Fortunately, our son didn't behave inappropriately like that in restaurants, and I think if people know their children are accustomed to screaming, throwing fits, etc., then they should not bring them to environments where that's not suitable. However, when people allow their kids to act that way, yes - I would get as far away as possible. I've even taken it upon myself to address kids' behaviors, ie throwing coffee cups, poking other people in adjacent booths, etc., and usually parents of those types of kids do not take kindly to these measures. No wonder the kids act that way when the parents don't see it as a problem. I actually took a class called Civil Society for my masters and we learned that different cultures have different approaches to the boundaries of reacting to other people's kids. If I have to listen to it or see it then I feel it's my responsibility as an adult to address it. So we really dont go to very many "family" restaurants. Im not tolerant of the screamers and their parents.

We too have been fortunate with our children. We started taking our kids out to eat since they were around a month old. We always bring things to keep them occupied and try not to wait until they are starving to go. As they have gotten older, they have learned appropriate behavior through repeatedly going out. I found that the most difficult time for us was when they just start walking. Who wants to sit still when there are so many exciting things to see. Besides that we haven't had to many issues as long as we stick to a few simple guidelines. 1) Never go when the kids are starving or if you don't have a choice, give them a little snack while they are waiting 2) Always.. and I mean ALWAYS bring some of their toys along. In the event that we ever have a meltdown in a reasturant, which I'm sure we will at some point, I will gladly leave with a doggie bag. I understand a little crying but when kids are in the all out tantrum, it's time to leave for everyones sake. I to am not tolerant of the out of control kids or their parents who neglect to rein them in. If we are out to eat with or without kids, I would ask to move. I don't want my kids to see bad behavior and think that just because someone else can do it, it should be consider to be done by them.

The above reader has hit the nail on the head in saying she does not want her well behaved children acting like the poorly behaved children in a restaurant. I am tolerant of children being loud in a fast food restaurant but I really frown upon people bringing children to a finer adult restaurant because I just think there are certain family restaurants and those which should be for adult dining. When a child is loud one or both of the parents are usually just as loud or worse.
I would like to see more restaurant management take charge of a situation and move the offending families with loud kids. Ditto the loud kid in stores issue too. Its not safe, its annoying and it disrupts my ability to shop in peace. BABYSITTER folks..Get a sitter.