The terminology " brat ban " is new to me, though the concept of "no kids allowed" isn't of course. However, we seem to be going through a "brat ban" period in the U.S. Some are saying it's because the baby boomers are aging, but frankly I don't agree that's the reason. There are always grandchildren! Others are saying fewer couples are choosing to have kids, but I am not sure I agree with that either.

Is the "brat ban" terminology (or concept) popular in England or Canada? I am guessing no.

I've never heard it.

I've never heard it either. I googled the phrase and the first four pages of hits were all American sites, so it doesn't seem to have crossed the pond - at least, not yet.

This was the subject of a DrPhil show about a month ago (to which I admit to browsing now & then ). A good time was had by all at the comments site, bashing those awful moms & dads who let their kids wreak havoc in public.

Tempest in a teapot.

I think there is a middle line with this. In the editorial I cited, apparently some people think kids shouldn't travel by plane! That is ridiculous. Kids have to visit their grandmas or go to Disneyland or whatever. However, I also think parents need to be a little more realistic about kids in restaurants or stores. I have seen kids scream at the top of their lungs or run around like crazy. If a kid is that crabby (it happens to all of us), please take him out of the restaurant!

I wonder if "brat ban" will be one of those "words of the year."