Edited to add: asking specifically about bar-style breweries where food isn’t available and seating is either bartop or otherwise limited. This isn’t a judgement on parents bringing kids to these places, more trying to find out if it’s just a “fun day out” or social pressures like finding childcare, etc.
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I don’t have a kid, but most of the breweries I’ve been to haven’t been like bars. They’ve been more like farms + alcohol, and would be fine for a family get together.
People who tell mothers not to bring their baby/toddler/kid to [insert place here] conveniently don’t usually mention what they think should be done instead, in terms of childcare, especially if the person in question can’t afford/access childcare.
Like, yeah, you could say “Just don’t go,” but I think mothers have just as much of a right to participate in society as anyone else does, and I think it’s pretty gross when people argue otherwise.
Parents get to go to dinner to.
It’s just a normal thing here in Wisconsin. I personally wouldn’t if I had kids but people gotta live their lives even with kids and, if it’s permitted by the establishment, it’s a non-issue.
Perfectly acceptable. It’s not a nightclub. The thought process is, “I’m thirsty and this kid needs stimulation/exposure to humankind. Let’s get a beer!”
If it’s not a super-rowdy kind of place where people regularly get drunk and sloppy, I see no reason why you couldn’t bring a small child for a short amount of time. Children have short attention spans so they shouldn’t stay long, but most enjoy seeing new places and new people. And a happy, well-socialized caretaker is better-equipped to handle childcare. Win-win.
Many of the breweries in my area actually advertise as being family-friendly. Sometimes it’s nice to go out with friends and be able to take your kids along. Many people go to breweries for one or two drinks and to socialize, not to get drunk and party. Last brewery I went to had a band of teenagers and there were many people there with their kids and dogs. It’s just a place to hang out that has alcohol. Most of the bar-like breweries in our area, like the ones you are describing, usually don’t allow children anyway. Personally, I’m glad more places are being family-friendly. So many women and families are excluded from activities already.
Isn’t this a pretty common thing in Europe? Depending on the age of the baby (infant sleeping in a stroller vs unruly toddler running amok) and the time of day I don’t see why it would be an issue.
The thought process is that they do sometimes need a break too, and babysitters are quiet expensive and/or non existent. We do not know what people are going through, and really shouldn’t judge.
Assuming the baby isn’t drinking any of the beer, the environment is safe for them, and the location allows it, I don’t see the issue. The thought process is likely, “hey, I’d like to go to the brewery but don’t have a babysitter.”
I think my opinion is situational. Usually friends are getting together and if a baby is being breastfed it can be tricky to arrange childcare etc. Having kids when your friends don’t or their children are older can be a bit isolating so I understand the desire to take a child with you. On the flip side, sometimes I’m out because I want to NOT BE AROUND KIDS and the expectation at a bar style brewery is that you won’t find children there. If the baby/toddler becomes disruptive I find it annoying. I have four kids. I don’t hate children but I think as a society we teach respect by being respectful. Is your desire to be out and about greater than the desire of others to have a peaceful environment? I don’t think it should be. That being said, if your child doesn’t cause any fuss when you go out and you want to take them. Take them.
It’s very, very common here in Canada. In fact when my child was a baby it was my first outing with him! Common sense also dictates that most people with kiddos are usually at breweries during the day or for dinner and not really during party time (aka later in the evening!)
Is this an American thing? This is the only country I’ve lived in where I’ve noticed people side eyeing parents taking their kids out with them for non-kid-focused fun. I mean I get it if you’re getting two sheets to the wind sloshed maybe get a sitter, but otherwise what’s the problem?
My two cents, moms in the US get this odd pressure to make childhood their whole identity, let them live a little!
Yes I know, I’m making broad generalizations, bear with me 🙂
Ild probably give people the side eye if i saw a kid at Barrel House Z.
I think there’s 0 issue, children need to be acclimated to being in public, parents deserve to be involved in society, etc. I *do* think parents should be aware of things like not letting their kid run around unattended/bothering people and to be prepared that your kid might hear some swearing/adult convo, but I don’t even think that’s specific to breweries.
Most breweries around here are just casual pop-in places where friends gather. They have board games and toys. It doesn’t bother me that kids are there. I don’t take mine, because my ex gets them every other weekend. I just go then. I could see why a married couple or single parent would. I wouldn’t want to hire a sitter just to have a drink or two with friends.
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There is no reasoning because the type of people who do this are not the type of people who think.
who is even saying that whoever the guardian (mom dad parent grandparent etc) is even drinking? it’s just the whole perception that people have. children shouldn’t be around shitface drunk adults. sure i hope we could all agree but kids shouldn’t be out in public? that’s insane.
Is it so bad if the baby is in a car seat? I mean, if they’re under 2, will they remember their parents at a brewery? If the parent brings food, or snacks for their child, and they are being responsible, is it bad?
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