Before I had children, I used to love going out to dinner. I would pick out the perfect outfit [1], my girlfriends and I would drink our favourite cocktails [2], and I would eat (and actually enjoy) food without a care in the world. But when kids do come, dinner outings just aren't the same. Gone are the cute outfits and funny cocktail conversation, and instead come bulky diaper bags and nicely worded threats to "eat your dinner now [3]." And total strangers suddenly become very interested in why you're out to eat with all your children [4]. Through talking to other moms, I've discovered nine backhanded "compliments" people think it's OK to say to parents while dining out with children.

"You really have your hands full, don't you?”

Really? I wasn't aware.

"Your daughter has a boy haircut," or the equally judge-y, "I see you got into Mommy's nail polish, little guy."

Or they're just freely expressing themselves?

"Wow, three boys! You must be dying for a girl."

Nope, I'm fine.

"Are they all yours?," or the rudest, "Do they all have the same dad?"

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

"Your partner is SO good with them!"

Maybe that's because they're the other parent.

And that rare, magical moment you actually get a real compliment about your kids' behavior.

Yes, they do have really good manners!