As someone who enjoys peace and quiet and the satisfaction of adult-only spaces, I was intrigued by this NYTimes article about a growing trend in business to implement controls over children in their environments.  We're not talking about some kind of mandate, but we are talking about trying to provide a comfortable environment for the majority of patrons who do not have children.  This includes requiring children not to run about like wild animals, to not interfere with the business' operations, to not inconvenience others, and to not create a hostile environment for other patrons.

You most certainly know what it's like to go to a restaurant or coffee shop and to have one or more children running around, screaming, and pretty much turning the place into a playground.  It's uncomfortable.  It makes it difficult to carry on a normal conversation, the children will often find their way to your table, or they become an obstacle to conducting business (like having a child lying on the floor in the way of the line to the cash register).

While parents may think it is well within their right to let their children behave like feral rodents, the truth is that most people do not have children and do not wish to be subjected to the insane antics of ill-behaving brats.  Likewise, businesses understand that children not kept in check by their parents easily create an environment uninviting to other patrons.

Sounds like smoking, doesn't it?  It is under the very same premise that I completely agree with and support efforts to place controls over how children must behave in public places.  Parents will be the first to claim that a child will be a child, but a smoker will be a smoker — yet we've readily kicked them to the curb in favor of the majority of people who do not smoke.  Why then are children treated differently?

If parents are unable to maintain some semblance of control over their children under these circumstances, it should not place an unnecessary burden on the proprietors to accept that and to lose the business of those customers who do not wish to be subjected to playground mentalities — by the parents and the children.  Yes, kids will be kids, but they, like everyone else, should be expected not to inconvenience or irritate others when in places that cater to those who pay the bills: namely adults.

For those with kids, be upset about it if you wish.  Be narrow-minded and think yourself above reproach.  Try to excuse your poorly behaved child by saying they are but a child.  Also understand this: there are more of us without children, and we appreciate peace and quiet, the ability to navigate a place of business without tripping over or running into your brats as they run amok and remain unmanaged by parents who don't care.

There is no shame in having to take an unruly child outside so as not to make others suffer.  There is no shame in allowing all of us without kids to enjoy an uninterrupted meal or cup of coffee without trying to survive wild kids.  This is no more discrimination than the smoking situation in restaurants, coffee shops and other places of business.  The inconvenience is the same.  The burden placed on other patrons is the same.

I support businesses who try to cater to those who actually pay the bills — adults — by restricting the activity and behavior of children in their establishments.  I'd like to see more of this.  It doesn't make the place less kid friendly; it simply makes it more customer friendly.

Besides, if your children behave and don't bother other customers, there's no problem.  Asking that they behave is also not a problem.  You may only take offense at it if you believe you are more important than everyone else and that your inability to control your kids is somehow excusable.

Before you call me anti-children, understand this: I have a godson whom I love dearly, just as I love his younger sister; xocobra and LD have five kids, all of whom I cherish and enjoy the company of; my nieces and nephews are adored by me and cared for greatly.  I simply ask that some common decency be exhibited by parents (and their children) in public places where adults try to enjoy a meal, a cup of coffee, or the company of other adults.

[via Jenny]