Toddler vs BusBoy

I have never been a waitress (Aside from waiting on my family at mealtime. Which I’m sure doesn’t count, considering the tips are lousy). I’ve also never worked in a restaurant, therefore am only 99% sure that the following is true. After all, the assumption I am going to make could very well be mommy paranoia. You be the judge.

Am I the only one who has noticed the distinct disdain on a busboys face when children (more specifically toddlers) enter a restaurant? It most commonly looks like an allergic reaction (nostrils flared, eyebrows furrowed, jaws clenched, uncontrollable scratching). Their relationship with the mini patron is very different than that of a waitress. While the waitress ooh’s, and ah’s over an adorable toddler, the busboy can’t help but notice the mess accumulating around the high chair. A mess that he undoubtedly will have to clean up.

Moms have very little options in this scenario.

1. We could try to clean up said mess, however I’m not sure Ms. Manners would approve of any mom being on all fours at a restaurant. Even if being on all fours was for a good and clean cause. (plus, there is only so much you can pick up with your hands).

2. Ignore the mess all together, and pretend as if you don’t see it (perfectly reasonable to me). It’s not like we get to chose this option at home. Part of the fun of dining out is having someone wait on you. In my case, that also includes cleaning up after a tyrannical toddler.

Like the busboy, I too can’t help but notice the mess my toddler makes at dinner. The only difference is, I don’t get paid for cleaning it up.