Re: Marcy's Diner (Portland, ME) and a Screaming Child
2015/07/27 10:52:06
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When I was little (and I was the second child), my parents did take us out to dinner on occasion (such as to Hollyhock Hill -- I have an old black-and-white photo of my family, with everyone, including all the other diners, all dressed up. I look about 3 years old, so my affection for that place goes back a VERY long way!). I can't ever recall being admonished about my behavior, largely because my parents were strict with us as a general rule, but especially when we were out in public. They were older parents for the time -- my father was 40 when I was born -- and my mom told me years later that she thought perhaps they were too strict. In retrospect, I don't think so, though I suppose it colors my attitude about some of today's permissive parenting.
Anyway, if I got a little restless, my mom would let me stand quietly (silently, really) beside her chair (always in such a way that it wouldn't impede other diners or the waitstaff). She'd put her arm around my waist. That loving gesture always resulted in me resuming my seat.