Hello All,
I have two children, now 18(girl) 16(boy). My son is seriously autistic, and we learnt early that his behavior upset people at sit-down food establishment. When he was hungry, he wanted food now. So, when going out we usually have to go fast food,(his favorite is McDonald’s because he loves their fries). As he has gotten older, his behavior is much better, but still in a road food or fancier establishment, the stares and glares forbid us from going there with him. I am not noble, sometimes my son embarrassess me no matter how much I love him, and I love him more than any words can express, more than the tears I am shedding as I write this can show.
The wife and I will go out alone, with the daughter babysitting brother, or I will take my daughter out for a special father/daughter treat.
It took me a long time to not resent seeing other parents having a good time eating out with their children, whether fast food or just a good, sit-down establisment.
I have matured enough to be glad that normal families are having a good time together; and still envy them but now without resentment.
We, all, want eating out to be a wonderful experience. So do your children. It is a special thing, I believe. So, why make it a test or trial in which you separate yourselves from your children and judge them?
A meal should be an enjoyable communion where food unites individuals over a common need: eating and talking. Everyone, regardless of age, sex, etc., needs and should enjoy eating. Why be so uptight over eating with children? We always seem to take a good prospect and find a way to make it stressful and imperfect. Time to enjoy life, people.
While my son will only eat fast food outside of our family meals, my daughter is a lover of adventure. She is joy to hit roadfood places with.
The wife is a bit snobby about roadfood. The daughter is away at college, so now, I must solo the few times I am able to hit roadfood places. But when we get together, it is great venturing out.
So, folks, enjoy whatever experiences you have with your kids when you can.
And I don’t know what to say to those who get upset at kids at eating establishments…they are little people that I think we judge a little more harshly because they are..little people and we are bigger.
Take Care,
Fieldthistle