[Mrs.ssippi]

Well let me first say, Kids will be kids. They are going to act up. It's natural, they can only stay still for so long. If you take them to a nice restaurant you should be prepared for them to act up at least a little. Bring something with you ie. books, a small game or something. We bring a small DVD with us. They should be taught how to act in different situations, nice restaurant vs. a play ground. But nothing makes me more mad that to be out to eat and some child is screaming and showing their butt and the parents don't remove them from the area, taking them to the bathroom or outside. Just remove them from the situation, I know in Moab last Oct my kids were not acting great so I tried everything I could do, still did not help so we paid and went back to the hotel. You don't want to ruin everyones time. I also like the fact that my 5 year old tests the limits sometimes. I like that she is somewhat hard headed. She has her own ideas. I always tell people she is 5% devil and 95% angel. That 5% makes me really mad somedays but thats okay. I will also spank my kids if they need it, that is BS someone telling me I can't spank my child. I don't have to do it often but it's there if I need it. I can normally just start to count and my 5 year old will straighten up really fast. But she is a "rules" girl. She loves the structure.

Shaggy, in 10 years I want to discuss this with you again when you have kids and just see how your ideas change. I hope you do raise your kids like you think you will. But one thing I have learned since having kids is NEVER SAY NEVER. "My kids will never do that......." it will turn around and bite you in the a$$.