Reply #13: My brother and I were raised going out to dinner every Friday night.

[Walk away]

We all dressed and my parents had conversation with us. Because both my folks worked this was the official kick off to the weekend. We spent the evening talking about our week and planning the next two days. Even when we were very little we were expected to listen and contribute. My brother raised his kids the same way.

Whenever I see some poor kid acting out in a restaurant, there is always some parent trying to get them to shut up. Maybe if people made the evening about communicating with their children, everyone would hve a better time.