Taking babies to public places can be awkward for parents, especially when their child starts crying or laughing unexpectedly. But what if you intentionally make your baby scream?
An internet user asked, “Am I a jerk for making my baby laugh at a restaurant?”. Here’s the full story for your context.
Backstory
It was the Original Poster’s (OP’s) wife’s birthday yesterday. She picked out a mid-tier restaurant to go to for her birthday. This was no chili’s level but not high-end either. They went at 5:30 on a Wednesday, so not that busy.
OP’s Happy-Go-Lucky Kid
They have a 10-month-old who’s just about the happiest kid ever. Nearly anything OP does makes him laugh. Well at dinner, OP was making him laugh. He’d throw in some happy yelling. Maybe got a touch loud but he was in a great mood.
Someone Had An Objection
Well, the table next to them had an issue with what OP was doing and asked him to stop. They told them to keep it down.
“I’m like he’s laughing that’s all. Him laughing an issue? They just repeat that he is too loud, if he is going to be like this they suggested we stay home.”, says OP.
What Did OP Do Next?
OP tells them to leave them alone and continues making his son laugh. OP overheard them reference him as a jerk. They requested to move tables and did.
“But was I the jerk for making my baby laugh?”, asks OP.
Some Additional Information
OP later edited the post and added the following information.
“This was a 3-5 minute interaction with my son while waiting for the check. It was 90% giggling. The other hour plus we were there it was just him being quiet or eating or going bah bah bah over and over. There was no extended shrieking at all that occurred.”
This Has Got To Do Something With ‘Basic Manners’
“You’re the jerk. Because when you were informed, you were bothering other people (who were also paying to enjoy a nice dinner) your response was essentially ‘screw them’. There’s something to be said for basic manners.”
You Deliberately Provoked Your Kid!
“You’re the jerk. You deliberately provoked your kiddo into making loud noises in a place where people go to relax and enjoy the conversation. There’s nothing wrong with your kid laughing, but there’s a time and a place for it.
If you’d been doing this in a public park, that would be fine, but you were in a mid-tier restaurant, and you continued after people told you it was a problem. If you’d toned it down a notch after they asked, you would have been fine.”
Has Anyone Ever Heard An Adult Laugh?
“Not the jerk and I know I’m going to be downvoted. I’ve heard adults be louder than happy babies shrieking/ laughing. Way more obnoxious. Way more annoying than a dining experience. Babies exist. They are entitled to a mid-level restaurant and enjoy it with their parents like anyone else.
OP was clear this wasn’t high-end or a weekend. It was midday Wednesday. Has anyone ever heard an adult laugh? Loud as hell at times. If they don’t want to be around potentially loud babies or kids, they can stay home or pay for an establishment that isn’t appropriate for them to be there.
P.S. – restaurants, no matter low, mid, or high-end, are loud in general. Everyone is loud.”
The World Doesn’t Revolve Around You
“You’re the jerk. The world doesn’t revolve around you and your family. Will you be the parent that ignores their child’s screaming out in public as well? Do that nonsense in your own home, not out in public where, believe it or not, other people exist.”
Babies Are Loud
“Not the jerk. If they don’t like it, they can leave. I don’t know why everyone is saying you’re the jerk. You’re not. Babies are loud. Should parents never take their kids out to a restaurant because they make noise?
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This article was originally published on Mrs Daaku Studio.