I used to cringe when I would see a family get up from a table at a restaurant leaving behind what looked like a bomb went off. I thought, how rude or I hope they left a big tip because someone is going to have to pick that up.
Ever since you started eating solid foods and can be kept mildly entertained by munching on Cheerios and biscuits while your dad and I try to enjoy a meal out, after we are done, I get down on my hands and knees and pick up your crumbs. I also apologize profusely to our waiter, but that should be a given. Is this what is expected of me or am I just being neurotic? Don’t get me wrong, I’m not armed with a slew of cleaning products or anything, but I do pick up food thrown/dropped on the floor, mop up spills, and just generally try and keep the mayhem under control.
I really don’t know what the protocol is on this. I have never worked in food service, but I certainly appreciate how hard wait staff and bus boys work. My question to all of you moms out there is, what do you do? Do you clean up after your kid or tip more when your tot makes a mess? Perhaps it depends on the mess and the type of establishment and how often we frequent it, etc. A handful of Cheerios isn’t really a big deal, but if it’s a entire bowl of peas and carrots, maybe so? I don’t know, you tell me.
The best is yet to be.
Day 7/100
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Our routine is the exact same as yours. This way, I can tip based on the quality of service 🙂
Well I don't think I'm a good example. I'm the kind of Mum who wipes her feet ten times on the door mat before entering a restaurant/shop/house! Of course I clean up the mess my kids leave behind. I also leave tips and I do apologise if my daughters mess the table clothe with chocolate ice cream, orange juice or anything else!
My parents bought us up that way! And that's the example I'd like to give to my children. I don't know what the protocol is, but I just find it natural to clean up behind us.
I'm a 100% with you!
I would hate people to think that I'm rude, disrespectful or messy!
Again, here, i can't offer you any advice on this matter but I will say that I don't think you should go totally out of your way to clean up his mess. I can kinda imagine you breaking out your little hand-held vacuum from your purse to clean up the floor. You are so dad in this way. : )
I do think that it is common courtesy and just plan kind to clean up a little though and I think that waiters will really appreciate that. But just remember, that's also what happens in restaurants. People are going to leave pieces of food behind on the table and on the floor. Shoot, I make messes all the time in restaurants! : ) But I do my part to clean it up a little before I go.
I clean up the best I can and I leave a big tip!