Has everyone read about this incident at Marcy's Diner in Portland, Maine? A couple came there to eat with their 2 year old, who proceeded to cry for half an hour. The owner of Marcy's Diner, Darla Neugebauer, snapped and yelled at the kid. When the parents complained about this woman screaming at their kid, they received a profanity-laced invective from her instead of an apology.
I had a lot of thoughts about this incident. Should the parents have taken their screaming child out of the restaurant when it was apparent the child was not going to calm down? Yes. We have a three year old. We also have a child that is prone to verbal outbursts and we try to be extra-sensitive to people around us in public places who may be trying to enjoy a meal, or a church service, or what have you.
Was Ms. Neugebauer's behavior appropriate? No. Everyone is applauding this woman. Her diner is seeing more patronage now than it has in ages. Everyone is congratulating this woman on the fact that she managed to yell at a two year old, because no one likes other people's annoying, screaming children. And I'm standing here looking at all of them thinking, are you nuts? Why are you happy that this woman, who can't seem to manage communicating without dropping a plethora of f-bombs, yelled at a child? Because you don't like screaming children either, and someone finally took a stand? Well, congratulations. This is certainly going to solve the problem of annoying children in restaurants. By definition, a person who harasses or intimidates someone smaller or younger than themselves is a bully.
Of course, it IS her restaurant. She can behave like that if she wants. And she has sent the message loud and clear to families everywhere: You are not welcome in this establishment. If you have young children, beware. The owner lacks the skills necessary to deal with situations like this that arise, and cannot communicate in a professional manner.
Portland is a big city. There are plenty of other places to grab a bite to eat.
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