Laguna Blu Bar & Dining in Port Stephens, New South Wales, has caused a stir online following its sign requesting that children are seen but not heard when dining.
“We appreciate well-behaved children, and require them to remain seated at all times. Thanks for understanding,” the sign reads.
One mother in particular, Bri Rockliffe, took to social media to voice her outrage with the restaurant’s sign. Her TikTok video labelled the sign as an “unrealistic” request,
What followed was a swarm of personal attacks on Rockliffe, as many customers (both local and from afar) condemned her criticism.
“I completely understand where the restaurant is coming from, and I never intended my video to attack them personally,” she said in a statement.
@brierockliffe Thoughts? LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL? 🤣🤣 #toddlersoftiktok #toddlermum #toddlerlife #mumhumour
Rockliffe added that she thought the wording of the sign was blunt and sparked an interesting conversation about how parents are made to feel when dining out with their children.
“I think most parents get that restaurants need respectful behaviour, but expecting children to ‘remain seated and well behaved’ at all times feels unrealistic, especially for toddlers.”
She said it can come across as if there is no room for kids to just be kids. However, many have pointed out that there is plenty of room for that cause, just not in a restaurant setting.
A majority of social media users spoke out in defence of the cafe, with one stating that if parents cannot keep their children seated when at a restaurant, don’t take them out for dinner.
“God forbid you would have to teach your child table manners and how to behave respectfully in public,” one user said.
Another said that as a parent of two young children, it was a requirement they agreed with.
“Well-behaved children who don’t run around a cafe, while wait staff are carrying around hot meals and drinks, is unrealistic?” another TikTok user said.
Laguna Blu Bar & Dining said that families and children were more than welcome to the restaurant, which even has a dedicated kids' menu.
The owner said the sign was to ensure the safety of children, especially around the restaurant’s on-site pool and hot dishes.
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