Unattended Children

a lot of people arent trying to survive off that. A lot of people do simply see it untouched and grab it so it's not wasted.

I can't imagine why ANYONE would grab uneaten food from a table. Just because the food hasn't been touched doesn't mean that it's safe. People (and especially kids) do sneeze, cough, and do all sorts of things that could spread germs onto food that's never been touched. There's always the possibility the food WAS touched but just not eaten.

I'm not a germaphobe, and I do think it's a shame that people waste so much food in this country, but once it's been on someone's table, I wouldn't touch it, much less eat it.

Better to let it go to waste than to get sick, and unfortunately I see way too many obviously ill people (again including children) eating out these days.

I can't imagine why ANYONE would grab uneaten food from a table. Just because the food hasn't been touched doesn't mean that it's safe. People (and especially kids) do sneeze, cough, and do all sorts of things that could spread germs onto food that's never been touched. There's always the possibility the food WAS touched but just not eaten.

I'm not a germaphobe, and I do think it's a shame that people waste so much food in this country, but once it's been on someone's table, I wouldn't touch it, much less eat it.

Better to let it go to waste than to get sick, and unfortunately I see way too many obviously ill people (again including children) eating out these days.

and that's why YOU dont do it. it shouldnt bother you at all if anyone else (that's not your ward) does it.

Thanks for all the wonderful (and funny) responses!

I think we're going to put up a sign that says "No children under the age of 14 unless accompanied by an adult." I know this won't necessarily solve everything, but at least we will have a policy in place that my employees can enforce.

We have two 11 years old girls that come in each day (and buy something) and I spoke with them today to tell them that I was fine with them, but due to others we had to make this a new rule. They knew exactly who one of my trouble makers was and offered to show me where he lives if need be. So I told them they were welcome anytime but let them know what was going on. Maybe they can help me run off the poorly behaved kids.

I also like the idea of asking for names and phone numbers to call parents or police...

Dear Jessica,
I feel for you-- as there are no easy answers. I would go ahead and put a sign of some sort up--Children are welcome when with adults purchasing food. However, they probably cant or wont read sign. I would definitely call CPS or the local police and ask their opinion. Additionally, I would ask for patrols to stop in and step it up in the area, due to the age of the children that are roaming around. You are running a business, which is hard enough w/out adding free babysitting to the mix. Good luck!

My first reaction is that if they're disrupting your business, either find the kids' parents or call the police. On the other hand, if they're polite and they have money to buy product from you they should be treated like any other customer.

This puts me in the mind of something we heard on the radio.

We were driving back from our country cousins' down in Tennessee today and the satellite NPR station had an interview with a woman who wrote a book and blogs about "free range kids."

Her opinion is that kids need to be given more freedom and time to do the stuff that we did when we were kids. You know, like ride our bikes to the park and walk to school.

She cited a statistic about how crime rates are lower than they were in 1970, and puts some of the blame on the media for scaring parents into over-protecting their kids. She went on to say that there are far more children harmed by people they are know or are related to than strangers.

If you have the time to listen to it, the interview is really interesting. Here it is.

Her opinion is that kids need to be given more freedom and time to do the stuff that we did when we were kids. You know, like ride our bikes to the park and walk to school.
I

Probably not the same book you mentioned Steve, but something along the same lines.

Fifty Dangerous Things (You Should Let Your Children Do) By Gever Tulley and Julie Spiegler.

As an "empty nester" I've never felt the urge to read it but I have a couple of younger friends who are parents that say it's a great book.

As far as 6 or 8 year old are concerned, I think you should ask them where their parents are and that they should come back when they are accompanied with someone older.

As the the parent of a 16 year old and a 6 year old, I think this is the best approach for the little kids. Nicely tell them to tell their parents that they need to bring a grownup in order to come to your place. Makes your point to their parents and doesn't scare them like to police.

( Pretty outrageous from a safety perspective- we live 2 blocks from the Springhurst Graeters and we only allowed our daughter to go there solo at 12- in daylight. And certainly not to "hang out".)

Deb

It sounds lkie these children like coming to your store. When I was about 8 or 9 there was a local church that had a special day each week for the neighbor kids. Got us out of the heat and we looked forward to the event each week. Just maby if you plan a day and time( when you are usually slow) for the neighbor children and charge a small fee. Print flyers for them to take home and you might just get some new customers out of their parents. Kids like to feel special and sometimes when you do something special just for them the have more respect for you.

They knew exactly who one of my trouble makers was and offered to show me where he lives if need be.

Tattletales!

I like children.

If they're properly cooked.

That reminds me of when we first opened our taverna in Crete and were attempting to write the menu ourselves. Apparently, instead of BBQ ribs we had BBQ children on the menu!

I like children.

If they're properly cooked.

I can't imagine why ANYONE would grab uneaten food from a table. Just because the food hasn't been touched doesn't mean that it's safe. People (and especially kids) do sneeze, cough, and do all sorts of things that could spread germs onto food that's never been touched. There's always the possibility the food WAS touched but just not eaten.

I'm not a germaphobe, and I do think it's a shame that people waste so much food in this country, but once it's been on someone's table, I wouldn't touch it, much less eat it.

Better to let it go to waste than to get sick, and unfortunately I see way too many obviously ill people (again including children) eating out these days.

and that's why YOU dont do it. it shouldnt bother you at all if anyone else (that's not your ward) does it.

We had a favorite pizza hang-out in high school. My younger brother and his friends would by drinks, sit at a table, wait for customers to leave then POUNCE on the uneaten pizza. The more we "Eeeeewed!!" the more they did it. I think it's a (young) guy thing...

I totally read that as "unattended chicken."

I like children.

If they're properly cooked.

Taste like chicken.