Why kids can't have nice things ...

So, I hear all the time about kids being why parents can't have nice things. NORMALLY, this is a very true statement. However, in the process of less than 24 hours, I have been shown exactly why PARENTS are the reason that KIDS can't have nice things.

Let's start with the concert I attended last night. My daughter had her first orchestra concert last night. It is the same concert as last year, where the 4th & 5th graders from New Chelsea come and participate with the middle school students. I was completely blown away at the NOISE that was coming from ... wait for it ... THE ADULTS. Dead serious, folks.

I TOTALLY get the kids getting bored and having a hard time sitting through an hour long concert. I do NOT understand how the adults present felt the need to chatter through the entire concert. Guess what, there was a good break between the 4th & 5th graders, 6th graders, 7th graders, and then the 8th graders. That is FOUR breaks for tuning in a concert that was LESS than 60 minutes. Really, carry your conversation when it will not prevent the people who care about the children they came to see. If you can't, please don't come.

Moving on ... today I find out that IKEA is talking about discontinuing the Kids Eat Free  meals on Tuesdays. Why? Because PARENTS are making a big stink about getting the food without kids. Really? Let's keep it classy, peeps. This isn't the soup line. Why take advantage of a free thing? You don't even have to make a purchase to get the meals free!

When asked about the problems, the employee talked about customers (AKA PARENTS) ARGUING for over 15 minutes and making a huge scene. REALLY? That is what my FOUR year old does when things don't go her way. THEN, THEN ... parents let their children go through multiple times because they are hungry.

Now, stop. I am a HUGE proponent for No Kid Hungry ... which is why I totally get that some kids are truly hungry. However, there are MANY resources in Kansas City where you can get meals, especially over the summer! What I do NOT agree with is fighting with a business over a free kids meal.

My friend's children enjoying a free meal

They also have children who PAY for a meal while the others eat free!!

I now turn my attention to you, IKEA. I have several friends that visit your store REGULARLY ... not only for the free kids' meals, but also to go shopping. They CHOOSE that day because the meals act as a great reward for the rest of the trip. So, I completely understand your frustrations. Totally get them. Parents can ruin everything. So, here are some suggestions that you might take with you to the next employee meeting:

1. Make a rule of no kids, no free meal. Period. No fighting, no arguing, inform them they can be escorted out if they don't like the rule.


2. Give children a ticket upon entering IKEA ... ONE TICKET. They MUST present the ticket to get a free meal. No ticket, no meal. This eliminates the parents who think that it's okay to have "Oliver" children.

IKEA, I am so sorry that you have to deal with RIDICULOUS parents. You hear that parents? You are being utterly ridiculous. I would put my children in time out and not even allow them to go shopping with me if this is how they acted. Put yourself in a big gigantic time-out and realize you are not entitled either. What the heck is wrong with you?! Quit ruining AWESOME things our kids have. The rest of us appreciate all of the opportunities and activities that our kids have!

What are your thoughts? What should IKEA do? Should they just cancel the Kids Eat Free on Tuesdays? Should they require a purchase from adults to get it, like almost every other restaurant in town does? Comment below. Share with others to get the word out about this!