What to do about rowdy kids & their moms who allow it...? - Barista Exchange2024-03-28T22:36:21Zhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-to-do-about-rowdy-kids-their-moms-who-allow-it?commentId=1688216%3AComment%3A1567382&xg_raw_resources=1&feed=yes&xn_auth=noHey Alyssa-
I know it's bee…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2017-08-07:1688216:Comment:16189482017-08-07T17:58:27.323ZDan Coppolahttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/DanCoppola
<p>Hey Alyssa- </p>
<p></p>
<p>I know it's been almost two years since your first post - any follow up? have you solved your tiny terror problem? I'm interested to hear how it turned out. </p>
<p>Hey Alyssa- </p>
<p></p>
<p>I know it's been almost two years since your first post - any follow up? have you solved your tiny terror problem? I'm interested to hear how it turned out. </p> Katherine-
I really like yo…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2017-08-07:1688216:Comment:16187042017-08-07T17:56:53.904ZDan Coppolahttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/DanCoppola
<p>Katherine- </p>
<p></p>
<p>I really like your advice on this, especially on the topic of lids, straws, etc. I've found that this summer we're going through 7-10x the number of straws as we sell cold drinks, and it's because I made the mistake of buying them in 'fun' colors and putting them in the reach, or at least in the sight line, of children. We're going back to boring clear straws ASAP! </p>
<p><br></br> <cite>Katherine said:…</cite></p>
<p>Katherine- </p>
<p></p>
<p>I really like your advice on this, especially on the topic of lids, straws, etc. I've found that this summer we're going through 7-10x the number of straws as we sell cold drinks, and it's because I made the mistake of buying them in 'fun' colors and putting them in the reach, or at least in the sight line, of children. We're going back to boring clear straws ASAP! </p>
<p><br/> <cite>Katherine said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://www.baristaexchange.com/forum/topics/what-to-do-about-rowdy-kids-their-moms-who-allow-it#1688216Comment1606902"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I've found the easiest way to keep child mania under control is to make it difficult for parents to ignore their terrorizing children and to keep their methods of destruction under strict supervision.</p>
<p>We have a crowded shop in a tight space, which is a city shop problem that rural stores don't often have. We also our music louder than most coffee shops. This allows us to control the kind of atmosphere we have. The genre and the volume of your music can dramatically change how people behave in your store. If you can have chill music a little louder than normal, it sends the message that you are serious about having a shop that is comfortable for drinking coffee, not entertaining children.</p>
<p>We do not leave newspapers out for customers. It makes a mess and most people read the news on the internet now anyway.</p>
<p>We do leave straws, lids and napkins out at heights only adults can reach, but if your customers insist on giving them to her children, you may want to consider keeping some of your disposables behind the bar so you can control how many are being used. </p>
<p>Also, some kindly worded messages in your dining areas may help. We have little signs asking customers to share tables. Anything can sound friendly if you word it correctly, and still send the message you are hoping to convey.</p>
<p>At some point, you will have to approach someone about the way they behave in your store. You want to pick your battles, but there are ways that you can speak to someone about their behavior without having to go to war. Maybe just sweep around this kid as they are still sitting in the shop, or pick things up off the floor and say "I think you dropped this." Oftentimes, people just don't know how much work they cause you, so just making sure they see how hard you have to work to keep your shop clean despite their rude neglect is enough to make them wake up to what's going on around them.</p>
<p>Usually, after I've done all this, it's time to have that really uncomfortable conversation. Just remember during your conversation that they have to live with this kid every waking hour of every day for fifteen years. You only have to deal with them a couple of times a week.</p>
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</blockquote> We have solved this problem i…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2017-02-03:1688216:Comment:16072202017-02-03T01:43:04.640ZAlun Evanshttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/AlunEvans
<p>We have solved this problem in our cafes by having small, but very complete kids areas. Normally we have a range of toys that will not be used as missiles as well as a wall mounted and secure TV, DVD player and a small IKEA kids table and stools. Its amazing but using what terrorises you as a strength means better business for your cafe as well as enhancing your adult customer base.</p>
<p>We have solved this problem in our cafes by having small, but very complete kids areas. Normally we have a range of toys that will not be used as missiles as well as a wall mounted and secure TV, DVD player and a small IKEA kids table and stools. Its amazing but using what terrorises you as a strength means better business for your cafe as well as enhancing your adult customer base.</p> All this being said, we have…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2017-02-02:1688216:Comment:16069652017-02-02T16:54:49.153ZKatherinehttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Katydahling
<p>All this being said, we have a lot of regulars with amazing kids. My baristas and I have our own children and love seeing these kids grow in our community. This isn't just a problem about parents or kids, it's about educating all of your customers no matter who they come in with.</p>
<p>All this being said, we have a lot of regulars with amazing kids. My baristas and I have our own children and love seeing these kids grow in our community. This isn't just a problem about parents or kids, it's about educating all of your customers no matter who they come in with.</p> I've found the easiest way to…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2017-02-02:1688216:Comment:16069022017-02-02T16:50:46.215ZKatherinehttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Katydahling
<p>I've found the easiest way to keep child mania under control is to make it difficult for parents to ignore their terrorizing children and to keep their methods of destruction under strict supervision.</p>
<p>We have a crowded shop in a tight space, which is a city shop problem that rural stores don't often have. We also our music louder than most coffee shops. This allows us to control the kind of atmosphere we have. The genre and the volume of your music can dramatically change how…</p>
<p>I've found the easiest way to keep child mania under control is to make it difficult for parents to ignore their terrorizing children and to keep their methods of destruction under strict supervision.</p>
<p>We have a crowded shop in a tight space, which is a city shop problem that rural stores don't often have. We also our music louder than most coffee shops. This allows us to control the kind of atmosphere we have. The genre and the volume of your music can dramatically change how people behave in your store. If you can have chill music a little louder than normal, it sends the message that you are serious about having a shop that is comfortable for drinking coffee, not entertaining children.</p>
<p>We do not leave newspapers out for customers. It makes a mess and most people read the news on the internet now anyway.</p>
<p>We do leave straws, lids and napkins out at heights only adults can reach, but if your customers insist on giving them to her children, you may want to consider keeping some of your disposables behind the bar so you can control how many are being used. </p>
<p>Also, some kindly worded messages in your dining areas may help. We have little signs asking customers to share tables. Anything can sound friendly if you word it correctly, and still send the message you are hoping to convey.</p>
<p>At some point, you will have to approach someone about the way they behave in your store. You want to pick your battles, but there are ways that you can speak to someone about their behavior without having to go to war. Maybe just sweep around this kid as they are still sitting in the shop, or pick things up off the floor and say "I think you dropped this." Oftentimes, people just don't know how much work they cause you, so just making sure they see how hard you have to work to keep your shop clean despite their rude neglect is enough to make them wake up to what's going on around them.</p>
<p>Usually, after I've done all this, it's time to have that really uncomfortable conversation. Just remember during your conversation that they have to live with this kid every waking hour of every day for fifteen years. You only have to deal with them a couple of times a week.</p> A. BUY a sippy cup or two and…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2016-12-02:1688216:Comment:16033062016-12-02T12:00:24.590ZV lawheadhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/Vlawhead
A. BUY a sippy cup or two and provide to customer with toddler.<br></br>
B. i was a former teacher--have no problem speaking directly to ill behaved children letting them know they need to stay at their table because "of the many dangers"...hot liquids, glass, etc. ;)<br></br>
C. Respectfully, but firmly, let her know kids simply can't run loose. as for the mess, invest in a couple boosters or high chairs and strongly suggest their usage! at least the mess in centralized.<br></br>
D. if all else fails,…
A. BUY a sippy cup or two and provide to customer with toddler.<br/>
B. i was a former teacher--have no problem speaking directly to ill behaved children letting them know they need to stay at their table because "of the many dangers"...hot liquids, glass, etc. ;)<br/>
C. Respectfully, but firmly, let her know kids simply can't run loose. as for the mess, invest in a couple boosters or high chairs and strongly suggest their usage! at least the mess in centralized.<br/>
D. if all else fails, offending her might be the only solution--sounds like you'd rather she not come in anyway. This definitely requires fine…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2015-09-03:1688216:Comment:15673822015-09-03T18:52:27.256ZJen Hurdhttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/JenHurd765
<p>This definitely requires finesse. She honestly may not realize the disruption she is causing for your staff and other customers. I agree with Mike, this is a private conversation, and it needs to be as positive as possible. "We love that you support local business, and it's great to see you and your family in here so often." Then comes the "however," and it can be phrased in a way you feel comfortable with. I think Mike mentioning to keep it about being respectful is spot-on; not only…</p>
<p>This definitely requires finesse. She honestly may not realize the disruption she is causing for your staff and other customers. I agree with Mike, this is a private conversation, and it needs to be as positive as possible. "We love that you support local business, and it's great to see you and your family in here so often." Then comes the "however," and it can be phrased in a way you feel comfortable with. I think Mike mentioning to keep it about being respectful is spot-on; not only does she need to respect your space, but she needs to be respectful of your other customers, as well. I don't think I'd give her an ultimatum at this point, but would give her some feedback and see how she handles it in future visits.</p>
<p>You could always buy a few cheap kids' cups too. Have them on hand, use them for little kiddos who come in, and they're going to feel like they're getting special attention. It'd be a small investment that would likely save you a lot of headache. Good luck, and let us know what you decide to do!</p> Your choice: continue to let…tag:www.baristaexchange.com,2015-08-28:1688216:Comment:15669912015-08-28T17:48:48.372ZMike McGinnesshttps://www.baristaexchange.com/profile/miKemcKoffeeakaMikeMcGinness
<p>Your choice: continue to let her walk on you like a doormat or not. Screw worrying about offending her, she obviously has no problem being oblivious and offensive to others. But of course <em>in private </em>not public let her know she either needs to respect your establishment or else won't be welcome there. It is your business not a public community center and you have the right to refuse service to anyone.</p>
<p>Your choice: continue to let her walk on you like a doormat or not. Screw worrying about offending her, she obviously has no problem being oblivious and offensive to others. But of course <em>in private </em>not public let her know she either needs to respect your establishment or else won't be welcome there. It is your business not a public community center and you have the right to refuse service to anyone.</p>