As any parent will tell you, it’s not always easy to go out to eat when you’ve got little kids in tow. Kids, after all, can be restless and not always on their best behavior. One family in Washington has three kids (ages 2, 3 and 
and got a pleasant surprise at the end of a recent dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant – free ice cream and a $4 “well-behaved kids” discount!
A photo of the receipt was posted online and has prompted a heated debate over whether the perk was appropriate. Said one commenter: “You shouldn’t get rewarded for teaching your kids how to behave in public. That SHOULD be an expectation.” Another suggested adding fines for bad behavior, either by children or adults!
What do you think? Is the free ice cream and good kids discount a good idea, or should kids mind their manners without the expectation of something in return?
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If you’ve got a technical question about the ice cream making process or some other inquiry about the nuances of America’s favorite treat, chances are Ernie has the answer. He might not be able to answer all questions, but he’ll try his best and some may be featured on the Ice Cream Journal.
Why not? Where’s the harm? Might even spur a movement of good behavior.
If the restaurant doesn’t advertise the free ice cream and “well-behaved” discount and only offers it on the check to commend the parents for having taught their children well, I’m highly in favor of the program.
I also agree that it shouldn’t be an ad for the restaurant, but given as a reward for good behavior.
What a lovely gesture, and an inspiration for parents everywhere, as well.
I agree with Will. The Restaurant shouldn’t advertise it, but just offer it on the bottom of the check. I can see this possibly causing a lot of trouble if advertised because there may be a difference between what the Restaurant employees call “well-behaved” and what the parents think is “well-behaved”. I think this is a great idea!
An unexpected extra is always a nice surprise! Definitely would not advertise the program since defining “well behaved” vs behaved or poorly behaved is a fine line.
I agree. I think it’s a great idea.
i agree that it should not be advertised, rather given at the end because well-behaved for the restaurant and for the parents could be two different opinions!! Great idea!
hope the kids realized that they earned it. Usually when I go out there are a bunch of brats by me.
I work with children and have seen them behave just to get rewarded, and have heard them ask for a reward for behaving well, and so I believe that children should be rewarded with words, and that children should be taught to do the right thing just because it is the right thing to do.
I do think that it would be up to the parents to decide how to reward their children and if that is what they decide, it is their choice. It would be my hope that the children would not expect it every time they behaved well in a restaurant.
Although I agree that good behavior should be expected, I would say it is a win – win situation. The family gets a treat and they probably will return there to eat and also tell their friends and family, thus getting more people eating at this restaurant. It is no different than say happy hour or ladies night at a tavern, where the drinks are reduced. I think more restaurants should start to use this idea Free ice cream, probably off the kids menu is minimal and $4 off a $58 bill is basically what the sales tax was. So the house paid the sales tax, the kids got free ice cream and the restaurant gets great publicity for a few dollars.
…how “sweet”!!
Good idea, but expand on this. How about an occasional surprise on the register tape: ” Free ice cream today for being pleasant customers, for not using your cell phones at the table, just because you visited us today, for being patient cutomers, etc.” Who wouldn’t love being complimented that way? Pay it forward.
I think it is a great idea. Kids and parents were rewarded for good behavior. It would be wonderful if all parents taught their kids how to act in a restaurant, however, we all know that is not the case.
Even though I do not agree with “rewarding” children for good behavior, which should be expected, I do agree it was a sweet gesture on the part of the restaurant’s, oh let’s say tactic, for perhaps enticing a return visit.
great idea!
Wonderful idea. Parents appreciate that
I agree with all those who said it should not be advertised but is a charming idea! It is so encouraging to see well-behaved kids in public places.
Great customer service! That family will surely come back and will tell other families.
The commentator said the children shouldn’t be rewarded for good behavior in public, it should be expected. Has he seen or heard some children in public lately? He can expect all he wants. I think it’s a great incentive & teaching tool. I wish our favorite resturant would offer something special to rowdy kids, so we could better enjoy our meal there.
There are some growups who behave like children.
I think it’s a great idea. If you have ever been in a restaurant and other people’s kids are being obnoxious and rude, you know it can ruin the evening for you and your own kids. I think my kids would appreciate being praised for their behavior. They were always told that if they like going out to eat, they must behave the same way they do at home and not disturb the people around them. They taught the same thing to their kids and we all love going out to eat together because it is a fun time for all.
As a child we were taught at home not to misbehave in public without any reward or for that matter anywhere. I have relatives that to this day comment on how we children would come to visit and just sit there quietly unless spoken to. That is just the way we were raised. It came natural to us and I guess that is why it is shocking to see others children act up and out everywhere and anywhere.
Give them a reward maybe especially if they frequent the restaurant and acted up in the past and now they are well-behaved. It should be the parents instead of the restaurant though.
Great idea!
YES IT SHOULD BE UP TO THE PARENTS TO CONTROL THEIR CHILDREN BUT IT IS A NICE REWARD ON THE RESTAURANTS BEHALF. IT WOULD MAKE THE KIDS FEEL SPECIAL TOO.
HOPE IT WAS TURKEY HILL ICE CREAM…..
I think it was a nice gesture on the part of the restaurant, but….they must see an awful lot of misbehaved kids to give a good kid discount. Just like the other fad that is now crossing my world, “do a good deed” and “Pay it forward”. Some suggestions are to open a door for the person behind you. Where I grew up, it was just common sense and manners to do that for everyone. That is what the world has come to now. What a shame!
Its a nice idea but I would not agree with it for all restaurants. Yes for upscale and semi upscale where people go for a quiet meal but no for fast food and ones that cater to families with young children and the other customers are aware there will be children and maybe some noise.
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It was a very nice gesture on the restaurants part since the children obviously deserved it. Most, if not all, parents teach their children how to act in public. Most, if not all, children behave like they’ve been taught which says a lot about their parents. An occasional reward is good for them.
many years ago my husband and i took or sons to the longhorn steakhouse they were about 12,11, 10 and they could fight with each other you know picking on each other. we ordered dinner and they were so quiet i thought they were sick we ate and when we were ready to leave a man came up to us and said thank you your boys were so good they could eat there dinner in peace. then he took our check and payed for our dinners i told him he didnt have to do that as our sons were just being quiet that day.he paided anyway and my sons saw being quiet was a good thing
Just a wonderful thing that restaurant did. But it shouldn’t be advertised and other restaurants may do the same without advertsing, so that people know you appreciate their efforts!
Sounds like a great idea! Great marketing idea. Would make parents want to take their children there.
I would definitely go to any restaurant that gave discounts and especially for well behaved children
and if there was no discount just free ice cream, I would go to that restaurant too
always nice to hear this kind of thing
I think it is a nice gesture. Sometimes we try to dissect everything too much. Just chill and enjoy the ice cream;)
I think children should behave if taken out to eat or get a babysitter. It is unfair to other customers to have their meal ruined by misbehaving kids. I fondly recall about 40 yrs ago when a man at a table nearby came to our table and gave our daughter a “tip” since she was so well behaved. She did wonder why it never happened again but it had a lasting effect.
It is a very nice gesture for the restaurant…rewarding both parents and children. I think, too, the gesture should be unadvertised.
I think it’s great! Maybe it will catch on. I hate when I go out to eat and there are kids misbehaving or just acting obnoxious. It ruins the meal. because of this I often avoid family restaurants,
I think it was wonderful for the restaurant to do this. It showed what a great job the parents did in teaching the children. Both the children and the parents were rewarded.
Way to go!!!!!!!
Congrats!!!!!!!
All children should be taught to behave in resturants — Their parents are a wonderful example, and hey, I wish I got free ice cream when I was well-behaved, lol!
that’s a good idea.
I agree with most of the commenters. The restaurant is showing that they appreciate the good behavior of children. It’s a reward and should not be expected by the parents. It should be given at the discretion of the waiter or waitress. I admire parents who teach their children manners at an early age.
I think this would be a very nice gesture as long as it is not advertised ahead of time, as Will states above. I taught elementary school for over 30 years, and believe me, you could tell the children whose parents taught them how to behave in a given situation! It’s the exception today rather than the norm to see a well/nicely behaved child out in public today! A little ice cream, hopefully TH, never hurt as a reward for good behavior! Some adults could use a reminder also!
I agree with Will. If the restaurant doesn’t advertise it then the kids won’t know and when they behave it will be because their parents have taught them how to act in a restaurant.
Wonderful part on the restaurant. I wish I could get that treatment while dining out with my children. They are always well behaved but no one paid for my bill or treated the kids.
Great Idea. The parents have actually taught their children to act well behaved when ina restaurant or when theyeat at home or outside the home. I find the reward justified and allows the other patrons to enjoy their meals!
I totally agree! Kids and adults alike need rewards for good behavior.
The surprise discount on the receipt and the unexpected free ice cream is a good idea. However, there might be a problem if these parents tell their friends about it and their friends go to the same restaurant and expect the same deals. What if their friends’ children are not as “well behaved”?
I really think the reward should go to the parents. If the parents are paying attention to their children’s behavior, perhaps the children would be reasonably well behaved. The parents should be reasonably respectful. Then speak lovingly and respectful to their children.
I think it was very nice for the restaurant to do this. The kids obey their parents, but this is like a reward for the parents for doing such a good job.
What a nice acknowledgement for the parents.
What a wonderful idea, good behavior should be expected, but what a mice treat for the children.
I think good job restaurant, for ENCOURAGING parents to teach their children good manners. Some parents do this already, some do it sometimes, some..well they don’t teach their child ANY sort of good manners!!
Yes, all people should continuously work at their good manners, but that doesn’t mean that ALL actually do this…but this family does..so great job!
When the restaurant “rewarded” the family w/a discount/free ice cream, it was: rewarding/thanking the obedient children, rewarding/thanking the considerate parents who taught their children good manners is a must & is something to be rewarded, & they were ENCOURAGING all parents to consider teaching their children that good manners is something we ALL need & should therefore cultivate!
Good job kids, parents, & restaurant!
(ignore the negative responses)
I like the idea and commend the restaurant. Too often kids are seen in public misbehaving and the adults with them acting like it’s normal and acceptable. The only problem I can see with a great idea like the restaurant’s is, who defines good behavior? It’s a sad “my kid can do no wrong” world we live in. I came from a family who expected good manners and respect from the kids and I am proud of it. Kudos to anyone who does the same.
Children should be taught to behave, however, an occasional extra helps reinforces their effort. I’m all for it!!
I have 2 amazing kids who are always well-behaved. We have been commended numerous times for how well our children are in restaurants. This being said, I would love that type of discount!
I have 2 amazing kids who are always well-behaved. We have been commended numerous times for how well our children are in restaurants. This being said, I would love that type of discount! It would definitely be in our favor!
While it should be standard that children are taught good manners and exhibit good behavior while in a restaurant, that is not always the norm. I think it was a great perk for the parents and the kids! Good for the restaurant for rewarding the parents and the children!
The kids should be taught to behave properly in public places, but the parents are the ones to be rewarded for teaching them well. The “free ice cream” is forthe parents to save them money. Ice cream is a treat for the kids from theparents for behaving well.
Of Course it nice to give and get a treat for good behavior. It’s letting them learn that good thing can come your way if you do the right things in life.
I have been in restaurants where children have been screaming, taking food off others plates and more. I think it is nice that a restaurant gives ice cream to children that behave. I wish more restaurants would ask people that have children than upset the restaurant to take the children out. I don’t think the restaurant should advertise the giving of the ice cream. I think the ice cream should be given to the children that behave.
For a job well done you should consider it a “BONUS”!!
Where was this deal when my kids were younger, maybe they need to give an incenitive for all members of the family to get free ice cream for not using thier cell phones during the time they are in the resturant
Acknowledging well-behavior is a good thing. We don’t award our children or grandchildren for every time they’re good, but it doesn’t hurt to every once in a while, especially with ice cream. That reward was used back when I was child and I’ve got great grandchildren. My children and grandchildren were both rewarded with ice cream.
Super idea!!! Should be done, but not advertised. Business will surely improve with individuals who get this. I’m sure there will be word of mouth advertising by those who get the discount.
I remember how proud my Mom, but especially my Dad, was when a restaurant patron aproached him at our table and commented how quiet and well behaved his children were in the restaurant. As the man and his lady friend left my Dad commented to my Mom that he may have been concerned that when we arrived in the dining room that his anticipation of a nice romantic atmosphere may not be realized with a family of 14 children so near.
I think it’s great to have well-behaved kids. I love that parents get acknowledged for their hard work. It’s a everyday job taking care of children.