In response to my recent vent about Starbucks lack of parent-friendly accommodations, someone left this comment on the blog:
Anonymous said...
Gee, I am glad I am not such a bitter person. Sorry everything and everyplace on earth is such an insult to you. Sad, you could probably learn to be a much happier person. But do keep standing up for all those rights you think you deserve! Just found your blog browsing by. I shall look forward to your comments about my reply.
Just to clear things up a bit for this "anonymous" non-parent....
1. I am not a bitter person. I am a parent, which is a full-time job that is hard enough on its own without restaurants and coffee shops making it even harder by not having high chairs, changing tables and the like.
2. I never said that everything and everyplace (which is really 2 words: every place) on earth is an insult to me. Obviously "anonymous" has no kids or he/she would be able to understand the frustration that comes with having to change a poopy diaper in the front seat of a car when it's 35 degrees outside.
3. And yes, I do think that every parent deserves to be treated the same as any other customer at any establishment. Actually, we should be treated better...we're raising future customers. Non-parents just don't get it. Broken high chairs, negative attitudes toward kids, nowhere to change diapers -- things like that MATTER when you have kids.
4. Oh and for the record, I am a very happy person.
So, "Anonymous", I am not a bitter, unhappy person, I'm a parent who is often stressed to the max and annoyed to the point of exhaustion with the stupidity of non-parents.
And it's obvious that you just don't get it. So until the day comes when you have to change a diaper in the front seat of your car in the dead of winter because your local coffee shop doesn't have a changing table, how 'bout if you just shut the hell up.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
No kids at Starbucks!
Went to a local Starbucks today, with Olivia in tow (we were waiting for Xmas photos to be developed) and came to the conclusion that the American coffee palace has a secret anti-kids policy.
Sure, they have 8 oz. kid's drinks for a buck. And chocolate chip cookies and rice krispie treats too. But it's what they don't have that makes me think they dislike kids.
First, there are no high chairs. To a parent such as myself, this means: "Keep your kids out of our stores. We sell over-priced coffee drinks and play "cool" music and our non-parent clients don't want your kids interrupting their NY Times crossword puzzle."
I can almost get past the high chairs now that Olivia likes to sit in a regular chair. But still, the lack of high chairs sends a definite message.
It's the other missing necessity that really pisses me off. There are NO changing tables.
I needed to change Olivia's diaper -- but found that there was not a changing table in the restroom. I was THISCLOSE to plopping her down on one of the tables in the store and changing the very stinky poopy diaper right there (that certainly would have made my point) -- but I decided better of it. Instead, I had to change my daughter's diaper in the car, when it was 35 degrees outside. Neither of us were very happy about that. In retrospect, I should have changed her on the table, in front of all the other patrons - it SO would have been worth it to see their faces.
I've made the argument before - if a restaurant or coffee shop does not want kids to come inside, then post a sign on the door that says "NO KIDS ALLOWED." It's really very simple. If you don't have a sign, then you damn well better expect parents to come in with their kids in tow. And if we're coming in, then you damn well better cater to those us and our kids. Whiche means - have changing tables in both restrooms and have high chairs available.
Those eating and drinking establishments who refuse to cater to clients with kids better realize right quick that we are a very powerful and LOUD bunch and we will make your shortcomings known to everyone we know. Hey Starbucks - No changing table? Well, guess what -- a local coffee shop right down the road from me has a changing table. They probably have high chairs too. Guess who is going to get my business? Not you, Starbucks.
Sure, they have 8 oz. kid's drinks for a buck. And chocolate chip cookies and rice krispie treats too. But it's what they don't have that makes me think they dislike kids.
First, there are no high chairs. To a parent such as myself, this means: "Keep your kids out of our stores. We sell over-priced coffee drinks and play "cool" music and our non-parent clients don't want your kids interrupting their NY Times crossword puzzle."
I can almost get past the high chairs now that Olivia likes to sit in a regular chair. But still, the lack of high chairs sends a definite message.
It's the other missing necessity that really pisses me off. There are NO changing tables.
I needed to change Olivia's diaper -- but found that there was not a changing table in the restroom. I was THISCLOSE to plopping her down on one of the tables in the store and changing the very stinky poopy diaper right there (that certainly would have made my point) -- but I decided better of it. Instead, I had to change my daughter's diaper in the car, when it was 35 degrees outside. Neither of us were very happy about that. In retrospect, I should have changed her on the table, in front of all the other patrons - it SO would have been worth it to see their faces.
I've made the argument before - if a restaurant or coffee shop does not want kids to come inside, then post a sign on the door that says "NO KIDS ALLOWED." It's really very simple. If you don't have a sign, then you damn well better expect parents to come in with their kids in tow. And if we're coming in, then you damn well better cater to those us and our kids. Whiche means - have changing tables in both restrooms and have high chairs available.
Those eating and drinking establishments who refuse to cater to clients with kids better realize right quick that we are a very powerful and LOUD bunch and we will make your shortcomings known to everyone we know. Hey Starbucks - No changing table? Well, guess what -- a local coffee shop right down the road from me has a changing table. They probably have high chairs too. Guess who is going to get my business? Not you, Starbucks.
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
Monday, October 31, 2005
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Dining out
Went out to lunch today - which is always something of an adventure with a toddler in tow. It always makes it so much more interesting though when you go somewhere that isn't exactly "kid friendly."
First, the hostess takes us to the table (really, one of those round booths that aren't suitable for toddlers or babies in car seats - we had both in our group), and I say to her, "I need a highchair." To which she responds, "Oh someone is bringing one."
Meanwhile, I'm standing there holding Olivia, who is squirming and irritated because she can't get down and run around. Now, why would it have been so difficult for the hostess to carry a freakin' high chair to the table? After all, she walked right past them. I guess the menus were too much for her to handle, let alone carrying a high chair too. Never mind the fact that I mananged to walk through the entire dining room carrying a 20-month old, a diaper bag and my purse. I probably could have carried the damn high chair too.
Finally, the designated high chair carrier arrives and thankfully, the high chair was in relatively OK shape. That's a huge pet peeve of mine -- high chairs that are well beyond their "use by" date. I have lost count of the number of places I've gone where the high chairs were all in various states of disrepair. Either they are missing part of the lock clip on the safety belt, or the safety belt is tied in a knot, so as to keep it at "one size fits small" presumably, or the chair only has one part of the safety belt, or all the screws are loose and the chair is ready to fall to pieces.
I admit, I get a little pissed off about the high chairs. But really, is it that much to ask to have safe and clean high chairs for my kid? And when you question the owner or manager about the state of their chairs they always look at you as if you had just asked them to end hunger worldwide. I actually had a pizzeria owner say to me that it was "really expensive" to get highchairs fixed. Gee, I wonder how expensive a personal injury lawsuit would be if a child fell out of one of those broken or damaged chairs? When I find a chair that is unsafe, I always request a different chair. I don't care if it makes me look like a crazed mom. I want my kid to be safe.
Another point of contention with me -- kids menus, or the lack thereof. My statement is this: if you don't want kids to eat at your restaurant, then put a sign on the door that say "NO KIDS." Otherwise, have a kids menu. It's that simple. You don't need to have crayons or other fun stuff (although, that's nice too), just have a menu for kids.
I guess my point is this: going out to eat with kids is hard enough - restaurants should make it easier on us by having safe seats, good kids menus and a good attitude about kids. If they can't do that, then just hang up that "NO KIDS" sign and we'll get the message.
First, the hostess takes us to the table (really, one of those round booths that aren't suitable for toddlers or babies in car seats - we had both in our group), and I say to her, "I need a highchair." To which she responds, "Oh someone is bringing one."
Meanwhile, I'm standing there holding Olivia, who is squirming and irritated because she can't get down and run around. Now, why would it have been so difficult for the hostess to carry a freakin' high chair to the table? After all, she walked right past them. I guess the menus were too much for her to handle, let alone carrying a high chair too. Never mind the fact that I mananged to walk through the entire dining room carrying a 20-month old, a diaper bag and my purse. I probably could have carried the damn high chair too.
Finally, the designated high chair carrier arrives and thankfully, the high chair was in relatively OK shape. That's a huge pet peeve of mine -- high chairs that are well beyond their "use by" date. I have lost count of the number of places I've gone where the high chairs were all in various states of disrepair. Either they are missing part of the lock clip on the safety belt, or the safety belt is tied in a knot, so as to keep it at "one size fits small" presumably, or the chair only has one part of the safety belt, or all the screws are loose and the chair is ready to fall to pieces.
I admit, I get a little pissed off about the high chairs. But really, is it that much to ask to have safe and clean high chairs for my kid? And when you question the owner or manager about the state of their chairs they always look at you as if you had just asked them to end hunger worldwide. I actually had a pizzeria owner say to me that it was "really expensive" to get highchairs fixed. Gee, I wonder how expensive a personal injury lawsuit would be if a child fell out of one of those broken or damaged chairs? When I find a chair that is unsafe, I always request a different chair. I don't care if it makes me look like a crazed mom. I want my kid to be safe.
Another point of contention with me -- kids menus, or the lack thereof. My statement is this: if you don't want kids to eat at your restaurant, then put a sign on the door that say "NO KIDS." Otherwise, have a kids menu. It's that simple. You don't need to have crayons or other fun stuff (although, that's nice too), just have a menu for kids.
I guess my point is this: going out to eat with kids is hard enough - restaurants should make it easier on us by having safe seats, good kids menus and a good attitude about kids. If they can't do that, then just hang up that "NO KIDS" sign and we'll get the message.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
An extra hug today...
Spent most of the day watching CNN. The tragedy unfolding in New Orleans and the rest of the Gulf Coast areas affected by Hurricane Katrina is mind-boggling.
I sat here this afternoon, trying to imagine what I would take with me if we had to evacuate our home. Here's my list so far: Kevin, Olivia, the 2 dogs - Jake and Mollie, the 2 cats - Daisy and Gatsby, our photos, my wedding dress, our cameras, clothes, diapers, Olivia's blanket and stuffed toys, food, water, cell phones, home movies...the list goes one and on. Basically, it would take both cars and probably a U-Haul to take it all. But that isn't realistic, now is it?
It is unimaginable to me...what these people are dealing with. Many of them have no homes or belongings to come home to. They have the clothes on their backs and memories. That is what's left for most -- only memories.
I said today that I won't complain anymore about how tough things seem to be. The residents of the Gulf Coast have it much, much harder.
Sure, our gas prices went up to $3.09 a gallon...but at least we have 2 cars to drive. Yes, money is tight right now, but at least Kevin has a job and we have a home to keep us safe and warm. We have electricity, food, water and all the basic necessities that probably seem like luxuries to those living in Katrina's aftermath.
My thoughts and prayers to everyone on the Gulf Coast tonight.
Believe me, Olivia got many extra hugs and kisses today, just because.
I sat here this afternoon, trying to imagine what I would take with me if we had to evacuate our home. Here's my list so far: Kevin, Olivia, the 2 dogs - Jake and Mollie, the 2 cats - Daisy and Gatsby, our photos, my wedding dress, our cameras, clothes, diapers, Olivia's blanket and stuffed toys, food, water, cell phones, home movies...the list goes one and on. Basically, it would take both cars and probably a U-Haul to take it all. But that isn't realistic, now is it?
It is unimaginable to me...what these people are dealing with. Many of them have no homes or belongings to come home to. They have the clothes on their backs and memories. That is what's left for most -- only memories.
I said today that I won't complain anymore about how tough things seem to be. The residents of the Gulf Coast have it much, much harder.
Sure, our gas prices went up to $3.09 a gallon...but at least we have 2 cars to drive. Yes, money is tight right now, but at least Kevin has a job and we have a home to keep us safe and warm. We have electricity, food, water and all the basic necessities that probably seem like luxuries to those living in Katrina's aftermath.
My thoughts and prayers to everyone on the Gulf Coast tonight.
Believe me, Olivia got many extra hugs and kisses today, just because.
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Fruit Salad...Yummy, Yummy!
Why fruit salad, you ask? Because I have The Wiggles on my brain. All day, all night. I go to bed at night singing their silly songs and wake up in the morning still singing them. It used to be annoying, now it's just plain weird. Of course, if you spent every day watching at least 2 - 3 hours of The Wiggles with your toddler, you'd probably do the same thing.
Olivia is OBSESSED with The Wiggles. Seriously, I think the girl needs a toddler 12-step program or something. She screeches like a banshee when she sees them on the Disney Channel or on the shelves in a toy store or a bookstore. She even makes a beeline to the Wiggles DVDs at the video store. I'm not sure how or when it happened...but The Wiggles have become a daily part of our routine.
And I hate to admit it, but I'm kinda fond of the guys from Down Under. Yeah, at first they seemed a bit, well, freakish. Four grown men, dressed in knock-off Star Trek uniforms, dancing around with a giant dog, a green and yellow polka dotted dinosaur and a pirate named Captain Feathersword. But they grow on you, like some sort of fun, funky mold.
I can sing just about every song word for word (much to my husband's annoyance) and, as much as I hate to admit it, I actually LIKE some of the songs ("Eagle Rock" comes to mind). And, yeah, a couple of them are sort of cute.
And so, another day of Wiggle-induced mania begins....stay tuned for more fruit salad and hot potatoes! Hoop Dee Do!
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