How would you have answered in this situation

[Junglemum]

Given my girls are a bit wild/spirited at times, if they were happily sitting and eating in a highchair i most likely i would have said, "sure you can have it, just as soon as we're finished" Or if i knew my child would sit happily elsewhere, like the pram or on a chair, then i would have handed it over as i too have been in the situation many times when i wished i had a highchair to sit my kids in to stop them running wild. I guess restrain is a word with negative connotations, but sitting my girls in a highchair with a pencil and paper or some food is keeping them occupied in my mind, i don't see the problem in that. It's not restraining them in the sense of a straightjacket, although...... that has crossed my mind before.

[Chamberry]

Personally I would never have the nerve to ask another parent to give up their high-chair in the first place. I think you made the best decision.