Australian Mom Sparks Debate Over Restaurant’s Child Behavior Policy
In a recent TikTok controversy that has divided parents and restaurant-goers alike, Australian mother Brie Rockliffe found herself at the center of a heated debate after questioning a restaurant’s policy regarding children’s behavior. The sign that sparked the controversy, displayed in the window of Laguna Blu Bar & Dining in Port Stephens, read: “We appreciate well-behaved children, and require them to remain seated at all times. Thanks for understanding.” What began as Rockliffe’s genuine concern about unrealistic expectations for young children quickly evolved into a larger conversation about parenting responsibilities, restaurant etiquette, and the sometimes tense relationship between family-friendly dining and customer experience.
Rockliffe has since clarified her position, explaining that she never intended to attack the restaurant personally but rather wanted to highlight how such policies might make parents feel unwelcome when dining out with their children. “I think most parents get that restaurants need respectful behavior,” she told news.com.au, “but expecting children to ‘remain seated and well-behaved’ at all times feels unrealistic especially for toddlers. It can come across as if there’s no room for kids to just be kids.” Her initial TikTok post, which questioned the policy with the caption “Breakfast with a side of unrealistic expectations. Thoughts? LIKE WHAT THE ACTUAL?” received significant pushback from commenters who overwhelmingly sided with the restaurant’s position rather than her concerns.
The reaction to Rockliffe’s post revealed a strong public sentiment favoring restaurant policies that maintain order and respect for all patrons. Critics of her stance were quick to point out what they considered basic parenting responsibilities, with comments ranging from the direct—”If you can’t keep your children seated, don’t take them out”—to the more sarcastic—”God forbid you would have to teach your child table manners and how to behave respectfully in public.” Many commenters, including parents themselves, expressed confusion over why expecting children to remain seated during a meal would be considered unreasonable. One parent with young children supported the requirement, noting, “We’re raising the next generation,” while others questioned Rockliffe’s perspective with comments like “Concerning someone thinks that isn’t realistic” and “I genuinely don’t see how this is an unrealistic expectation?”
Despite the overwhelming criticism, Rockliffe did find some supporters who shared her concerns about creating welcoming environments for families. These allies voiced similar frustrations about feeling judged when dining out with children, with one commenter stating they would “honestly leave” an establishment with such a sign because “it just screams ‘we don’t like kids.'” Another supporter emphasized that children should be allowed to exist naturally in public spaces: “Kids will be kids… they will walk around (with supervision), they will explore, and they will be loud! Kids are allowed to be existent, while in a respectful manner.” Rockliffe resonated with these sentiments, expressing that she’s “had enough of parents feeling unwelcome in public spaces” and noting that the response to her video demonstrated how many parents share the anxiety of “wanting to take their kids out, but often feeling judged or unwelcome.”
The restaurant owner, responding to the online attention, clarified that the policy was implemented primarily for safety reasons rather than to discourage families from dining at the establishment. In a statement to news.com.au, he emphasized that “Laguna Blu Bar & Dining welcomes families and children and is proud to offer a variety of kids’ meals and family-friendly dining options.” He explained that the venue’s specific environment—located within a resort and surrounded by an infinity pool with occasionally slippery flooring—combined with the service of hot dishes in cast iron skillets and alcoholic beverages, necessitated additional safety measures. The owner stressed that their goal has “always been to provide a safe, relaxed, and enjoyable experience for all our guests.”
This controversy illuminates the delicate balance restaurants must strike between accommodating families and ensuring a pleasant experience for all patrons. It also highlights the emotional complexity parents navigate when taking children to public spaces, where they may feel simultaneously responsible for their children’s behavior and defensive of their children’s right to be themselves. While some viewed the sign as a reasonable request that parents supervise their children appropriately in a potentially hazardous environment, others interpreted it as an unwelcoming message that added to the already challenging experience of dining out with young children. What remains clear is that both restaurants and families are seeking mutual respect and understanding—restaurants want to provide a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone, while parents want spaces where they can introduce their children to public dining without feeling unduly judged or restricted.
