Nice restaurants are not your kids’ personal playground and the patrons and waitstaff are not your personal babysitters. It amazes me the people who either don’t realize it, or don’t care enough to keep an eye on their kids in public.

I was having lunch the other day and there was this group of adults with two little girls. The little girls were absolutely adorable. One was siting at the table coloring quietly, but the other one had wandered off away from the group and it seemed as if no one noticed. Now in the larger scheme of things, this was actually a mild case. I have seen kids run out into the street, stand up on tables, throw food and the like. And I have seen more than my fair share of kids get hurt. So sad.

I was watching this little girl yesterday though and thinking that her parents were completely detached. There were three large urns that served as a water feature to create that outdoor California ambience that everyone loves, and the little girl kept playing with them and climbing on them. I couldn’t help but be somewhat pensive because at this point, I was the only one who was actually watching her and she could have very easily slipped and hurt herself on the rocks upon which the urn was sitting. Luckily she didn’t hurt herself, and I had no real cause for alarm. But for a split second, I couldn’t help but be peeved at that family for not making her sit down with them and keeping an eye on her.

It is true, it takes a village to raise kids. We have all been out to eat with a group and the conversation gets intense, or spirited. However, if you’re going to take your children out in public, it would probably be a good idea to teach them how to act, and find a way to keep them busy. And most important, don’t ignore them. No mater how much you want to join in with the festivities, the kids should come first.

This could be as easy as bringing along coloring books for the kids or engaging them in a game that they can play silently with a reward at the end. Or you can do the really outrageous and actually include them in the dinner and save the “adult” conversation for another time when you have a sitter or you have the opportunity to go out with just the grown ups.

I think if we plan ahead, stay consistent, and actually pay attention to what is important, we would have less kids falling on the floor screaming in Walmart, throwing food in nice restaurants and having complete meltdowns because they are tired of doing the most boring thing in the world, watching adults talk. This would make your life easier in the long run and make for a more pleasant experience for those who also want to go out and have a good time without the added burden of watching your kids.

Remember, everyday etiquette makes life easier for everyone….everyday!!!