Who's in the wrong here (if any)

DeltaSigStan · #1 03-21-2004, 04:38 PM

I was at a burger joint, and one of little kids (I'm talking toddler) paying in the junglegym at the restaurant went into the parking lot through the gate, which surprisingly doesn't lead in the lobby but into the lot.

So, this woman complains saying "You NEED to lock that gate cause them kids will run into the parking lot"

The manager of the restaurant's reponse is that the gate is unlocked to provide access, and that the parents should have been supervising them.

I noticed the kids were all playing by themselves, their parents eating and barely paying attention.

So, is the restaurant in the wrong for not having proper access, or the parents for not watching their kids?

valkyrie · #2 03-21-2004, 04:41 PM

I say the parents are wrong for not watching their kids. Even if the kids couldn't escape from the pen, there are other ways they could get hurt if nobody is watching them.

It boggles my mind when parents expect other people to be responsible for their children. If you don't want to watch them, don't have them!

cash78mere · #3 03-21-2004, 04:47 PM

parents are responsible for the safety and well-being of their own children.

i'll bet anything that there is a big sign by the playground that says something like "children must be supervised by an adult at all times. we are not responsible for and injuries a child may obtain"

parents are unreal sometimes.

midwesterngirl · #4 03-21-2004, 04:52 PM

I agree that the parents are completely responsible. I also wouldn't be surprised if the gate has to remain unlocked during business hours because of fire codes or something.

labeachgrl · #5 03-21-2004, 05:03 PM

I would agree that the parents would be 95% negligible in the case, they didn't make sure that the playground was secure and safe before allowing the child to play in AND didn't watch the kid while they were talking/eating. I left 5% to the restaurant for having locks in a playground low and easy enough for a 3 year old to get thru.

AOX81 · #6 03-21-2004, 08:43 PM

The PARENTS are wrong!

honeychile · #7 03-21-2004, 08:56 PM

The parents are wrong - but in today's sue-happy society, the restaurant should have had the gate locked, too.

Glitter650 · #8 03-21-2004, 09:33 PM

I agree that the parents should be responsible.. BUT as Honeychile has stated... the restaurant could definitely be sued if a kid got hit by a car after running out to the parking lot

PsychTau · #9 03-21-2004, 10:37 PM

The parents are responsible for watching their children. However, if I were designing the restaurant, I would have a door from the lobby leading to the playground, AND a gate that didn't lock. Then it could be used as a fire exit if needed.

I'm sure if it went to court the restaurant could be faulted for not having a door leading to the lobby, but that wouldn't stop kids from getting hurt anyway. Parents should watch their kids, or teach them not to go through doors/gates without parent's permission.

PsychTau

Jill1228 · #10 03-21-2004, 10:42 PM

What Val said! Don't put the blame on someone else...watch your friggin kids!

We have a case that happened in our area today...case in point why children should NOT have children.

17 year old father left his 2 year old and 10 month old in the tub alone. Father flakes and when he realizes the kids are still in the tub. 10 month old is face down and turned blue. He is in critical condition in the hospital

Quote:

Originally posted by valkyrie
I say the parents are wrong for not watching their kids. Even if the kids couldn't escape from the pen, there are other ways they could get hurt if nobody is watching them.

It boggles my mind when parents expect other people to be responsible for their children. If you don't want to watch them, don't have them!

DeltAlum · #11 03-21-2004, 10:54 PM

Sounds like a real bad design to begin with.

The restaurant probably can't lock the gate or door due to Fire Codes -- which, in this case, may harm more than help.

Whatever the reason, though, the parents must be aware of their children.

AXO_MOM_3 · #12 03-22-2004, 01:53 AM

The parents are responsible for watching the children...the restaurant should put in child proof gates that adults can open but children have a hard time getting open (like those around some pools).

Peaches-n-Cream · #13 03-22-2004, 02:13 AM

When my little sister was 3, she managed to escape from my mother's grasp when we were in the playground. She ran into the area of the playground where the swings are and was promptly cracked in the head by a boy on a wooden swing. She was ultimately fine, but she did hurt her head. Nobody sued or threatened to sue, but this wasn't the first time this type of situation had occurred. The playground took the initiative and installed a gate with a swinging door and replaced the wooden swings with plastic. No more children were hurt the way my sister was.

Children are unpredictable. They can squirm out of your arms and dart away in a flash. I think that a playground has a responsibility to keep children as safe as possible. A gate that opens into traffic seems to be inherently dangerous. They should probably redesign that play area and install a safety gate. Of course, there is no substitute for parental supervision. The sad thing is it's defenseless children who suffer for the mistakes of their parents.

#14 03-22-2004, 02:44 AM

You know what boggles my mind i have been told i am overly protective of my 4 yr old child who frequents these establishments. Than i hear stories of parents who are so blaise about their kids safety.

Makes me very glad i am overly protective hovering mother because those parents are most definitely in the wrong if something happen to those kids.

The McD's and burger kinds of the world are not your kids babysitters your their parents. You have them , protect them and love them enough to watch them for goodness sakes

lifesaver · #15 03-22-2004, 05:09 AM

When I lifeguarded at a waterpark a few years back I would occasionally get stuck at the piss-pool. (Kiddy pool - but it wasnt just a pool; more like an interactive wet playscape with a pirate ship and waterfalls and mini slides) and parents were notorious about just letting them run all over the place.

I spent most of my time getting kids off of the rock features around the pool, out of the bushes around the pool or other areas they didnt belong. Far too often kids would get hurt becasue there werent enough of us to watch the water AND the surrounding areas. Then parents would get all upset and I had NO PROBLEM socially shaming the 'rents for not doing their job and that usually shut them the hell up. I routinelty would ask them for their help with, "If you could help me out and parent, for even 15 minutes, that would make my job a lot easier and allow me to make sure I am keeping everyone safe by not acting as your childs personal babysitter but like the lifeguard I am paid to be. "

Shame is a powerful tool. Never got reported to guest services.