China Star @ 210 - KIDS working there

Having grown up in a family business (jewelery store), there's absolutely nothing wrong with this. I used to answer the phone, help customers (through the whole purchase process including payment), clean, do some repairs, etc, etc. all starting around age 7 or 8. I would do pretty much whatever my parents and grandparents thought I could handle. They would step in when needed but our customers had no problem with me helping out. I can't think of one instance when a customer was upset with me helping. I knew my limits and would pass them along if I couldn't help. I'm sure these children know as well.

If the kids didn't want to be there, they would be acting out and causing a scene or two. The only exception in this case that I see, should be that the youngest child shouldn't be near a hot stove. The older kids are well aware of their surroundings and with language being an issue, it's best that a clear speaking child answers the phone over someone you cannot understand and you end up w/ an incorrect order.

I think it's great that the family is trying to stay together. I enjoyed it as a child and I'm fairly certain they'll look back and be glad they had it too.

 

:iagree: no different than most kids working on a farm!! more power to them!

 

None of your business!!!!! Let them enjoy their personal freedom and rights and not infringe upon those rights by injecting your values or morals.

 

Wow, that's an eye opener.

 

I think you're missing the point. What happens when one of the kids has severe burns on them because they were underfoot and someone dropped burning hot food on them?

As far as speaking English, the entire family speaks it very well so having the child answer the phone was not because the parents needed them too.

 

relax, relax,,, don't get so uptight... its VG... not WV...:jester:

 

The image of a 7 year old running the front of the restaurant is not how the situation was described. Parents were close by. And, since it's a family business, labor laws do not apply. Until society decides a political solution is necessary, and we then dictate to parents how to parent. No thanks.

I understand your point, VG. I'm not belittling your stance.

In our business, we expect our children to help out. Not to their detriment, which hasn't been shown to be the case in any of these posts. Yet, when the choice has to be made concerning our business or a social event for DD, the choice generally goes to the business side of the equation so we can feed, clothe, and provide for us. We all sacrifice, somewhere along the way.

 

the kids might like working there too.....


I used to love going to work with my Mom. Unless they are being rude and/or don't know what's going on....I see nothing wrong with it....

 

There is a HUGE difference in a jewelry store and a restaurant that cooks over open flames, etc.

 

one smart cookie you are...:cheers::cheers::cheers:

 

I sure am! I gadgeated in the top 25% of my class of over 400 students :lol:

 

Hmm.. technically yes, we didn't serve food. BUT we had torches, ovens for casting, welding irons, lots of chemicals (some of which could burn your finger off if you touched it w/out gloves), lots of sharp tools and a whole bunch of "dangerous" stuff. There are dangers in all business but I'm sure these parents (I've never been there so I can't entirely say) and in my case my parents, knew where I was and made sure I was safe.

 

I am sure you also learned early on to respect those hazards, which you have probably taken into your adult life, unlike some I see on a daily basis.

I actually did janitorial work and assisted my biological father in installing phone systems and wiring at age 13.

Most dangerous job I can remember was as a paperboy.

 

:lol::lol::lol:

 

Oh cool it. It was my opinion, which I think is still my freedom to have around here without you spouting off about it being none of my business.

 

take that pirate...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BRw_ihZRJI

 

First, is there a reason why you are typing in all bold today? Second, I'm not belittling your stance either, but everyone freaking out at my suggestion that these kids get to experience something other than the inside of that restaraunt as something inappropriate is a bit much. I'm simply suggesting that kids getting out once in a while is a good idea. And maybe they do, but if people see them in there all the time and the family runs the business all day maybe they don't. If the kids are happy that's great and I'm not saying they HAVE to do things a certain way. I just knows there has to be a benefit from running around in the sun a little bit after school as well. BTW, is it not jsut as arrogant to assume that your philosophy is the right one for this family? It's not a good idea for anyone to throw the arrogant card around in this situation.

 

I emboldened to be able to insert my comments closer to what I thought was the relevant portion of the quote. If there is a "cleaner" way for me to be able to comment close to the relevant point, and allow others to discern that the commentary is distinct from what was originally posted and quoted, I apologize for being unaware of how to do it.

As it stands, at least you were able to discern my comments, so it apparently works. It may not be the preferred method and may even be -gasp- a bulletin board posting faux pas. If so, I've apologized for it.

Still doesn't change what was said, does it?

 

No, I got that part. It was when you were commenting under the quote where I didn't know if you were trying to add emphasis or not.

 

1 I don't want some KID getting a hold of my CC number NOR ringing up my order and adding some $ to it.

2. Kids, germs, my food - no thanks.