TikToker's viral video unleashes huge debate about dining out with kids: 'Annoys me so much'

Recent uproar on TikTok over a video showing a mum cleaning up after her baby at a restaurant has ignited a heated discussion on the dos and don'ts of dining out with children. In the viral clip, which has amassed over 2.2 million views, the mum is seen tidying up a mess made by her little one under the table out at dinner.

While some viewers praised her proactive approach, many are now questioning whether such cleanup is necessary or even appropriate.

Accompanied by the caption: "Unpopular opinion but you should always clean up after your babies at restaurants," the video shows the mum reaching under the table to pick up discarded food and utensils from the floor, saying: "I'm just going to get some of it," seemingly responding to a server out of frame who had indicated she needn't pick it up herself.

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The comment section revealed a diverse range of opinions. While many argued that cleaning up after kids is simply part of a parent's responsibility, others insisted it's the job of restaurant staff.

A significant number of hospitality workers weighed in, with many asserting that cleaning up after diners, young and old, is indeed part of their job description.

"Don't clean up after your children, let us do it!" said one commenter. "BUT just be sure to tip extra," they added. This sentiment was echoed by numerous servers who shared similar experiences. "A night out is supposed to be a break for everyone, including mum," another waiter responded.

Indeed, many hospitality workers felt that parents should be given a break and enjoy their night out without worrying about cleaning up after their kids.

"Enjoy your night off cleaning up the mess for once!" one commented. Another chimed in: "I would never let any of my guests do this!" drawing from their 15 years of experience waiting tables.

However, another person offered a different perspective writing, "I wish all parents were like this. I clean at a restaurant and the amount of food, crayons, tissue and colouring paper left everywhere annoys me so much."

'I'd feel awful'

Meanwhile, the debate also revealed a divide among parents. While some felt it was their duty to clean up after their children, others couldn't bear the thought of leaving a mess behind.

"I'd feel awful if I just left it," one parent confessed. Another said, "I get so many stares doing this but I would rather be stared at for this than leaving a huge mess."

Adding another layer to the debate, there were a select few who argued that children shouldn't be making such messes in the first place. They suggested it's the parent's role to either prevent it or clean it up.

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"Teach your young that you should clean up your own mess," one commenter advised. When the original poster clarified that her child is only eight months old, someone else stepped in to point out, "I hate to break it to you but a baby is not going to clean up."

"When babies this young are learning to eat/feed themselves, sometimes food is thrown because they're still learning how to hold food," another person explained what some might think would be obvious.

"My daughter never made a mess like this," asserted someone else, "I fed her and helped her until she could do it better."

However, one commenter suggested that cleaning up at least teaches kids to be more mindful, saying, "When she watches you do it, she'll want to help eventually."

Finally a server and fellow parent offered a perspective that bridged both sides of the debate.

"If I notice your kids have made a mess and you're just overwhelmed, I will welcome you to go and I will take care of it," she said. "But the entitled parents that just say 'oh we made a bit of a mess' drive me insane."

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