Are children ordering their meals adorable or a recipe for chaos? Servers and parents weigh in

In the bustling world of hospitality, a server’s shift is rarely a walk in the park. From juggling multiple orders to dealing with all sorts of customers, the challenges are endless. However, a recent video posted by a waitress on TikTok, known as @karli_constantino, has sparked a heated discussion around one particularly divisive issue: should children be allowed to order their own meals?

The clip, which has quickly racked up over 468,000 views, captures the server’s frustration with parents who encourage their little ones to order for themselves, especially during peak times. She vividly portrays the scenario of a packed restaurant, where a family of eight insists on their four-year-old taking the lead, complete with audio of a child stumbling through their order. This candid revelation has prompted a flood of servers to share their own stories, echoing the sentiment that children ordering can significantly slow down service. From tales of large groups waiting while kids ponder over the menu to families choosing the messiest tables, the consensus among many servers seems to be that this practice is more hassle than it’s worth.

Yet, the conversation isn’t entirely one-sided. A number of people have come forward to defend the practice, suggesting there’s something quite charming about children taking charge of their orders. They argue that kids can sometimes be more decisive than adults, with one commenter pointing out that they’ve encountered children who are quicker to decide than some adults. Others highlighted the patience-testing experiences of serving adults who require excessive menu explanations or make servers wait while they deliberate over their choices.

The discussion also touched on a broader range of server grievances, as identified by Buzzfeed, such as customers not making space for dishes, snapping fingers to get attention, and allowing children to roam freely in the restaurant—behaviours that can test the patience of even the most seasoned servers.

Moreover, the topic of tipping has emerged as a related point of contention. With ‘tip fatigue’ becoming more prevalent post-pandemic, as reported by CNBC, the debate over the customary 20% tip in sit-down restaurants adds another layer to the complex dynamics of dining out. Despite the shift in public sentiment towards tipping, the importance of gratuities for servers remains undeniable, especially in a time when the hospitality industry is still recovering.

As this TikTok post continues to generate buzz, it’s clear that the question of whether kids should order for themselves is more than just a matter of service efficiency—it’s a reflection of the changing etiquette and expectations within the food service industry. Whether you’re a server, a parent, or just someone who enjoys dining out, this debate offers food for thought on how we navigate the social rituals of eating in public spaces.