We know that look before. It’s the exact same look that older mothers use on millennial parents who bring their kids to the grocery store or to the mall when they’re still infants. It’s the same kind of look they give us when we bring our children with us when we meet friends in a sports bar and drink while our children doodle beside us. What is so wrong about bringing kids with you when you want a little Tampa nightlife break? Are we breaking the law?
Technically and legally, there’s no rule against bringing kids with you and ordering a cocktail or two. There’s a law, however, when you want to drive after having that drink. So, if you’re going with your partner, make sure that one of you is the designated driver of the group. Otherwise, just call a taxi and make sure that you all go home safe.
Sports bars and nightclubs have become kid-friendly these days by offering kiddie meals and family packages for their lunch and dinner. The problem, however, lies when the parents want to stay for a few more drinks with their friends. We can see the older couple in the next table rolling their eyes at us. Okay, we got it. We’re bad parents because we keep the kids up at night and we drink in their presence. Or, are we?
Aren’t we just being true to ourselves? We want to meet with friends and have a few drinks with them but at the same time, we feel bad and uncomfortable leaving the kids at home with nannies and babysitters. We feel like “burdening” ourselves by carrying them to the restaurant and making sure they are safe with us. It’s not like we’re leaving them in a corner while we drink to our heart’s content.
Do you know how much time we’ve spent talking to them about properly behaving in public? Do you know the care we took in making sure they got a full afternoon nap, so they can stay up later tonight? Do you know how painstakingly we loaded the car with their car seats, packed their toys to amuse them while we hang out with friends, and bribe them with ice cream if they behave well?
The problem is that many co-parents are so judgmental of other parents. Doing something different does not make you better. It makes you, well, different. That does not guarantee you’re a better parent. Judging other parents… now, that’s another story.