Best (yet most depressing) advice today
Regarding going out to eat with young children, regular commenter rudyinparis said:
"...accept that meals out will be devoted to teaching/modeling correct behavior. Give up on the fantasy that you can enjoy a margarita while staring into space or having a witty conversation with your partner."
That's right. Going out to dinner is no longer a treat or a relief, it is a "teaching moment." Yet another time/event where you get to devote most of your (fading) energy to civilizing yourhorrible little sh*t adorable little child into someone vaguely acceptable in social situations.
She's totally right of course- that's what good parents are all about. The greater goal of teaching, modeling, parenting their spawn always takes precedence over their own needs or desires, except the good ones can hide that and make it look like they're still doing exactly what they want to do. Or, maybe they're the good ones because the parenting thing IS what they want to do every waking moment. All I know is, I'm not them. And thank G-d for Damomma, who frequently makes me feel like I'm having a *good* day, in comparison.
"...accept that meals out will be devoted to teaching/modeling correct behavior. Give up on the fantasy that you can enjoy a margarita while staring into space or having a witty conversation with your partner."
That's right. Going out to dinner is no longer a treat or a relief, it is a "teaching moment." Yet another time/event where you get to devote most of your (fading) energy to civilizing your
She's totally right of course- that's what good parents are all about. The greater goal of teaching, modeling, parenting their spawn always takes precedence over their own needs or desires, except the good ones can hide that and make it look like they're still doing exactly what they want to do. Or, maybe they're the good ones because the parenting thing IS what they want to do every waking moment. All I know is, I'm not them. And thank G-d for Damomma, who frequently makes me feel like I'm having a *good* day, in comparison.
posted by Tzipporah at 7:40 PM
3 Comments:
Believe me, it improves. I remember how our choices of restaurant grew as Evan learned not to sit under the table, etc. Now we're up to sports bar!!! He's 15 so I figure we're doing GOOD!!!!!!!!
Sports bar is an improvement?
Actually, on a different but related note, it is not that long ago that SK finally became 'regular restaurant able'. Something about forks and knives, and weird points of glow in the dark etiquette.
Going out to dinner is no longer a treat or a relief, it is a "teaching moment."
Babysitters can be invaluable.
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