This letter is for the extremely rude lady and any other person who feels the need to give their opinion to complete strangers on how children should be raised.
While waiting for our bill at a restaurant in Langford this woman started her rudeness and insensitivity with asking the parents if their child has special needs. The child does not.
She apparently was disturbed by the noise the child was making – he is 21 months old. She then went on and on informing the parents that they need to teach this child manners or he would end up working as a carnival employee or be as ignorant as all of us at the table.
Several times this woman was asked politely to leave our table and to keep her comments to herself as we were not interested in hearing her opinion but oh no, this woman had something to say and she was going to say it. So on and on she blathered, there was no stopping her.
This beautiful little boy was laughing and having fun with his father who had recently returned from his deployment of seven months overseas. This child’s parents are both well educated with his mother having a degree and his father serving as an officer with the Canadian Armed Forces.
He was not crying or throwing a tantrum in which case his parents would have removed him from the restaurant. As for the rest of us “ignorant people” at the table, the other couple are also well educated and also work in another province for the Canadian Armed Forces. Myself, I am a retired nurse.
This action was completely unprovoked and unsolicited. Why do some people think this behaviour is okay? If these parents had wanted your opinion or insight they would have asked for it. The father remained calm and asked this lady if she felt better. She finally left us alone.
These comments were upsetting to all of us at the table and I would like to say that if you don’t want to have a meal at a restaurant that serves the children’s meals in a pirate boat perhaps you should rethink your choice of venue. Also, if you cannot control yourself with your negative comments, maybe you should stay home.
Marilyn Woodrow
Sooke