...remind people that their kids aren't always cute

As a mum I know how all consuming your children can be. Every parent, well every good one anyway, will at times think that their child is the best, the most beautiful, the funniest or whatever attribute, or collection of attributes they think describe their offspring.

That's fine. That's how it should be. With one exception.

Once you leave the boundary of your own home and enter the world that's populated by other people, not all of them parents, you need to get just a little perspective.

Yesterday I had breakfast at Smiths of Smithfield. My second time in 4 weeks which is pretty good going as I live in Norfolk. As a place to eat your first meal of the day it's a hit for me for two reasons:

1. I LOVE the branding - uber cool staff uniforms, loud music and the warehouse environment
2. The pricing is in fractions so it costs 4 1/2 pounds for pancakes...simple pleasures

Yesterday, a bit tired after a very late night, I arrived at SOS, following a 20 minute walk from the hotel, happy to see the doors wide open and lots of people enjoying a full English. There were plenty of children there too, not a problem, I like family dining especially at this time of day.

Shortly after we sat down, some people arrived at the next table to us; a man, woman and toddler. 

Strike 1: When asked by her male companion what she'd like to eat the woman replied 'Oh, I've already eaten.' WTF? Really? Isn't that slightly rude? (He paid and we got the impression he'd invited her.) And also why bother coming to SOS if you're not going to eat?

Strike 2: After clinging to his Mum for the first 10 minutes, the boy finally decided he didn't need to sit on his mother's lap, (most parents have experienced the limpet child), instead he wanted to lie on the floor. He was in the way of customers and staff but as she talked to him constantly whilst he was there she clearly thought this was ok. Finally, after two waitresses had to ask her to move him so they could get past, one of the waiters insisted she sit him elsewhere and pointed out to her 'It's not the most sensible thing to let him lie in the way when we're carrying hot food and drinks is it?' She look affronted, I wanted to applaud him.

Strike 3; you're out!: After drinking their coffee and settling the bill she then followed her son around, holding his reins, as he walked in between all of the tables, basically annoying the other diners for a good 5 minutes. There's a big difference between keeping a child happy and allowing them to do as they wish.

My own treasure has had many moments during her 6 years...

So all new or prospective parents take note: what you will think is cute will invariably be annoying for someone else, but rather than hide away for the first 5 years of your child's life just apply a little common sense and I guarantee most of us will be happy. 

Failing that, please avoid SOS on a Sunday morning just in case I'm enjoying their delicious pancakes and a freshly squeezed OJ. Thanks; I appreciate it.