Backlash Against Child-Toting Bar Hoppers
As Brownstone Brooklyn becomes increasingly overrun by the stroller set, certain people have had enough, especially as the last sanctuary of grown-up decadence and childlessness has been invaded: In the arty, stroller-infested Brooklyn neighborhood [of Park Slope], the nearly 3-year-old smoking ban has had an additional effect beyond vexing nicotine addicts: It’s made bars more…
As Brownstone Brooklyn becomes increasingly overrun by the stroller set, certain people have had enough, especially as the last sanctuary of grown-up decadence and childlessness has been invaded:
In the arty, stroller-infested Brooklyn neighborhood [of Park Slope], the nearly 3-year-old smoking ban has had an additional effect beyond vexing nicotine addicts: It’s made bars more welcoming for young parents and their offspring. And while that may be a welcome development for thirsty moms and dads, it’s an affront to those, like Andy Heidel, who see bars as a last refuge from the kids who overrun local restaurants and cafes. “A bar is a place for adults,” Heidel, a 36-year-old writer, says flatly. “It’s not a playground for your child. What the hell are these people thinking?”
We’re guilty of bringing the young ‘uns along with us to an occasional early dinner out but can completely understand why there are those who would prefer to drink in peace.
Lowering the Bar [NY Post]
Two terms that badly need a tighter definition: “appropriate,” and “child friendly.” Kind of like that Supreme Court Justice Stewart’s definition of obscenity: “I know it when I see it.” Much of what I’m reading here seems a reflection of the hysteria surrounding child-rearing in upscale, educated communities like Park Slope. Which in turn stems from a generational/cultural notion (fueled by a generation growing up with the twin languages of psychotherapy and self-help books) that the job of parents is to produce perfect adults, and any slight tremor in the upbringing translates into horrific damage to the child. In any case, what the hell–bring the little darlings to the bar, buy ’em a beer if they want it, but consider yourself as responsible for their behavior as you are for your own. Anyone who finds the presence of a kid in itself offensive can choose from a wide range of gated adult communities to move to, but anyone who believes it’s the wide world’s responsibility to unconditionally adore and nurture their little ones isn’t being “child friendly,” just narcissistic.
i draw the line at topless bars. but isn’t alcohol a great way of kicking the antsy out of kid?
i’d rather have babies in bars than in restaurants. actually, the more i think about it, i’d like to see more babies in bars. what’s the downside, they’re already noisy and it’d be a change of pace from looking at all the skanks and losers anyway.
My babysitter is allowed to take my kids to bars during the day for the all you can drink Shirley Temple Madness After School Specials.
aww, he’s just lil upset cause my daughter turned him into a eunuch
Wow. With that comment, you really shed a lot of light on the issue for me. I like how you represent yourself. Especially going into the holiday weekend. I’ll see you at church Sunday morning…you seem like you represent the pillar of the community’s values.
brownstoner does it again – you and your cronies are a bunch of ridiculous idiots. anyone bringing there kids to a bar is an *sshole. “i used to live in amsterdam and I noticed many more kids in adult situations and found it charming and refreshing.” You are one sick F*ck totally void of morals.
i think within in reason it is fine… and i think that the european multi-generational approach to life in general is nice.. i used to live in amsterdam and I noticed many more kids in adult situations and found it charming and refreshing.. what a lot of the complaints are about, i think, if that many parts of brooklyn are overrun with 30s families, and that is a bummer for the 20s set and pre-kids 30s and 40s. I totally understand their feelings, but the truth is, some neighborhoods are too damned family friendly to mean that the families are leaving… so you’ve either gotta move somewhere edgier or you’ve gotta put up with it… bklyn in the 90s and now is just the life for a new family.. and that means the culture and neighborhoods (and even sometimes bars) will change…
Wait…let me get this straight. Your opinion is then that ALL kids are brats and should be banned from bars so YOU feel more comfortable at your watering hole at 2 in the afternoon. Now I got it. Do the world a favor…don’t pass on your genes or your inherent nuturing skills.