Restaurants need children or no children sections!

My husband and I were in a restaurant recently. The food was good--it is great restaurant and the food is always good. The atmostphere was dim and candlelit and the waitstaff were friendly. It sounds like a perfect end to a long day for two old farts like us.

However, on this occasion, it was awful! Two booths down from us a baby cried non-stop the whole time we were there. And in one booth next to us a young child was alternating screaming at her parents and throwing food (some of which landed around us). The place was full and there was no where for us to go.

C'mon people! Take your screaming kids out of the restaurant. Don't inflict that on the rest of us! What in the world makes you think we want to hear your child crying or fussing? We don't even like your kid--well, we might if we know him or her, but we don't. Do you not care that it gives the rest of us indigestion?

I remember an occasion a few years ago when some little brat leaned over the booth and spit on my daughter-in-law. The parents did nothing to correct that behavior. I was astonished. So I said something and they immediately left the restaurant. I think more of us who are inflicted with other people's errant offspring should stand up and yell, "Enough of this crap! Make your child behave or stay home!"

You are everything

You are everything to that tiny baby growing inside of you or cuddled in your arms. God has sent that child to you for a specific purpose. Yes, you wanted a child. But why that particular child? He has come to you because you have something special to teach him. Or maybe that tiny soul chose you and asked God to let her come into your family.

You were the vehicle used to bring a new soul into this world. Now you are the caretaker of the body and soul of this amazing creation. Overwheming when you think about it! This babe needs your love as you make sure she is fed, clothed, housed, and kept safe. This child will not survive if you do not take care of him.

So yes, for a few years you are everything to him or her. Their whole world revolves around themselves and you. Early on they do not realize you are separate entities. Later they not only realize it but relish it--welcome to the terrific twos.

Although this child is your world for a while, remember he is not your possession. He belongs to God and will grow up and move away from home. That is how it is supposed to be. Therefore you have a third job in this infant's life. You are the teacher. Everyday you are the example and the guider.

She will have many in her life who will influence her. It is your place to be the main source of influence and help her learn how to choose who will have an impact on her life. The teaching role is very hard sometimes. We are not always perfect examples and make mistakes. I found that if you admit that to your child and then talk about what you have both learned from the particular experience, it can then become a positive teaching tool.

God has given you all the tools you need to raise this child. Be in touch with the "nner parent" and you will know what is best for that miraculous child you have the privilege of sharing time with.