Parent’s Frustration Over Disruptive Kids Ignites Debate on Public Behaviour

A mother from Oklahoma is stirring up a heated discussion after sharing her frustration with parents who bring children to fine dining establishments, particularly when the kids are disruptive. Kelsey Davis, a mother of five, filmed a TikTok video detailing her disappointing experience during a date night at Nola’s Creole & Cocktails in Tulsa.

In the video, Davis is visibly irritated as she tries to enjoy her meal with her husband, only to be disturbed by a group of loud children at a nearby table, arguing and playing on their iPads. “Can you hear that? It’s a table of children across from us arguing,” she said, clearly frustrated. “And one of them has their tablet on volume 97.”

After finishing her $140 meal, Davis expressed her dissatisfaction, stating, “People, leave your kids at home or get a babysitter. Don’t take them… because I want a good night with my husband. And I just feel exhausted from that date night.”

For Davis, the night out was supposed to be a rare opportunity to relax with her husband, but the disruptive children soured the experience. She explained to Today that she had been looking forward to trying the restaurant’s menu for a long time, but the loud and unruly kids ruined what was meant to be a peaceful evening.

“The food was amazing, but it was such a stressful experience because of that one awful family,” she said. “The kids, who weren’t toddlers, were yelling and screaming, and the parents didn’t intervene at all.”

She also mentioned that all four children at the table, estimated to be between 9 and 12 years old, were playing on iPads at full volume. “Why weren’t they wearing headphones?” Davis wondered. “This wasn’t McDonald’s. It was a nice Cajun restaurant. People need to teach their kids how to behave in public.”

Since the video went viral on December 30, it has gained over 60,000 views, with many viewers agreeing with Davis that children should not be brought to fine dining establishments if they are going to cause disruptions.

One user commented, “I agree!!! Love kids, but if they can’t be quiet, please don’t take them to fine dining!” Another added, “Honestly, when me and my husband are seated next to kids at dinner, we ask to be moved.”

However, some people sided with the parents who brought their children, arguing that parenting is difficult and that families should be more understanding. “Not everyone has childcare,” one commenter pointed out. “Kids have a right to be anywhere you do. Be kind.”

Davis’ video has reignited a broader conversation about the use of technology by children in public spaces. The issue of iPads and screen time has been the subject of criticism on platforms like TikTok, with many parents expressing concern about the effects of excessive screen time on children’s development.

A recent Japanese study found that toddlers who spent more time in front of screens were more likely to experience developmental delays, particularly in communication and problem-solving skills. This has prompted some to question whether technology should be allowed to play such a significant role in children’s lives, particularly when in public spaces like restaurants.