Who's In Charge?

Normally, I wouldn't have given this article a second thought, mostly because I've resigned myself to the fact that 98% of today's parents don't really 'parent', they tune their kids out - especially in public places.  However, I had an interesting encounter just last night that makes the timing of this article too good not to pass along.   
   I was dining out with friends, all of whom are parents of children in the age range of preschool through high school.  Their kids were not with us, but not because they don't behave in public.  The table next to us did have their children with them.  It was apparent from the time this family was seated that the kids have been allowed to behave BADLY in public ever since they drew their first breaths.  I'm going to guess their ages were around the 3-4, 8-9 and 13-15 year marks.  Without getting into gory details I'll just share how the evening ended.  The family was told to leave, notice I didn't say asked to leave.  The parents were advised that they were not welcome to come back in the foreseeable future.  Six nearby tables were given hefty gift certificates based on the dollar amount of their dinner/drink tabs for the evening, and then some.  The owner apologized for the ruined atmosphere and expressed a desire to host a dining experience for them in the future that would be much more pleasurable. 
   I won't mention the name of the restaraunt, mainly because I didn't ask for permission to write about them on a public blog, but also because I'm sure the owners will likely have some backlash to deal with.  I can tell you that the remaining customers (including those tables with children at them) applauded as the offending family was escorted out of the building.    
      
Here's the article:   Take Your Screaming Child Outside

Before any of you parenting types out there get pissy about this, just take a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Then ask yourself: "does this article ring true about my kids in public?"  If you can honestly answer no, then I'd say you're off the hook. 
   For those of you who must confess to having little or zero control over your children in public places...print this article out and put it on your fridge - in place of the fingerpainting little junior did in preschool.  Read it every morning and commit to being the parent in all situations, public and private.  Let this be your wake up call.  The rest of the world doesn't enjoy being in the same room with your ill-behaved namesakes.  And by the way, we're not upset with your children nearly as much as we're upset you - the ADULT.  Get a clue, get to parenting!