I have a table make a reservation at our restaurant for 9:00 pm through a concierge at a hotel. We close at 9:00 pm, so I call the concierge and tell them our last seating is at 8:30.

Me: “Please tell your guests not to expect the kitchen to be open after 9:00 pm.”

Concierge: “I will let them know straight away. Thank you.”

Of course, the table shows up at 8:55 pm.

Me: “You will have to order right now because the kitchen is closing.”

Customer: “How rude! Our reservation is for 9:00 pm!”

Me: “We contacted your hotel concierge to tell them this. If they did not relay the information, then I apologize, but the kitchen is not staying open past 9:00 pm.”

Just then a little kid at the table speaks up.

Little Kid: “Mom! The lady at the hotel did tell us, remember, Mom?”

BUSTED. I just stood there with a huge grin on my face as they gave me their order.

Related:
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 16
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 15
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 14
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 13
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 12

I work in a library. We have a very simple booking system for visitors who need to use our public computers. There are also clear instructions on the screen for every step in the process. If someone needs help, we will assist them, of course, but the system is built to be self-service.

I’m busy helping people at the information desk when I see a woman at a computer, waving at me. She has a boy with her who is maybe ten years old.

Patron: “Hello! Can I get some help, please?”

Child: *Trying to get her attention* “Mum.”

Me: “Absolutely! I’ll help you next!”

Child: *A little louder* “Mum!”

Patron: *To me* “Are you going to take long?”

Me: “I will be with you in a minute.”

Patron: “I don’t want to stress you out, but we’re in a hurry.”

Child: “Mum!”

I finish helping the person I’m with and head over to them, just in time to watch the boy tug at his mother’s sleeve and say:

Child: “Mum, it says on the screen what to do! You just type your number in!”

The patron finally pays attention to him and takes a moment to read the instructions.

Patron: “Oh. Oh, never mind. Looks like we don’t need any help after all.”

Related:
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 15
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 14
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 13
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 12
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 11

I work at a buffet. The owner is a crusty old Chinese man who allows us to not give any f***s when dealing with problem customers. We allow children aged four and under to eat free. A woman comes in with a child who easily looks six or seven. You pre-pay when you enter the restaurant.

Me: “One adult and one child — that’s [total].”

Customer: “Excuse me! Just one adult! My child eats free!”

Me: “That’s only for children aged four and under, ma’am.”

Customer: “My child is four!”

Not caring, I lean down to the child.

Me: “How old are you, sweetie?”

Child: *Proudly* “I’m six and a half!”

Me: *Standing back up* “I applaud your child on knowing not to lie. That will be [same total], please.”

Customer: “Well, looks like we’ll be eating elsewhere! Would you like to explain to my child why that is, too?!”

Me: *Lean down to the child again* “Because Mommy is cheap!”

Related:
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 14
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 13
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 12
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 11
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 10

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Read the Editors’-Favorite-Stories Of-2022 roundup!

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I am cashing out a lady and child. The child is looking at me.

Child: “Why is he wearing a ring?”

Mom: “Because he’s married, honey.”

Child: “But why is he wearing a ring?”

Mom: “Because he’s happy and wants everyone to know he loves his wife.”

Child: “Oh, then why aren’t you wearing your ring? Do you not love Daddy?”

Mom: “Shut up.”

Me: *Pauses* “Okay, have a nice day, ma’am!”

Related:
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 13
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 12
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 11
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 10
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 9

Our family went out for dinner one evening. As the waitress came to take our order, we could see that she looked like she was having a terrible day. She looked like she was completely exhausted and worn out. She took our orders and left, returning to the table shortly with our drinks orders. My nine-year-old son looked up, gave her a big smile, and said, “Awesome service!”

Her whole face lit up. From then on, we received VIP treatment, everything was perfect, she couldn’t do enough for us. We asked for her name and told her manager the service was great. Every time we went after that, we asked for her, and every time, we got amazing service and big smiles.

Sometimes just a kind word or two can make such a difference.

Related:
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 12
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 11
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 10
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 9
From The Mouth Of Babes, Part 8