Taking your family out to eat at a restaurant has its ups and downs. For larger families, dining out can sometimes feel like trying to manage a herd of livestock, especially when there are multiple children involved. While there are moments when everything goes smoothly, there are also times when it feels like others are glaring at you, ready to judge your parenting.

Children can certainly be a handful, but when an unknown person in Texas observed how well a group of children behaved at a restaurant, they felt compelled to send the family a letter.

The Bokorst family was dining at Rico’s Hacienda, where they were enjoying a meal with their five children, ages four to fourteen. With such a large age range, one might expect a certain level of noise and chaos. But the Bokorst family isn’t your typical noisy restaurant group.

According to Ryan Bokorst, the father, in an interview with KPRC, “We just try to make sure they know that when they are out in public, especially, they need to behave properly.”

Even managing two children in a restaurant can be challenging; imagine handling five kids of varying ages. However, thanks to their attentive parenting and clear communication with their children, the Bokorsts were able to enjoy their meal without disturbing others.

While it’s natural for kids to be playful and curious, especially around other children, it can be distracting and even unsafe in certain public spaces. The Bokorst kids had clearly learned this lesson well, and their good behavior was noticed.

As the family prepared to pay the bill, the waiter handed them something unexpected—a letter. Ryan explained, “When I asked for the bill, the server handed me the booklet with the note already folded inside. I was stunned and not quite sure what was happening.”

The letter read: “Sir, I must say that tonight I was quite pleased with your family. Your children impressed me with their good manners and politeness. As parents, you have every reason to feel proud. You’ve done well. In a time when children are often loud and running around, your family was a breath of fresh air. I hope you have a wonderful day and week.”

The Bokorsts wanted to thank the mystery person who sent the note, but the individual had already left before they could speak. The family never learned the identity of the kind stranger.

The message left the Bokorsts feeling not only honored but deeply grateful. They were touched by the recognition of their children’s good behavior and by the reminder of how blessed they were. Ryan and his wife took the opportunity to show their children that, even at a young age, they can make a positive impact on the world.

We hope this experience stays with the children as they grow into the kind and thoughtful people they are meant to be.