Businesses Ban Bratty Kids

Restaurants and Hotels Are Saying No To Misbehaving Children

(CBS)  Comedian Adrianne Frost was so fed up with other people's kids that she wrote a book called "I Hate Other People's Kids."

It's so bad, Frost said that if kids walk into a restaurant she's dining in, she will leave. If they sit down behind her on a plane, "I jump out with a parachute," Frost told The Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen, who has a year-old son.

The Early Show is beginning a three-part series called "The Bratty Bunch," which focuses on dealing with badly behaved kids, something Koeppen understands well. She said that she feels embarrassed when her son misbehaves in public.

Unruly kids make good comedy for Frost, but for many people it's no laughing matter. Dan McCuley, who owns a café in Chicago, said that some kids were behaving terribly when they came in with their parents.

"The kids were kind of out of control and they weren't being supervised," he said.

McCuley put a sign on the door that warned: "Children of all ages have to behave and use their indoor voices."

"It's been very good for business. Since we put the sign up, business has increased 33 percent," he said.

Business is also up at some kid-free hotels such as SuperClubs Resort in Jamaica. In New York, Jodi Smith has created her own class, "manners for minors," which teaches parents how to end bratty behavior.

"Kids even as young as 1 1/2 and 2 understand the difference between when they can be silly and when they shouldn't be," Smith said.

Frost has her own cure for bratty kids.

"The solution is harnesses and leashes," she said.

For information on how to deal with misbehaved children go to MannerSmith.com.

[missyx21]

Kids will be kids, it's the parents who are to be blamed. If the parents don't tell and teach the kids how to behave the kids will just run around until they get their parents attention.

[ecuadoriana]

I applaude the initiative of stores & businesses to ask parents of unruly kids to shape up or leave. As a patron you expect the establishment to ask unruly adults to leave. Kids are no exception. Kids are "Adults in Training" & if you slack with the training the result is an adult who acts like a spoiled child!

Parents need to remember that when they give in to their child's tantrums they are rewarding the bad behaviour. Likewise with the bribe "If you are good I'll give you a treat". That is a bad policy because it should be EXPECTED that the child behave properly! One friend told me "I am embarrassed to reprimand my son in public so I just give him a cookie to keep him quiet." I told her "You are teaching your son that food is the reward for good behaviour- that sets up a lifetime of bad eating habits. Second, you weren't embarrassed to walk around pregnant showing the world you had ***, so why should you be afraid to show the world that you are responsible & you are teaching your son to be responsible."

Wake up, parents! It is your job & your responsibility to society to teach your children proper behaviour!

[marcpcbs]

Out of control kids seem to be as numerous as out of control parents. Irresponsibility and immaturity are quickly taking a strong hold in many areas of life in the US today. We keep voting to legalize drugs and gambling and more and more people in positions of social responsibility are literally being caught with their hand in the till or their pants down. Any one who reads the papers regularly knows that this country has some serious problems. If we don't quickly become %u201Csocietal maintenance people%u201D and start patching the holes in the hull of the good ship USA, It's going to sink from the shear weight of it's own irresponsibility and immaturity. This "fix-it" job starts with the kids and grows from there.

[exusmcsgt]

missyX21-
I agree. However, lazy parents force all of us to deal with their little monsters whether we wish to or not. Being around a well behaved child is pure joy. Being around the spoiled uncontrolled monsters that most folks seem to raise these days is just the opposite.

[hermit22]

These kids are being brought up by parents who actually pay money to go see the vulgarities of Hollywierd,and listen to crass rap while the older generation sits back with a limp,"wadkanido?"

[marcpcbs]

Hermit22
In answer to your question "wadkanido?".
I believe that all of us who are really adults need to realize, that being cool and being a parent, many times are two different things. Parents today need to have the courage and vision to require of their kids, that which is respectfull and mature even if it means being uncool.

The kids will pout now, but respect later. Believe it. And society benefits in a million different ways. This is actually a very old system, but it works. Even though you will never get a kid to admit it, they are looking for guidance. Parents need to be there for them with that guidance, even at the cost of popularity.

[observantx]

I have seen some very well trained parents.

You know, the one's who do or give junior or little missy whatever they want at the moment. I've seen incredibly out of control children in malls, restaurants, movies, etc. whose parents try to cajole, plead, and bribe them into piping down and not running wild.

The problem is, when they are out in public, it's too late. The lessons should have been taught at home. Evidently, Honor thy father and thy mother and Children should be seen and not heard, are not in the picture any more.

[cwbyht]

What happened to a trip to the woodshed, and a razor strap? It worked in Grandpas day.

[linfinster]

My son had ADHD and was at times quite a handful. I would never allow him to be disrespectful, out of control and an irritation when at a resturaunt or while shopping ect. (Not at home either for that matter) It's up to the parents to teach proper behavior. But look at the low lifes that procreate and drain our system ... no I shouldn't go there ... it isn't just them, many well to do parents out there are horrible parents, but really, there just is no excuse for bad behavior that's ignored. Most people who see that a parent is trying to teach an unruly child in public will understand bad behavior being corrected. Wake up you parents of our future generation and do your job!

[linfinster]

My son had ADHD and was at times quite a handful. I would never allow him to be disrespectful, out of control and an irritation when at a resturaunt or while shopping ect. (Not at home either for that matter) It's up to the parents to teach proper behavior. But look at the low lifes that procreate and drain our system ... no I shouldn't go there ... it isn't just them, many well to do parents out there are horrible parents, but really, there just is no excuse for bad behavior that's ignored. Most people who see that a parent is trying to teach an unruly child in public will understand bad behavior being corrected. Wake up you parents of our future generation and do your job!

[ecuadoriana]

Yes, I agree with marcbcbs about the "cool vs uncool" parents. It's weird when I hear a parent say "I want my kid to see me as a friend". The kid has friends & preferably ones that are his/her age. Adults have adult friends, children are friends with other kids. That's how it goes. The only acceptable adult-child relationships are parent-child, teacher-student, coach-athlete, etc. In other words- the adult is the authority, the child is always the apprentice. Parents are there to be parents, not friends. "Friends" are the other kids who dare your child to do something they shouldn't. The parent is there to tell the kid not to (or else!).

If a parent allows their child to drink, smoke, have ***, etc. in the parent's house because they want to seem "cool", then that parent is blurring the boundaries of what is acceptable behaviours for children around other adults- like the creepy neighbour who invites the boys in to play video games, the teacher or religious instructor who gets a bit too touchy feely, the guy who hangs around the playground asking kids if they want to make a little money. These are not acceptable adult behaviours around kids. So as a parent, why would anyone want to confuse that boundary for their child?!

There are the parents who say "If my child is going to...I'd rather he at least do it under my roof rather than out in the street". Well, newsflash mom & dad! You just brought the "street" into your livingroom!

[marcpcbs]

ecuadoriana
Truer words were never written. Especially that last paragraph.

[cornflower3]

what a wonderful idea. i'm sure there is going to be some whiney bratty parent tho who is going to sue an establishment that does that and there goes a wonderful idea. they don't want to be stuck at home with the bratty child, so they bring them out in public and inflict the pain on everyone. there is nothing worse than going to any type of eating establishment whether it be a nice restaurant,diner or mcdonald's and have to hear a child screaming his or her head off. it just spoils a person's appetite. and to be almost run down because they are running amuck in a store. same with school, if they are acting up, call the parent out of work and make them come down and get them, then maybe order will be restored in the school system.

[alimech]

I applaud the owners that enforce the "badly behaved" rule. I raised 3 (2 boys, 1 girl)pretty much alone...and they knew from the time they were in highchairs to behave. Of course, I would be cited and maybe arrested for child abuse, because I had a 'last resort' for misbehaving... the trip behind the woodshed! One method I used in restruants...the appoined child would order for all of us, and they had to figure the tip and pay the bill. (I furnished the money). All three are college educated, and internationally traveled....without being selfconscience...because they had been taught how to behave in almost any situation.

Unfortunately, some parents earn the name biologivally, but have no idea of the responsobility.

[kcrittendon-2009]

as the mother of a very active 4 yr old son -I agree w/ making children mind-I come from both sides-when I didn't have kids I really hated obnoxious kids & the parents that didn't control them-& I still don't like parents who don't take an active role in controlling their child --but to the comments-of discipline-alot of parents are afraid to say anything in public to our children (& believe me they know it-the child that is) or give them a well deserved swat b/c the next thing you know we will be brought up on child abuse chrgs... or have every other parent who wants to spoil the child look at us like we are heinous monsters b/c we do want are child to grow up with respect & manners.. believe my son is spoiled rotten... & well loved--- but he does listen...but all people need to realize sometimes children have bad days like everyone else--- they just haven't learned to control their emotions yet--- & still my son behaves much better than a lot of adults--- he knows better than to litter or say bad words or mean things to people.. how many adults can you say that about???

[gizmotique]

I have raised three children, and they were brats in public when they were little. I know other people hated to see us coming, and I don't blame them. In spite of my experiences, I literally despise being in a public place with anybody else's kids. If they come in a restaurant or store I am in, I leave immediately. As for the man who posted a sign about "inside voices".....every restaurant should post one of those. Some adults need to read it as much as kids do. There is always at least one table that is broadcasting their voices to the whole restaurant, and it is soooooo irritating.

[mommamac1]

I can understand people not wanting to share their space with "bratty kids", but to leave an establishment just because a child walks in is absurd!!! As a mother of three, now 14, 9 and 8 I know that not all children are obnoxious in public situations. Would you leave because an African-American, Hispanic, Middle-Easterner, the tattoo man/woman, or any other person not exactly like you walked through the door? Of course, not! Children should be extended the same courtesy as anyone else. If they become unruly then you have a right to be upset, but not simply because they are children!

[pammied]

When it comes to going to a public place and you see that your child is being annoying. The parent should take the responsibility and take the child out. The parent should leave with the child and maybe, just maybe that child will finally realize that it is not going to be tolerated.

[olebd]

Your not going to be able to control all the children all of the time. Especially between 2-6 years old.

We have quite an active son who, like his mom, talks quite a bit and has a voice that carries pretty far. What worked for us was we we went to the noisy restaurants and blended in and/or brought along the Game Boy or some other table game.

Then again, we also came up with a team of good babysitters who we could rely on and NEVER took him shopping with us. Parents need to be sure to get in some alone time out and about.

I think now, after years of correcting and setting boundaries and setting examples, we have a pretty well adjusted 9 year old who we can take along anywhere.

[olebd]

In addition....

It's like those who leave their dogs outside to bark constantly. Parents should take the responsibility and show common courtesy to others by stepping outside to defuse the situation or leave if that doesn't work.

I also can't stand the parents who bring their sick kids to school or church or wherever.

[shen4-2009]

No wonder your Bratty Bunch segment hits home with millions of viewers...as a preschool teacher for 27 years, I can tell you that each year I discipline more and teach less. I see parents giving their children more and more material objects, and spending less time teaching life's true values. Kindness and compassion are being replaced with toys and computer games, the more then better. Being thankful (a circletime discussion in my class this week) has taken on a new meaning these days-Barbies and Godzilla are the top answers. If control, discipline can begin at home, then we teachers can do a heck of a lot more with teaching what really needs to be taught.

[oleander8]

These are called "day-care" kids - you can spot them a mile away. People who make the decision to have children need to bite-the-bullet and make some sacrifices so that one parent can be the major care-giver during a childs early years - instead of turning this responsibility over to an ever-changing parade low-paid day-care workers who have no emotional investment in the children.

[tpeks40]

I agree that kids need to have more respect in adult situations. I believe the lack of respect is in direct correlation to the limits of how we can disipline our children. We cannot keep letting the under 17 crowd run the roost with threats of how they are going to call the police on their parents every time an issue of disipline arises. I believe that there is a distinct difference between disiplining your children and child abuse, and while I know that child abuse is abhorrent, there is still a time and a place for a well timed slap. That shouldn't become an issue with the overloaded Child Protective services, but it commonly is. Until we let parents disipline their broods, we'll continue to see bad behaviors in children.

[cladanye-2009]

The reason that parents just let their kids be unruly is because he world has become so politically correct. If you attempt to discipline your children in public, you are commiting child abuse. The parent has become unable to do any type of diiscipline in public,let alone at home. I speak for being the mother of an 8 yr old and a 12 yr old, they know the "laws" of child abuse and tell me all the time "you can't touch me or I'll call the police on you" How are we supposed to discipline our children these days when the schools preach the signs of child abuse and the children hold it against you? The laws have become the reason we have no control. If you look at all the complaints, it is normally the people withouy kids who complain, walk a mile in our shoes with these laws before you complain again.

[ecuadoriana]

cornflower3 said that there will probably be some whiney bratty parent who will sue because they are asked to leave. Of course there will be! THAT is the same reason that whiney bratty kids threaten the parents with a call to social services if the parent tries to discipline! The parents who threaten to sue everyone for everything, rather than taking responsibility, only teach their children to shirk personal accountability! Kids are fat- parent sues Mcdonalds. Why should a child behave in public- mommy & daddy can just sue the restaurant! How easy!

Every minute of every day a human makes a cognitve decision based on experience- basic "cause & effect". It is what supposedly seperates us from the "lower animals". So why have parents allowed themselves to stop thinking? Why do they just float along like they have no spine?

Parents- do your job & stop expecting the world to cater to you & your kids!

[ecuadoriana]

To add to my previous post- for the record I am the mother of a successful, well mannered, respectful, responsible 23 yr old. My daughter works in a financial institution & is horrified by people her age- & older- who walk in demanding this or that. She can't believe how rude & arrogant people are & the way she is treated by the public. She even can't believe that men insist on wearing baseball caps in restaurants, banks, etc. She asked me "Why are grown men walking around dressed like little boys? Why don't they pull their pants up? They look like their mommy didn't change their diaper this morning!" She calls me & thanks me for standing strong as a parent & teaching her how to conduct herself in public. She is embarrassed that such rude people her age are representing her generation!

I taught her be accountable for her actions, to make decisions that would benefit the common good, & THINK before acting, because "actions speak louder than words".

[exusmcsgt]

cladanye-

Beating your child is not the only way to punish them.

[kwhurst]

Let's first remember that we were all children at some point in our lives. Part of being a kid is learning how to control emotions and how to interact with other people. Children are not dogs; they can't be controlled by being put on a leash or a harness. Children are taught by example, by love, by proper training.
Adrianne Frost is being absolutely childish by walking out of a place just because a child walks in the door. Apparently, she was a perfect child with no obedience or social dysfunction whatsoever.
I have three children and if they ever were to act up in public they would immediately be dealt with. That is part of being a responsible parent. I have seen parents that do not discipline well and they should take the responsibility to help and train their children. Children, despite what Smith says, are not in complete control by age 1 1/2 to 2. They are just beginning to learn what is right and wrong. It is their training period not time to play a perfected game. Some kids, no matter how hard a parent tries, are more challenging. But many adults that think like Frost would rather have kids cut out of society or become like robots - controlled by on/off switches and mute buttons. They want parents to be ashamed to have children anywhere. Everyone needs to gain a little tolerance and compassion. They need to remember what childhood is and stop making children grow into adulthood at age 2.

[hhughes73]

I think one of the biggest problems in today's society is the fact we are under constant surveillance. We can not even put our children in their car seats in a Walmart parking lot without being filmed. We correct our children in a mannerism someone may not agree with and we could make national news. How can we teach our children how to behave when we can't behave the way we sometimes need to in order to keep them in line. Society has made children feel they are in control, because children are smart and they can figure out Mom can't punish me in public. I am not talking about hitting or spanking, how do we use the time-out method to punish a child when you are in a Resturant? Waiting till you get home is not the answer, so I ask what is?

[rcsmith81]

cladanye -

I agree with you 100% - it's the laws of today that hinder the parents' ability to decipline their offspring.

[cladanye-2009]

exusmcsgt-
I never said beat, it is the plain fact the if you even touch them. Do do you have kids?

[friendsmom63]

i think the "children of ALL ages" sign is great. some children are remarkably well behaved, sometimes older kids will help with the younger, etc. and those kids should be welcome anywhere. no parent likes to hear grumbles and "check!" when they walk into friday's with their child.

[friendsmom63]

cladanye: i would respond to your kids with a swat on the butt. 12 is not too old for discipline. and i'm sure social services would welcome discipline in many american homes.
MUUUWAHAAHAHAHA!

[friendsmom63]

oleander, you suck! i'm a college student with a working husband and we chose a day care with similar values and an educational environment for our son. if you're present in the child's life more than half the time, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with someone else caring for your child while you set an example in education, responsibility and love for your family.

[catt42701]

There is one sure thing that will work. When and if your children act out in a store, restraunt, or any public place it is time to leave. Sooner or later you will learn to control your children if you have to leave every time they act out or they will learn contrly on their own. It is especially important to leave if it is something that they really want to do or if there is something in the shopping cart or plans that they want badly. They will then learn that they don't get their goodies if the act up. It's terrible when children are rewarded for bad behavior. It leads to adults that have no clue on how to behave in society. My children took trips to the bathroom when they behaved badly. They learned proper behavior. A child must know that there are consequences for bad, rude behavior.