are such a success other businesses around here are starting to do the same.. I guess we are an equal opportunity community when it comes to not putting up with anyone's poor behavior, no matter their age..
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why on earth would people think it is ok to take young children to movies that are PG-13 or R?

Why would they think children need to be at a restaurant that needs a reservation to go to?.. To a restaurant that the entrees begin at $18.00 or higher?

Why take children into a bar while the parents drink?

I am sure you are like me and never do this because we have some common sense, but believe it or not, parents take their children to these places without thinking about what their children need to be children..

They are shocked when their children talk during the movie.. Shocked when their children get bored and want to walk or run around, they are shocked when in frustration their children talk loudly, cry or scream in frustration at these places..

This is why these businesses are having to make it more clear, these are not places children should be taken to,...Bur since some parents are so clueless, they are having to now insist.

Since I never did this, I am not offended by these requests, I am more shocked by the parents that insist they think it is ok to take their young children to these places..

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I love it! I really enjoy a break from kids, and some people aren't crazy about kids in general. Kids don't belong everywhere and people used to have the good sense not to take them everywhere, and if they did -the kids were made to behave! Manners used to be taught by most everyone. Unfortunately nowdays it seems that the overwhelming sense of entitlement so many younger people have is spreading into when they have kids. They don't teach manners and have few themselves, but if THEY want to go somewhere and drag baby along, they don't cate if it disturbs others. Then you have the issue that babies and small children just don't have a lot of patience and self control, so they may very well act up at any given moment abd shouldn't be in nice restsurants and non-kiddie movies, but again you have a bunch of parents who seem to think that because they chose to breed then we're all supposed to deal with it! Kids DO NOT belong everywhere! If private businesses and services want to cater to those of us who don't enjoy hearing children all the time, then I think many of them will find great success. Most parents and non-parents I know LOVE the whole idea.

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K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

I am really okay with it. We receive compliments from strangers in restaurants about how well our kids behave, but we lay out the expectations before we even enter the building. Obviously, not all parents are doing that or we wouldn't have this issue on the table.

I don't think it's an animosity toward children- I think it's more that people are becoming fed up with the 'entitlement' attitudes of many parents. Kids don't have to be everywhere and people without kids have rights, too.

You said it best in your SWH- you do have the right to frequent or not frequent a business. Excercise your right, just like business owners have the right to determine what type of establishment they want to run.

I love kids. I am a teacher in an elementary school, so I spend more time with kids than the average joe and I have an abundance of patience with kids. But sometimes, I want a night with just my husband or my friends. And like you, if the adults become obnoxious, I will move on.

Just my 2 cents...

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T.K.

answers from Dallas on

I was invited to a baseball game Thursday. Invite clearly states - adults only permitted in luxury box. I couldn't be more thrilled! I am going to get a sitter and enjoy my kid free night. Kids do not belong everywhere. Adults should be able to claim a few kid free zones. Business owners should be able to maintain the "we have the right to refuse service to anyone" standard in order to provide a kid free ambiance, if they choose. Let the kids have Chuckee Cheese, and I'll keep my luxury box.

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K.M.

answers from Chicago on

When I am on a kid free night, paid a babysitter, got a cab, whatever is appropriate for the evening's events I do not want to deal with other people's kids as well. Now, I choose places and times that it's logical children would not be but that does not mean a crazy person did not bring them. I went to the midnight screaning (first showing) of Harry Potter 6 and it was ruined and had to get a rain check for another night (not to mention another sitter) because someone brought their infant who was crying and did not leave, and when the theater personell asked them to leave refused causing a HUGE sceen and no one enjoyed their night. This has happened at a number of movies where kids are not appropriate. Now, this particular theater also had "kid movie times" where they specifially showed kid movies in one theater during the day even if a kid movie was not out currently they always had something in addition to Flapjacks n Flicks Sat Mornings. I would not mind if after 7pm Friday, Sat nights I could not bring my son to TJIFridays or other places simmilar to that. I do not bring my child out to eat in public places during rush meal times b/c my son is that kid who tends to ruin a meal experience. He has Adhd and Sensory Processing and you NEVER know how he is going to react to situations like this esp during the rush times. So, I go to places like Ihop, and Dennys etc order an appetizer or bowl of fruit as soon as we sit down so there is food there for him to be distracted by and we work on eating out rules, this is not something he has gotten overnight. I also order to go boxes and our check with our food so they are delivered at the same time, just in case we need to make a quick exit. Not all parents are as aware as we are of how our child's behaivor effects everyone else's good time.

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K..

answers from Phoenix on

I think it's fine. Although I think it's much ago about nothing. I have yet to know of one kid free establishment in my area, and I live in a big, metro area.

Mainly because society, for the most part, is very kid friendly. There are many, many business that cater specifically to kids & in which a childless person would not set foot. Same concept applies to "kid free" establishments. Just as there are kid specific business, I see no issue with an "adult only" business.

Being a parent, I welcome the chance to have a night out with the hubby, alone, and without having to listen to someone else's kids screaming all night.

I think childless people or people who want a quiet night out deserve to have it just as much as kids deserve to have fun. The world does not revolve our kids & not everyone likes or wants to be around them, that's the brakes.

You can't just apply the rule to one group of people.

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S.B.

answers from Houston on

I think its great. Why do I want to be in a movie theatre with a screaming kid? Really? I have two kids so I'm not "hating" on kids. I'm not wanting to be around YOUR kids. I spend money to go out to eat with my honey bunny alone. I do not want to be next to YOUR kids. Nothing against, you or your kids but there is a reason why my kids are at home.

As for empathy or tolerance. Well, what about when I'm at a nice restaurant and little Susie is running around hitting the servers on the butt? Think I'm kidding? Not so much!

What is sad are parents who want to be "friends" and not parents. Who do not discipline their children. Who act like I'm the one who is wrong because I don't think their little darling is cute while hitting the serve in the butt. Nope, I have no empathy or tolerance for bratty kids.

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B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

I am wholeheartedly for it!
We stayed home with our son till he was 4 years old and then we went to family friendly places for a long time and every where we went - we saw to it he behaved and stayed by my side.
He's 12 now and I can take him anywhere and he's a perfect gentleman where ever we go.
There are places that are appropriate for kids and many places that are not - but MANY people drag their screaming little 'darlings' with them EVERY WHERE whether it's appropriate or not and then just sit back while the kids wander and run amok.
I witnessed a two year old wander into a restaurants (a Ruby Tuesday's) KITCHEN and the parents did nothing but sit on their behinds - they didn't know where the child was nor did they care.
I never understood why some people insist on inflicting their brats on the general public.
It's not discrimination in the least.
You want a place where a kid can be a kid - take him to Chuck E Cheese.
For the places that do not cater to kids - the adults that dine there will be very happy to dine in peace.
I hope the movement spreads like wild fire.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I am for it. If I am going to go out of my way to hire a babysitter and get ready to go out with my husband then I want to have a quiet kid free evening.

GOOD LORD PEOPLE. If you want to take your kids out to eat with you go someplace they will enjoy. A place with a playground or a place that has a short wait in line with lots of area between the seats and not a bar that serves alcohol. A pizza place or Perkins that has balloons for the kids, well, they used to give the kids balloons, or Chili's, any other place that has a more family atmosphere.

Allow those of us that understand that couples need grown up time away from their much loved kids. Your marriage will appreciate it, the other grown ups will appreciate it, and I will appreciate it.

If you can't stand the thought of not taking your kids everywhere with you then choose somewhere else.

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J.P.

answers from Los Angeles on

I'm good with it. I would like to go out on a date with my husband without having screaming children that the parents are ignoring next to me.

We have 4 kids and they are very well behaved. We literally, never leave a restaurant without someone commenting on how well behaved our children are. Sad, but our kids aren't doing anything but being respectful of others in a restaurant. We use the loud, unruly kids as an example of how NOT to act. Now, whenever thet see kids acting up, they look at me and say, "That's not how you behave in a restaurant." I smile and tell them how right they are.

Screaming and yelling happens at a park....not in a building. In a restaurant, we sit and speak quietly, as no other table really needs to hear our conversations. We are there to eat, not stand up and play, or walk around.

I think every sole proprietor should be able to do what they want with their establishment. I can say that the odds of them making MORE money without kids present is probably true. I can't forsee most places banning children, making LESS money. More adults will go with friends, stay longer, buy more drinks when it's quiet and relaxing.

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L.M.

answers from Dover on

I think they don't deserve my business. It promotes less family time and encourages more people to have to leave the kids with others rather than being their parent and teaching them how to act while out.

Sure, an adult only location is acceptable but realistically...how can a child learn to behave while out if they aren't able to go out with there parents?

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J.D.

answers from Phoenix on

I have a 3 and 1 year old.

I think that a business can do whatever they want, but under most circumstances a business that doesn't value kids doesn't value my business either.
I feel that my time with my kids is valuable and that taking them "out" is crucial in teaching them about the world and how to behave in the world.

On the other hand, for our anniversary, my husband and I stayed at a bed and breakfast that doesn't allow children of any age. I feel that this bed and breakfast had a right to ban children because of the atmosphere they are creating. I don't feel upset as a parent that my children were not allowed.

Basically, I believe the movement is spreading and it is because more parents are taking their kids places and then not leaving if their children are being disrespectful. If I take my kids out, it would be a child friendly place and I leave if they act out. I clean up after them (floor too).

There is one situation that I have a difficult time keeping my kids in line-the plane. We travel one time a year from AZ to MN with my kids. It is very challenging to keep them quiet and respectful on the plane. It is too far to drive (my husband doesn't get that much vacation time) so we are stuck flying once a year. If kid friendly flights were offered, and the price of seats was affordable, I WOULD choose the flight over a general flight. However, I don't think kids should be banned from a flight. Does that make sense?

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A.M.

answers from San Francisco on

Never heard of it. But sure, in some situations, why not. It's nice to just be adults without kids sometimes.

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A.G.

answers from Dallas on

I have no problem with it, for the reasons others have already mentioned.

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P.L.

answers from Chicago on

I'm fine with that 100%.I did not go out a lot with my children such as restaurants or movie theaters until they started acting appropriatly enough.
I don't feel like I have to proof a point all the time.
The world is a big place, if I couldn't go somewhere with my children I'd go somewhere else, the options are endless...........

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C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

Are you talking about the one in PA?

It's THEIR business...if they want to continue to operate - then they will supply what their market demands...if they have customers stating NO KIDS or we won't come back - then most likely - they will survive...

There are nights that I go out with my husband to a nice restaurant and I don't want to hear kids screaming or running around in the background. So I would support a no-kid restaurant...

However, for family night? I will go where my business is wanted and give my money to the restaurant that offers a family friendly environment...

it's all in how you think....there are some restaurants (Morton's - Ruth Chris) that will survive something like that...because it's the atmosphere I want...however, it all depends on the area, market, etc....

If it's their business and want to see it thrive - then they need to do what their market will bear...

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M.P.

answers from Sacramento on

I personally don't have a problem with it. I don't have to go to those businesses. I will go to businesses that DO allow kids. I probably wouldn't want to take my kids into those establishments anyways. If I really wanted to go there, I would go with hubby for a date night. I don't see what the big issue is. They have every right to do what they want at THEIR business. WE all have the right to frequent or not-frequent that business. Ultimately, what WE do will determine if they make it or not.

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K.B.

answers from Tulsa on

I did NOT allow kids at my wedding, though I provided on site babysitting. Only 2 parents got mad and I stood firm. I heard every word of our vows and it was moving and spiritual. The kids had more fun playing.
Many parents don't know when to take a crying baby out.
I love going to a child free restaurant and having grown up time.

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B.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think it is awesome. I have been out where both well behaved and ill behaved children were at the restaurant. In my opinion, it is just nicer to have no children when you have a night off from your own, you know?

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S.P.

answers from New York on

I think you had an answer in mind when you posted this, but ...
I love kids. And I agree, sometimes adults are problems in restaurants and movies too, but I think a lot of the issue is not animosity toward kids, but lack of common sense in adults.

Also, there have always been "adults only" spaces. Bed and breakfasts, restaurants, vacation spots. It is just expanding, perhaps. Or perhaps there have been a few high-profile examples in the news.

We stopped going to a movie theater in our area because, not once, but several times we were at a LATE (10pm+) showing of a fairly violent movie (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars) and there were multiple babies and toddlers in the audience.

My kid is generally very well behaved through a standard meal (although I admit I've ambled around a few times as we waited for our check.). We take her to middling places mostly. Not Chuck-e-cheese, but neighborhood spots where you generally see kids. I would NOT take her to the nicer restaurants in our area. I shouldn't have to be told to leave her home, but sadly, not everyone is capable of that kind of judgement call on their own.

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G.H.

answers from Chicago on

You can open your own business and make your own rules.....i feel that business owners should be able to make their own decisions about whatever it is they want

i despise smoking but i thought it was quite the reach when government made all restaurants & bars smoke free, it should be up to the business owner

i live in chicagoland & we often go out to eat with our 4, 5, & 7 yr old to *nicer* restaurants & we have not stumbled upon a 'no kids' environment, so i don't think it's very common. There are plenty of choices out there, so it really shouldn't effect you.

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

I don't think it is widespread as you may feel it is. I also don't have a problem with it.... I embrace it.

I've been there done that, have a 16 yr old and going through new stages and not interested in hearing whining children, screaming children, etc.

We go to high end restaurants when we want a great dinner with no children around, I steer clear of the malls this time of year when it is a stroller city of moms getting out of the heat.

Everyone does deserve to have fun and go out... Be respectful of others...if a child is throwing a fit, remove yourself and them from the situation. I've been known to remove myself from establishments who have obnoxious children and adults around.

Also, We just flew last week and there were very small children on the planes we were on as well as dogs. The dogs barked more than any of the children acting up.

I love children, I am also a teacher but there are times, I want adult time with no interaction with children.

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C.W.

answers from Lynchburg on

Hi Erika-

I am really on the fence with this one. I remember marching into restaurants with MY tribe when they were younger...and seeing the looks on people's faces...and hear the audible gasps!! lol

BUT...almost without fail, people would come up after their meal and compliment the kids for how well mannered they were. And they were...mostly because we DID take them out to eat...and removed them if there was any acting out! We also expected table manners at home. AND...when we ate out...I was armed with a bag full of things from crayons and paper...to bubbles...to books...to small quiet table toys...as well as snacks and 'box juices'...(a rare treat for my kiddos).

I do find myself very annoyed when I go out with my honey alone...or even with my now older kids...and see some children who are out of control...and parents not TAKING control. I suspect that the parents allow this table behavior at home...and are embarassed (sp?)...and clueless as to how to 'take' control...

Maybe it is the quest for 'quality' time with kids...and not realizing that sometimes it is our job as parents to set limits and boundaries?? I don't know.

If I really wanted time with NO kids around...I would book a reservation at an upscale restaurant at a later time when kids would be unlikely to be there...

Interested to read other responses...
Michele/cat

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K.T.

answers from Las Vegas on

This is a parenting issue not a 'We Don't Like Children' issue. Many parents just don't know how to set rules and boundaries. School aged kids know about rules and boundaries and they may test them, but there's always consequences for poor choices. Parent need to set expectations when they go places (restaurants, movies, libraries, etc.). The hard part of parenting is following through with consequences. Running down aisles and around tables in restaurants is not safe! The servers are carrying trays, hot coffee, etc. This location is for eating not playing. Parents can assist their children by bringing things with them (crayons, books, ipads, etc.) but if they act up or unable to sit that long then they need to leave. Period.

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L.S.

answers from San Diego on

I think the "No Kids Allowed" movement needs to be specific. If it means having adult theme restaurants with no babies etc. ... o.k. I get that. If it means certain movie showings are adult only .. maybe. But if it means not having babies/toddlers/kids on airline flights, supermarkets, stores then that's just taking it too far. Also, I have not heard of it spreading but then again I live in a very family oriented city so that would be hard to pull off for any business.

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N.O.

answers from Chicago on

I don't get how kids being allowed on a plane is even a question, regardless of their age or behavior.

If I am taking a trip home to my birthplace, South Africa, to visit friends and family, I am taking my child. If we are taking a family trip to Spain, I am taking my child. Unless I'm not completely up to date with all the modern advances, I'm pretty sure my only option is to travel by plane. And I'm not going to delay my travel for a few years because my child might cry or laugh loudly. Plane travel is not luxury (unless you're first class, and I think kids are not allowed in first class anyway), it is a means to an end, and quite honestly, it is extremely difficult for the parents. I was just on a weekend away sans my 2 year old and it was a pleasure traveling alone with my husband, even though I heard children crying elsewhere in the plane.

Children are human beings, with their own capacities and tolerances. I'm not advocating bad behavior that is within their means to control, or overly permissive parenting. But for some to even suggest that a child is not allowed on a means of public transportation like an airplane is beyond me.

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

I think it's horrible. What if places starting posting "No Elderly Allowed" signs? There would be an uproar. Somehow it's ok, though, to show hatred toward children.

People today really lack empathy and tolerance. It's sad.

ETA: We go to very nice restaurants all the time and I just don't see these wild children people are talking about. I think rather than blanket statements about "No Kids!" it should be based on the situation. Loud drunks, loud-talking griping seniors and out-of-control kids/families should be asked to leave. Have general behavior guidelines, but don't single out kids when not all of them are ill-mannered.

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A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

I doubt it's going to be as widespread as people estimate, but I think it makes perfect sense regarding the "age appropriate" ways kids are allowed to act these days which has gotten way out of hand. Our kids are well disciplined, but we get incredulous compliments all the time because people are shocked they can actually act...well...to us...nice and normal. IMO the new trend is probably behavior related, not just a sudden unfounded dislike of young humans.

Regarding airlines, the last few flights I've been on, older kids have been tantrumming for large stretches of the flight. TANTRUMMING, and ordering their parents to non stop walk them in the aisles. The flight attendants couldn't even work. We're talking "speaking" age, 3 and up, not babies with ear drums hurting, not even two year olds who can't be expected to behave the whole time, we're talking bratty kids making the whole flight stressful while their parents comfort them and cave to their commands and walk around the whole flight. Why is this suddenly OK for society where people are trying to function and conduct business? You know how hard that is to sit through on a flight, picture being an attendant dealing with it constantly? Some attendants are saints and parents themselves, but not EVERYONE can be expected to have nerves of steel.

Same in restaurants. My husband and I are blown away watching parents amble around with their kids in the way of the staff because they can't sit in a chair for 45 minutes and eat, or letting them bother adjacent booths and fuss the whole time. Parents can't expect their kids to act disruptively and still be accepted by everyone in public.

For centuries everyone has been understanding of emergencies and occasional outbursts from kids, even in the 70's, my brother and I were never allowed to act that way, but OCCASIONALLY we'd see other kids do it (and the parents would often get and earful from other parents) but nowadays, it really is disruptive behavior allowed on a large scale.

If society's standards go down, then they cant' blame businesses for reflecting that. I think it's a great opportunity for new places to become refuges away from kids for an adult set. Most of my adult friends have no kids and HATE kids around when they're out. For good reason. We sense eye rolls when we bring kids into pubs (for good reason since the people are probably trying to escape kids), but once we're tucked into our booth bothering no one, we start befriending people.

My only worry is that we usually take the kids to adult places where no kids are, so hopefully that won't have to stop, because we hate kid friendly restaurants. But if that happens, I totally understand. It's sad for the kids who do behave though.

Businesses would lose money by losing families and sales (which is why I don't think it will get too wide spread), so for the ones that do it, it must be worth it to them to not deal with the kids, or they must know there is a clientele out there that would appreciate it.

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M.D.

answers from Dallas on

It doesn't bother me at all... There are some businesses that don't want it, they know what clientele they do want, they know what clientele they will lose...
I know kids are going to act up time to time, but there are places I've been where the kids rule the parents and made for everyone there an unpleasant time. I totally understand some very nice restaurants that wouldn't want to have kids there because they can't sit still, nor should they be there.

There is no way all places are going to ban kids... there will always be, and probably the majority, of places that will allow kids...

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Like so many things, I don't think it needs additional attention. It hasn't affected MY life in the least.

I live in PA, and so far, I know of O. restaurant that is "kid-free". Said restaurant is about 20 miles from my home. Non issue.

While it's true that common sense would dictate removal of a disruptive or unruly child from any environment where the child is causing an annoyance to other diners, attendees, customers, obviously that doesn't happen 100% of the time.

Once again, it may be the few bad-apple parents and the the lowest common denominator driving this trend.

It's like the quote from When Harry Met Sally "Everyone thinks they have a good sense of humor and good taste......" But do the math.

Seriously if I was a kid-free adult, a DINK, an empty nester, etc. I'll just bet I might seek out kid-free establishments. There's a reason they serve beer at Chuck E. Cheese.

As a mom, there are times I would prefer <gasp!> to not be around others kids...or mine!

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J.L.

answers from Los Angeles on

There is a movement of individuals deciding not to have kids and therefore are not comfortable around them at all. There is also a movement of parents who do not discipline their children and the kids have no clue how to act in public or what behavior is acceptable. Put that together and there is no tolerance or respect. My kids are not perfect. They have had their moments. Most often they know how to act in public. I would love to say when they have been a bit rambunctios (Sp?) we have left. However we have not done it everytime. I think it is insane that the company would not allow children at all but it would be wise to let parents know that misbehaving children will not be tolerated.

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K.A.

answers from San Diego on

They lose my business plain and simple. I wouldn't even go without my children.
I am so disgusted with the animosity toward children society has. There is no excuse for the children should never be heard or seen mentality.

With that said, parents and children need to have manners and parents need to use common since. The solution isn't that all children should be banned from places, it is that parents need to teach their children manners or not take them places. Parents need to be parents, if your child is in a bad mood suck it up and don't make them go. Don't ignore your children when your sitting there, they will get bored and act up. My children all have manners, including the 2 year old. We take them to any number of places and we get compliments on their behaviour. If they're having a bad day or no nap or something we think twice about going out somewhere. It's no more fun for me than you when they are in a bad mood.
ETA: You can be a child's friend and still be the parent too. I don't know why this has to be an all or nothing situation.

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I.G.

answers from Seattle on

I think that's fine. I would rather know in advance if a place is "adult themed" and not family friendly.
I love kids and prefer to spend my money with family friendly businesses. Any business that does not welcome my child obviously does not want my business, fortunately there is plenty of places that do and even go out of their way to accommodate kids.

What I am concerned about is this "movement" spreading to a point where you families are going to be discriminated against, for example when it comes to air travel, where you do not necessarily have a choice as a consumer.

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C.C.

answers from Philadelphia on

I like it. I have 3 kids and I have always taught them to well behaved since they were babies. I think its especially important in a public situation. Who wants to hear bratty kids screaming, whining or fighting with their siblings. I do NOT.
Its a shame it has to come to this. Small kids dont belong in a movie after 9 pm. Yet I have seen such. If your young child is misbehaving in a restaurant the parent should take them outside. Remove them from the current situation. Many do NOT. I have been many places and the parents choose for whatever reason to not discipline their kids. Yes I agree fully.

Side note every year I host a Easter egg hunt. This year like most years we had a great turnout. My next door neighbor sees inapporiate in others children but never her son. Dont get me wrong he is basically a nice kid. However he seems to rule the roost with no boundaries. When I hosted the Easter egg hunt I also have games afterwards. The one game it was down to her 10 yr old son and a little girl that just turned 3 yrs. He was cheating the whole game. I was so glad the 3 yrs old won the prize. His mom was standing there the whole time choosing not to do anything. He did not deserve to win the prize and I was so glad he didnt. So I think this type of behavior effects other things also like going out and having a peaceful dinner.

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K.W.

answers from Seattle on

I generally disapprove of age segregation. It bothers me when children are freaked out by the sight of an elderly person. It bothers me when elders are freaked out by the sight of children.

We stick kids in kids-only zones for their entire lives. School, sports, etc. People even wonder whether it's okay to have a 3 year old play with a 5 year old, because they're so developmentally different! So it's not just keeping kids together, it's keeping kids of the exact same age together. Kids don't know how to interact with adults and vice versa. I see this as a bad thing. I see a general "no kids allowed" movement as something likely to make the problem worse.

I also notice that when "no kids allowed" becomes the norm, people are defined as "kids" until they are 17 or 18. My young teenagers were pretty offended when they weren't allowed to attend an adult relative's birthday celebration, and were required to sit at the babysitter's with the toddlers! Kids become adults by associating with adults and learning adult behavior. When this is not permitted, people remain immature much longer.

I completely affirm behavior standards. I completely affirm a policy such as "This is a quiet area. Anyone of any age making too much noise will be asked to leave."

I also respected my brother's request that no young children attend his wedding. He wanted a controlled event, and young children are pretty unpredictable. Also, it was his wedding. If he had asked me to wear a watermelon on my head, I would have respected his wishes!

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N.H.

answers from Peoria on

I disagree w/those who say there's "new anamosity towards children these days" b/c it all boils down to parental control, parental guidence & DISCIPLINE! I cannot say enough how UNdisciplined kids are these days. THAT is why kids are not welcome now in most places...b/c PARENTS let them run around & do whatever they want, act however they want rather than making them behave & correcting the bad behavior. You'll notice that not all children misbehave these days...just most of them but it's a shame that those parents who LET their kids misbehave & be disrespectful cause those that DO behave to miss out.

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L.B.

answers from San Francisco on

My thought? If you want a child free environment go to a bar.

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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

I think an owner has every right to market to his own clients and what they like. Some people don't like kids and will pay a premium to not have them around at dinner or a movie. It is not like all places are going child free, I will just take my kids somewhere more family oriented. As for planes, if there is an adults only flight, but also a regular flight on the same day, that would be fine, but people with kids have to fly too, whether we want to or not. My SO is military, so my kids and I have spent a lot of time on airplanes, you just do the best you can. I really think when it comes to planes people need to chill out, I mean it is 3 hours of your life, that are going to suck no matter what anyways, if a baby is having ear trouble and cries a little, so be it, put your ear phones in and chill out!

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J.W.

answers from Fayetteville on

I am all for family. But frankly I am so tired of listening to someones screaming child all through Wal-Mart! I didn't take my children to walmart until they were at least three yrs old. And if my children had acted out I would have left immediately.

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S.R.

answers from Los Angeles on

i think its a step backwards into segregation and very anti family.

like i tell my kids every day, its wrong to exclude ANYBODY from anything (unless its something that is bad for their health)

I think if you dont want to be around children then dont have any and stay home.

as long as there is the human race there will be children and children are amazing and wonderful no matter how active and wild they are!

kids should not be banned from anywhere, nobody should be banned from any place of public G rated businesses.

I would boycott any place that discriminated against any kind of human being.
and YES children are human beings just like all us grown ups (their just smarter than we are!)

C.S.

answers from Medford on

We go out to eat a lot and our kids are very well behaved (we are on them like halks) we get older couples that compliment them all the time. No, I don't think they are perfect, we are always surprised when we are approached. It feels good.

That being said, I don't think that children should be singled out. I think that adults can be unruley also and anyone causing a nuesence should remove themselves or be asked to leave.

N.G.

answers from Boston on

I had a pot luck get together this month. I clearly stated on the invites, no guests. My GF brought her two kids. The boy was a terror! Several of things had to be moved, but not before he chipped a few of my art pieces... At least she had the decency to bring extra snacks to the pot luck. So, all is forgiven. lol

R.G.

answers from Los Angeles on

I don't really care for it. I just will not eat there.simple. I know my kids get bored or act up when we are out therefore I would not want to be at a place where my children will be looked at the wrong way when they are just being kids. If it becomes a trend and many places have that no kids allowed policy, it only means they will be loosing business from families. But if I was going out with my husband alone and we wanted to go to that restaurant I would not stop myself from going.

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K.K.

answers from San Diego on

Hello, I think if we have a bunch of "no kids allowed" then in 20 or so years, we will have a bunch of people who don't know how to behave in public. We took our kids everywhere. If it was a "no kids allowed" place, we usually didn't go there.
K. K.

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