Juggling all the responsibilities that come with being a parent is never simple. You have the crucial task of keeping your kids safe, loved, and well-cared for. Moreover, it’s your responsibility to guide them into becoming respectful, law-abiding adults.
Speaking from personal experience, it might often feel like you’re falling short in this aspect, even when you’re not. Kids go through various phases that seem crafted to test their parents’ patience. While teaching them right from wrong is vital, no set of rules can guarantee they’ll always behave.
Thankfully, most people understand this reality. Those public outings where your little one throws a tantrum are usually not as disastrous as they might seem. It’s a relief that the majority of individuals are tolerant of the ever-changing and unpredictable behavior of young children.
That’s why a particular Arby’s in Minnesota caused quite a stir a few years ago when they put up a new sign at their restaurant, aiming to restrict the type of children allowed in.
The incident revolves around Christine Hemsworth, a mom of three, who visited her local Arby’s in Elk River in October 2019. To her surprise, a new sign on the door caught her attention. It read: “Only well-behaved children who can keep their food on their trays and their bottoms on their seats are welcome. If you can’t do this, you will be asked to leave.”
Christine felt uneasy, especially since she had a two-year-old. She told KARE 11, “I was like, ‘oh gosh.’ I’ve got a two-year-old with me, and he doesn’t always keep his fries on the tray or his bottom on the seat. He sometimes stands up.” Despite having a coupon for a family meal, Christine decided to eat there. However, she claimed she couldn’t fully relax during their time at the restaurant.
“It was a bit uncomfortable during our time at the restaurant,” she explained. After returning home, Christine took to Facebook to share her thoughts on Arby’s unusual sign. “I’m not one to complain—I really am not,” she told TODAY. “But this just didn’t sit well with me. The manager could have conveyed the message to individuals rather than making it a general statement to the public.”
Predictably, Christine’s story has circulated on the internet several times in recent years, sparking debates among commenters. While some believe Arby’s is at fault, the majority argue that it’s the responsibility of parents to ensure their children are well-behaved.
“Too bad,” one commenter wrote. “I hate it when parents cannot control their children. My son is now 30 and has the utmost respect for others because I raised him to be respectful of others”
A third individual expressed, “Dining out in nice restaurants is a luxury for most of us these days! If I’m spending that much money, I don’t want to listen to screaming kids!”
A fourth person added, “We don’t have Sunday lunches out anymore due to the chaos and noise of poorly raised children – not their fault but the parents.”
After Christine’s post gained attention on social media, Arby’s issued an apology. A spokesperson stated, “We recognize the language on this sign was insensitive. We removed it quickly and have disciplined the manager and team working at the restaurant. It does not reflect our company values and the family-friendly environment we aim to provide in all of our restaurants,” as reported by TODAY.
What are your thoughts on Arby’s decision to display that sign? Share your opinions.