I'm Okay with This...

http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/another-restaurant-bans-kids--this-time-under-18--is-this-ok--195213639.html#!f6oRY

I saw this story this afternoon and I agree with their business model.  My husband and I have two children, ages 18 and 20.  When our children were little (even when they were infants), we didn't hesitate to leave a restaurant or store if they were fussing or misbehaving.  We did this out of respect for the other patrons and for our own sanity.

Over the years, I've seen countless meltdowns by over-tired, over-stimulated toddlers and young children.  In some instances, their parents were completely oblivious to the commotion their children were creating.  Or even worse...placating them with sugary treats or toys in order to, maybe, get them to behave.

In my opinion, part of our job as a parent is to recognize when our children are tired and/or hungry and take steps to head the meltdowns off that accompany these situations.  Sometimes that means postponing/cancelling that shopping trip/dinner out in order for the little one to have a nap or snack or both.  Heaven knows, I've done that often enough.

I realize that sometimes these situations can't always be avoided because I've had them happen to me.  However, I was always prepared with a snack and my children's lovies, so that they could (hopefully) chill in the stroller and I finished whatever it was that I was doing in record time.  These events always seemed to happen to me directly after a pediatrician appointment. Go figure!

Back to the story that brought this up...if the restaurant owner's want to create a niche for their particular restaurant.  Go for it...those who want to frequent their establishment will and others will not.  There are plenty of other restaurants that cater to families with children under the age of 18. I don't see a problem with their reasoning behind the decision to make it an Adults Only restaurant.

Of course...all of this is just my opinion.