Dear Bel,
I am the grandmother of three children, aged six, four and one, whom I adore. But I'm noticing that others do not appear to share my feelings.
If I take the children out to eat, I notice that people do not willingly sit near us.
If they are playing in the garden, the neighbours disappear indoors.
I've been told that since becoming a grandmother I have become blinkered as to how other people feel - they tell me they like to sit quietly when having a meal and that they prefer to relax while enjoying the garden.
The whole family has recently been invited to a wedding, but without the children.
The reason that has been given is that other guests will want to be able to hear the bride and groom exchange their vows and then listen to the speeches, without the distraction of the noise of children.
Have I really become so short-sighted - or are people just plain intolerant?
OLWYN
parents/grandparents ought to teach their children manners. nothing's wrong with kids socialising with adults on occasions but they should know their place.
daffy, you are quite correct, but generally speaking, Mediterranean children are better behaved than their UK counterparts............in my vast experience.
Society ...spot on. I remember on one occasion when we took 2 of our grandkids to a restaurant with the parents and all through the meal, they ran around. I chastised them, but got black looks from the parents.
Children should be left outside pubs/restaurants, chained to the railings if need be,
Theres nothing worse than sitting in a pub restaurant and having a football land in your meal,
Little busterds.