at church what they do is send them to sunday school. Most of them run around and play outside, in some churchyards there are swings and playground equipment. most children cannot sit still through an entire sermons, even some adults cant handle it the way its done at some churches.
If I was serving at restaurant and saw that I would probably have words with the parents about safety. The parents probably wouldnt want to come back again but its probably to do with timing. Most restauarants dont serve intoxicated patrons they actually have signs saying they can refuse service, but not sure what they do about children.
What I dont like is parents leaving their very young children to fend for themselves in public places. for hours.
A popular childrens author has just released a book called WORLDS WORST PARENTS (sequal to WORLDS WORST CHILDREN ) and sure enough you could probably recognise the usual suspects in it. The thing is nobody really learns how to be a good parent if their own parents or grandparents dont set a good example. And because many people grow up without one or even both parents around and they have to juggle so many other things that discipline isnt one of them.
Maybe just pray for the parents of the child. Its not that easy when children wont settle and giving out threats like hidings at home are not actually ideal either. The only other thing that can think of is children can eat way too much sugar and they become hypo and manic...cos you do know sugar is a drug. I dont know why sugar is always marketed to children its often like the gateway drug to alcohol and other substances. if a parent is giving them juice boxes or fizzy drinks instead of plain water you got to wonder how they cope with their behaviour.
at a resturant with children take them when they are hungry, order you drink or appetisers so they arent waiting around too bored for the food to arrive. Talk to them and engage them. take a book or coluring in or their favourite toy/cushion/blankie if they are really young.
I took my little cousins to yum cha they were 7 and 10 and they were fine because they were really looking forward to the food. They knew they could run round and play AFTER they had eaten. aome parents dont talk with their children, they just transport them here and there and dont even tell them where they are going or what they are going to do when they get there. is it any wonder they dont know how to behave.