My husband and I went to a Thanksgiving buffet today at a

[murielm99]

nearby restaurant. All our grown children had other plans, so we decided to keep things simple. It was very nice. It was crowded, too. Lots of people, including families, seemed to have the same idea. This was a local place, not a big chain.

When we were leaving, there was a family outside with a little boy about three years old. He was crying and complaining, "I didn't get anything." He would not get in the car.

The little brat had a free plastic cup with a straw. They gave that item to all the small children there. I guess the kid was used to going to restaurants where they sell or give away toys to children with every meal. Does MacDonald's still do that?

The child needed a good lesson in what it means not to get anything. He had a good meal, a free cup and a family who can afford to take him to a restaurant.

[elleng]

1. so your word this Thanksgiving is

Teach 3 year olds, those brats, lessons about not getting anything???? Somehow I disagree.

[murielm99]

2. Nice generalization.

I commented about one child whose family needs to teach him some manners and some lessons about how much he has to be thankful for.

My husband and I did have a nice time. I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving, too.

[vadawg]

3. he is a toddler, these things happen, last thing any family needs is the no it alls like yourself

giving them lectures,

[elleng]

5. Hey, vada!!!

:hi:

[vadawg]

6. jeez i think we are the only people still up, :)

though im going home in less than an hour woohoo beer and bbq at 8am is the best...

[elleng]

7. Prolly!

but my schedule is entirely screwed up, and I will drive from Silver Spring to Hagerstown in a couple, to clean and shop for daughter's newly planned visit!

[vadawg]

9. eek i used to live in silver spring up until a couple of years ago

[murielm99]

8. "no it alls?"

Thanks for the intelligent response.

Did I lecture this family? Where does it say that in my post?

[vadawg]

10. you know you wanted to, just to teach him manners and to be grateful

[elleng]

4. Glad you had a nice time.

Sorry. I responded to your experience with one child.

Had you said, 'I think this family should teach him some manners (even tho 3 year old!!!) and how much he has to be thankful for, my attitude would have been different. But those bratty 3 year olds!!!

Mine was OK, and weekend should be better, as I learned a few hours ago that one of my daughters will visit. I see them VERY seldom. Hope we can enjoy a meal or two, but she lost her sense of taste/smell due to that cold 'remedy,' so not sure.

:hi:

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

11. Had that been my child

I would have taken the cup and thrown it in the garbage can and physically put him in the car myself with a "now you got something to complain about kid!"

I guess it's a good thing I have no children.

[vadawg]

12. rofl, probuably is a good thing....

[murielm99]

13. LOL

I wouldn't have done that. I would have put the kid in the car, and talked to him at home, after he calmed down. But it would have to be done quickly. Three year olds have short memories.

[vadawg]

14. id of made him ride in the trunk whilst i went to pick up my spare sail

:)

[blueknight]

15. im getting older

and have noticed a lot lately how many times my wife and i have seen children miss behaving and out of control in restraunts.

[datasuspect]

16. i would have taken off my belt and threatened to bloody his ungrateful hide

while telling passersby to mind their own fucking business.

"i'll give you something to cry about."

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

17. Dad, is that you?

:spank: :spank: :spank: :spank: :spank:

Actually my dad wouldn't have threatened! His boot would have been up my ass if I ever dreamed of pulling a stunt like that.

[datasuspect]

18. i will be your father figure

til the end of time.

[blueamy66]

19. AMEN.

I would have done the same thing.

It's a good thing I don't have kids as well.

[Chan790]

20. Geez people...

some of the responses in this thread make my brain whimper. Never pass up an opportunity for a teaching moment...if you're a parent, of course you talk to your 3 year old about the importance of Thanksgiving, giving thanks and gratefulness because they were hissy-fitting in the parking lot after a nice dinner.

Not only is it important, it's the holiday tailor-made for that teaching moment.

[tigereye]

21. yes, I agree

but, 3 year olds are often pretty cranky anyway, especially when there is a lot of excitement - could simply have been a holiday meltdown.

[murielm99]

23. Some people aren't happy unless they can reply with

Internet snark. It makes their day.

[theNotoriousP.I.G.]

24. I wasn't being snarky! I promise

everybody who posted the "snarky" comments don't have kids and have no idea how one would handle such a situation. I was just kidding, to be honest. And like I said, it's a good thing I don't have children.

[murielm99]

25. I know, I know.

Some people were just fooling around. But some were being bitchy.

It may have been too early in the morning for me to comment on child rearing practices.

[Fleshdancer]

22. typical of that age

He's a toddler. Even the smartest, most generous wonderful people were shitheads at that age.

[Drunken Irishman]

26. I would've slammed his head into the car door.

[kwassa]

27. I think that is Child and Family Services knocking at your door right now ...

[leeroysphitz]

28. You are so fucking AWESOME!

[Drunken Irishman]

29. I know.