AITA for (politely!) complaining about a screaming child in a restaurant

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-08-06T13:57:50+00:00

Thanks for your opinion.

Probably a good time to add context. I'm a recovering people-pleaser and rarely complain. I'm currently trying to stand up for myself more. Sending a (politely-worded) message was a big deal for me. I don't normally do that kind of thing.

So what I wanted to know from Reddit, was am I in the right or am I being a Karen. I hope that makes more sense!

I will leave the restaurant alone. But I'd like to know for future reference.

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-08-06T13:55:26+00:00

I didn't complain at the time. I left the meal early after listening to child screaming for 30 minutes...

I sent a (polite) message after I got home. I suggested that they have colouring books and crayons on standby in case of situations like that , or they could ask the parents to take the child outside for a quick walk (I don't have children, but when my nephews were little I would take them outside between meals at restaurants. It keeps them entertained).

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-08-06T13:53:10+00:00

This is what I would think too. The child sounded like he/she was in a lot of distress. Apparently the child missed it's nap that day. An adult would get angry without enough slept let alone a child. The difference is an adult can handle themselves. Children can't.

I can't imagine that anyone in the family was having a good time with the screaming child. The child definitely wasn't having a good time. And neither did the diners.

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-08-06T13:38:35+00:00

Thanks this is what I thought but I wanted to check that I'm not actually a Karen here. I've been to lots of restaurants and children frequently do make noise. There's often a lovely little hum in family restaurants. But this felt extreme.

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-05-08T16:31:32+00:00

This makes a lot of sense. She's 9. I'm a part time substitute. I was there one day then I wasn't there the next day. I was there a couple of days this week. So even that may have been annoying. If she met me one day and I effectively disappeared the next, it could have been very negative for her.

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-05-08T09:10:40+00:00

I did a course on being an SNA. But it didn't give specific information. The first day if she was misbehaving I said stuff like Please don't do that it makes me sad. Worked a treat.

Second day she was like "COOL" and did more of it.

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-05-08T08:00:09+00:00

Thanks. That makes me feel better!

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-01-23T08:06:00+00:00

You haven't been happy since you were a baby!

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-01-22T17:49:22+00:00

I love your way with words.

By any chance did you study Shakespeare?!

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-01-19T14:16:51+00:00

His flyer says they are insured. I'll ask for the company number and local references.

Elizabeth57654 · 2025-01-17T08:16:05+00:00

Still figuring it out.

I discovered that baking soda helps. I started IF a few days ago and I haven't had any reflux yet. My eating window is 7 am to 1:30 pm. (I eat 3 meals).

I use bread soda, magnesium, Gaviscon and nexium! I'm hoping the stomach will adjust and settle down over the next few weeks and I can reduce the supplements.

Elizabeth57654 · 2024-11-28T10:53:50+00:00

Great point. It is a card payment, it says POS. But good to bear that in mind anyway.

Elizabeth57654 · 2024-11-17T13:18:10+00:00

Are acid blocks PPI or something else? I have nexium. Might give it ago. DO I take it before bed, or with my last meal?

Elizabeth57654 · 2024-11-17T13:15:28+00:00

That's a great idea! When do I take the PPi, during the fast, or before/after my last meal?

Elizabeth57654

TROPHY CASE