Pushchair armySo Janet Street-Porter wants to ban kids from cafes and restaurants. Apparently she’s fed up with the ‘cacophony’ and ‘stench’ generated by what she calls something small, cross and wearing a nappy (she means a baby) in a withering attack on the aisle-clogging pushchair army (that’s you and me).

As someone who often works from coffee shops during the week I can see both sides of the argument, but if you haven’t already gathered I’m incensed.

Aside from the fact I’d rather not eat my sushi or drink my latte in the presence of something tall, cross and wearing a disapproving frown (her), where would we be if we started posing restrictions on who can and cannot frequent public places?

We’re already stuck in the dark ages when it comes to kids in public. If you go to most countries in Europe after dark you’ll find kids in cafes and restaurants – where parents go, kids go too. That’s just how it is. Suggesting babies and children should be seen and not heard is positively Dickensian.

Of course only a childless person would suggest banning children from cafes and restaurants, and it’s interesting to note Janet Street-Porter doesn’t have children of her own.

She’s got no idea what it’s like to have been stuck at home with a baby all week as you dutifully carry out mind-numbing household task after mind-numbing household task on the least sleep you’ve ever had in the knowledge you’ll have to do it all again tomorrow. For free.

That NCT meet-up at Costa or treat night at Pizza Express in which you won’t have to go shopping, prepare the food and clean up afterwards is a life-line. Literally.

And what she fails to appreciate is that we, the aisle-clogging pushchair army, are raising the teachers, doctors, nurses, magistrates, engineers and prime ministers of the future. How rounded will they end up if their social skills are developed entirely within the confines of home and school with a sleep-deprived parent in charge?

It’s a shame because I’ve always quite liked Janet Street-Porter, but I’m afraid this is one rant me and my small, cross and nappy-wearing offspring can’t forgive. I’m proud to be a member of the aisle-clogging pushchair army.

How about you?

Linking up with…

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
Mami 2 Five
Life with Baby Kicks
Run Jump Scrap!