breastfeeding...

[amateursurgeon]

Not all children are alike, there are many different temperaments, which makes the idea of a universal parenting style impossible. My daughter is 2.5 as well, and we have dinner with her too. But when you bring her into a relatively new environment like a restaurant, she wants to get up and explore (though she has been better about it recently). I wouldn't blame that on bad parenting, it's simply natural for her to want to explore. And then there are some kids who are opposite, have no problem sitting down for an extended period of time doing nothing. My kid is just extremely busy and very rarely will you see her relaxing lol, it's been like that since day 1. That's why we're praying our next child has a more relaxed temperament, likes the car seat, falls asleep easily, doesn't get up 3x a night like this one does some times, etc..

Yep agree about children being different. Mine does want to get up an explore, but I don't equate that with bad behaviour. She normally just goes up to people at other tables and says "hello" to them and smiles. If people look bothered, we call her back, but most people encourage her. It helps that she's cute and doesn't whine or have a snotty nose like some kids. That said, we don't got to "posh" restaurants, just nice local places. I wouldn't book her in for an 8pm table at La Bernadin.

I also agree that over-disciplining your kids just for being kids is counterproductive. You either destroy their self-esteem, or they learn to ignore you.