So true Peter! We also have to supply tissue, cleaning wipes, and many specific items that vary by grade as well. Last year each child actually had to supply a ream of paper as well. We are lucky though that our lists are given to each child in their end of the year paperwork (outgoing 1st graders get the list for 2nd graders, and so on). The lists are also available on the school website, so we can start our shopping at the very beginning of summer to help ease the burden. I also like that our 1st grade teachers ask for a $20 donation on their list (to be given at the beginning of the school year) and in turn have a much shorter list of supplies than the other grades and also don't ask for money for field trips the rest of the year...

You are so right Abigail! Every child struggles during that phase when they figure out that they can communicate and when they are actually able to communicate, whether that phase lasts a few months or a couple of years. Sign language is certainly a smart tool to use during that phase in development. Aside from that, the best we can do as parents is try to be as patient as possible and know that it is a phase that will pass (in most cases). I was a daycare provider for many years and I remember having a child start in my daycare who was almost two and was hardly speaking at all, to the point the mom had brought it up to the doctor (who said he was still within normal range). Within two months of being in my daycare he was talking a blue streak! I don't take credit for it though, the very talkative kids in my care where the ones who helped push him over that hump. Being around talkative kids can sometimes be a big help in getting past that phase as well. :-)

Thanks so much Beth. I really appreciate you taking the time to comment and let me know that. Thanks! :-)

As the author of this piece I wanted to reinforce this statement, "Of course there can be variables in each child that should be discussed with the child’s pediatrician"

Someone on Twitter tweeted out the following link, http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/learn-sig... And pointed out that this article could cause someone to overlook significant signs of autism. A natural delay in speech ALONE is what is being talked about here in this article. But a delay in speech alongside the other many signs listed in the above link should never be ignored.

-Meghan

Wow people, I really didn't think I would be standing alone on this issue. LOL But do you guys agree that a place that makes this kind of ban SHOULD also ban other types of annoying people as I mentioned? :-) Great responses guys, and for the record I also HATE being around wild children who's parents don't bother trying to wrangle them in...

Thanks for clarifying better what the restaurant is like, it was hard to get a true feel from the articles I read (which gave varying descriptions). I am curious though, how often do people bring their rowdy kids that this became such a problem? And how have parents been in the past when asked to settle their kids down? And are there EVER kids who don't cause a problem?

YOu know, I've never read the Mary Poppins books! I should totally look them up next time we're at the library.

Great idea Beth! A book club? Hmm....

I haven't heard of Fablehaven, I'll have to check it out.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Shel Slverstein! And Redwall.