wwyd?

[Karl_K]

I'm going to do post a ask PS :}
The setup:
Wifey and I are waiting for our pizza to be ready.
In comes a a youngish couple with 4 kids.
I would say 4-5-6ish boys and a baby.
The mom is carrying the baby and the guy is carrying the baby seat and walking with the older children.
The older children climb up into their chairs and quietly wait.
No running around, they were very well behaved the whole time we were there.
I was tempted to compliment the parents but kept quiet.
Would you have said something?

 

[lulu_ma]

Yes, definitely. Props to them!

 

[Calliecake]

I would have. Raising kids is hard. What parent doesn’t love to hear they are doing a great job raising their children?

That pizza looks delicious!!!!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Hell yes !

 

[telephone89]

I personally wouldn’t (I don’t believe we should comment on anyones child rearing, what you see as positive could be the result of not so nice things), but I also think basic manners should be the bare minimum? It’s not like they started vacuuming or walking old ladies to their seat, they sat quietly. Not much of an achievement imo lol.

 

[seaurchin]

My kids are adults now and I still fondly remember compliments I got from strangers about how well behaved they were. So I think a quick compliment would be most appreciated!

 

[yssie]

IMO someone else’s behaviour is only my business if it’s affecting me - or other people around that person. Kids sitting quietly at their table have no effect on me, the restaurant staff, or other patrons, so they’re not my business.

 

[kenny]

Clearly they are not from earth.

Not knowing the real agenda of these visitors from planet Voltar, I would have immediately left.
After driving a safe distance I would have pulled over, started breathing again, and called 911, FBI, CIA.

 

[seaurchin]

One good thing the lousy past few years did for me was make me far more likely to go through with it when I have a kind impulse, whether it's a donation or a kind word or whatever. Before, I most often would not, out of fear of feeling stupid or something, I guess. But now I do it (usually).

 

[Karl_K]

Clearly they are not from earth.

Not knowing the real agenda of these visitors from planet Voltar, I would have immediately left.
After driving a safe distance I would have pulled over, started breathing again, and called 911, FBI, CIA.

Rofl! that is funny.

 

[Karl_K]

Thank you everyone who has posted so far!
This is actually a complex subject for me as I agree with both the people saying yes and those saying no.

 

[kenny]

... This is actually a complex subject for me as I agree with both the people saying yes and those saying no.

Me too.
I was going to suggest giving a brief compliment but telephone89 makes an excellent point.

It is certainly not normal - not that normal is always better.
When something looks too unusual and perfect something sinister may be going on.
Have you seen the film, "The Stepford Wives"?
They should do a remake called, "The Stepford Kids".

 

[LilAlex]

I was tempted to compliment the parents but kept quiet.
Would you have said something?

Criticizing will seldom end well. But saying something nice? Fire away!!

Separately, it is also good for the kids to hear, imo. They're putting some energy into being on their best behavior and appreciate when it's noticed -- especially by a non-parent. (If you can not tell, I had a horse in this race for many, many years. )

 

[dk168]

Perhaps they are French! They can't be Brits or they would be running riot.

Yes I would have complimented how well-behaved they are.

DK

 

[lissyflo]

Perhaps they are French! They can't be Brits or they would be running riot.

Yes I would have complimented how well-behaved they are.

DK

We had lunch in a nice, well known Paris restaurant during a holiday in France a few years ago. Two families, with 4 children under the age of 8 in our group. The kids sat and talked with the adults during the meal, tried everything and behaved well. The French family at the next table had two children with them of a similar age to ours. The French children spent the entire meal with headphones on staring at iPads. I admit I internally gloated given the books floating around at the time about how to get children to behave and eat like French kids! (I also thanked my lucky stars that our kids happened to be on good form that day )

 

[lissyflo]

Separately, it is also good for the kids to hear, imo. They're putting some energy into being on their best behavior and appreciate when it's noticed -- especially by a non-parent.

This. Reinforcing good behaviour is kinder, and arguably more effective in the long run, than punishing bad behaviour. Carrot not stick! Ultimately that’s for the parents to do, but a kind comment rarely causes offence.

 

[lissyflo]

Separately, it is also good for the kids to hear, imo. They're putting some energy into being on their best behavior and appreciate when it's noticed -- especially by a non-parent.

This. Reinforcing good behaviour is kinder, and arguably more effective in the long run, than punishing bad behaviour. Carrot not stick!

 

[dk168]

I grew up with very straight parenting (hence I am living 8h time zone away from my mum to this day), and they firmly believed children should not be seen or heard until they could behave themselves.

We would attend family banquets with a maid in tow, and if we misbehaved, we would be taken back home right away with no messing about.

DK

 

[Dee*Jay]

I have given compliments in similar situations, but I always say "What a lovely family you are!" They can interpret that any way they like, but I imagine the parents are hearing "How well behaved your children are!"

BTW, how was the pizza!

 

[missy]

Absolutely. I (generally) always share good things I am thinking with others when it pertains to them. There is so much negativity in the world that when something is surprisingly wonderful I speak up.

Of course it might depend the specific circumstance and if I thought the person/couple/family might not be receptive I would keep quiet. I read the situation so to speak and in real life I am pretty perceptive that way. Some would say I am very intuitive. So yes I would share my thoughts if I thought they would be pleased to hear them.


And may I add, OMG that pizza looks scrumptious.

 

[FL_runner]

I think it’s so sweet when someone makes a brief, kind comment about my children’s behavior! We work hard on manners and kindness, and it’s nice to get some reinforcement from others. It takes a village, right?

 

[AprilBaby]

Giordanos? That’s what we had for dinner last night! Mmmmmmmmm…..

 

[rcjtraveler]

I have complimented on numerous occasions and it has always been well received.

 

[Karl_K]

Giordanos? That’s what we had for dinner last night! Mmmmmmmmm…..

yep it was super yummy.

 

[Karl_K]

I have given compliments in similar situations, but I always say "What a lovely family you are!" They can interpret that any way they like, but I imagine the parents are hearing "How well behaved your children are!"

BTW, how was the pizza!

pizza was awesome.
Just a bit up from estate on mulford.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

Yes I would! When we get random compliments out it's always so nice.

 

[kenny]

... speaking of pizza.
Back when I ate pizza I loved it.
Today it would probably send me to the ER.
The best was that deep dish kind we got in Chicago.

Actually was at Beau Jo's in Denver.
It's DA BOMB, DIGGITY BOMB BOMB!!!!

Home of the Colorado Mountain Pie & Pizza | Beau Jo's

Beau Jo's is home to the world-famous Colorado Mountain Pie. Visit one of our 6 Colorado-style pizza restaurants around Colorado, or order your food to be shipped!

www.beaujos.com