Did The Definition of the Word "Parent" Change?

[Syndrome]

So Mr. Syndrome and I were waiting in the Soarin' que last night in the part where there are heavy chains every so often. Some kid was playing with one and managed to unfasten it and just let it drop, nearly smashing the foot of another person standing nearby. If it had hit the person, it would have hurt like hell because they were wearing sandals. They glared at the kid and the father shrugged and said, "He loves to mess with everything all the time" as though that should excuse any behavior. No apology, just that stupid statement.

So my question is, when did the definition of "parent" change? At one time, didn't that word indicate someone who actually drew and enforced boundaries for acceptable behavior in public? And didn't those boundaries once include forbidding behaviors that might impact, and even injure, others? Now it seems to mean "person who provides, food, shelter, and every thing else and who is otherwise inconsequential in matters of behavior, except to defend a child when some other person dares to attempt to draw a self-protective boundary?" I think I'm going to petition the dictionary people for a correction.

Then there were the jackasses doing flash photography on Soarin' yet again, but I won't even go into that one...

[disneyaddict]

Ugh, I hate it when parents don't do anything but make excuses for their children's behavior.

Maybe they're too embarrassed to actually claim the child as their own.

[marcim]

So Mr. Syndrome and I were waiting in the Soarin' que last night in the part where there are heavy chains every so often. Some kid was playing with one and managed to unfasten it and just let it drop, nearly smashing the foot of another person standing nearby.

If you're talking about the chains I think you're talking about, there are magnets in the center of each one, holding the two halves together, presumably to prevent people from sitting/swinging on them. I don't remember seeing them last year, but I think they are AWESOME! I wish they'd install those all over the park. Instant, public embarassment for naughtiness, even with brain-dead parents who let their kids climb on everything like chimps.

While we waited in line a few weeks ago, one kid sat on the chain, and clang! Magnet comes loose, kid drops the 1-2 feet to the ground. Not far enough to really hurt, but enough to get his attention. Kid panics, looks around all embarassed, quickly stands up. We chuckle. :twisted: A few minute later, clang! Another kid does the same thing. :twisted: We were soon like Pavlov's dogs, chuckling every time we'd hear that sound, knowing some SG's kid got what he deserved.

[Teddykeiko86]

Seriously, at Universal's Blastzone, all guests had to wear shoes of some sort. When I would tell parents their kids must have shoes on, they would say "But they will get wet/ruined". Even worse was the " But it is no fun to play with shoes on, let him go with out.... "
WTH? Does safety not matter to you?

[Roxane]

Sometimes I think parents are taking a vacation from parenting while at the world. I recently had a small boy haul off and kick me in line. The parents response was to tell him, "You know better than to kick people you don't know." No apology or anything... I guess I'm lucky I'm not a friend of the family, they must all have bruised shins...

[Shorty82]

If you're talking about the chains I think you're talking about, there are magnets in the center of each one, holding the two halves together, presumably to prevent people from sitting/swinging on them. I don't remember seeing them last year, but I think they are AWESOME! I wish they'd install those all over the park. Instant, public embarassment for naughtiness, even with brain-dead parents who let their kids climb on everything like chimps.

Actually, the magnets are there so in case of emergency the rope/chain can easily and quickly be dropped. You'll notice that the majority of places they use them block emergency paths or doors.

[Ms. Matterhorn]

Many parents want to be their child's friend, and not a parent. This is often because they go to work and leave their child in day care, so when they do have time with the child, they don't want to discipline them, because that would not be fun and the child might not like them. :rolleyes:

When I was at Sea World last month, a child in line behind me unfastened the chain in the queue and let it drop to the ground. The parents weren't looking so they said nothing. I gave the child a mean look and said, "Put that back!" really fast and in a low voice. She immediately put it back and looked at me fearfully all the way onto the ride.

[DisneyMom]

many parents want to be their child's friend, and not a parent. This is often because they go to work and leave their child in day care, so when they do have time with the child, they don't want to discipline them, because that would not be fun and the child might not like them. :rolleyes:

When i was at sea world last month, a child in line behind me unfastened the chain in the queue and let it drop to the ground. The parents weren't looking so they said nothing. I gave the child a mean look and said, "put that back!" really fast and in a low voice. She immediately put it back and looked at me fearfully all the way onto the ride.

yes!:d:

[EpcotFan]

When I was at Sea World last month, a child in line behind me unfastened the chain in the queue and let it drop to the ground. The parents weren't looking so they said nothing. I gave the child a mean look and said, "Put that back!" really fast and in a low voice. She immediately put it back and looked at me fearfully all the way onto the ride.

I'm just imagining this in a James Earles Jones style of voice, perhaps with a little bit of a rasp. Now that could make a kid loose bladder control!

[Theme Park Where]

Sometimes I think parents are taking a vacation from parenting while at the world. I recently had a small boy haul off and kick me in line. The parents response was to tell him, "You know better than to kick people you don't know." No apology or anything... I guess I'm lucky I'm not a friend of the family, they must all have bruised shins...

That sounds like the kid in line in front of my parents at some attraction (my memory isn't as good as it used to be - don't remember which attraction at DCL or DLR they were in line for). The kid (who was fairly young, like 4 or 5 years old, but old enough to behave in line) had one of those light sabre thingys and was waving it around. My mother's in a scooter and was very close to getting wacked with it. Dad asked kid to stop waving it. Kid sort of put it away while Kid's mom glared at my dad. Kid started waving said sabre around near Mom's nose again. Dad finally caught sabre in mid-air just before it hit my Mom and gave it to the Kid's mom, telling her that her son had nearly hit my Mom with it. Kid's mom sort of half-heartedly told her son to stop waving sabre in line. Line moves up a bit. Kid runs back in line, kicks my Dad in the shins, then runs back to his mom! No apology from kid or kid's mom. Luckily, my Dad saw it as a funny story to tell and, from years of being a social worker, treated the whole incident as bad parenting, recognizing that saying something further wouldn't change either the parent or the kid's behavior. Yikes, though. That kid's going to end up being a fun teenager and adult.

[DisneyMom]

... Kid runs back in line, kicks my Dad in the shins, then runs back to his mom! No apology from kid or kid's mom. Luckily, my Dad saw it as a funny story to tell and, from years of being a social worker, treated the whole incident as bad parenting, recognizing that saying something further wouldn't change either the parent or the kid's behavior. Yikes, though. That kid's going to end up being a fun teenager and adult.

Sounds like some of my relative's progeny....
One kid like to swing his baseball bat around people's faces, Jump on my 20 year old son's back(he's 12) and blame it on his little sister, and interject his opinion when adults are having a conversation, telling them they are wrong:mad:
Another precious darling's parents(6 year old) have convinced her that she's so adorable, she climbs all over people, screams at both kids and adults alike when she wants something, and still regularly is found riding in a stroller (doesn't like to walk much). She just started Kindergarten, I'm hoping a little social pressure will change some of that nonsense.

[hobie16]

Before moving to Hawaii we lived in the town next to Stanford. Just about every parent there declared THEIR child WOULD attend STANFORD. Lots of pressure on the kids.

My daughter started kindergarten with a set of twins whose parents were Stanford declarers. The twins social skills were so bad that the teacher wouldn't let them move into 1st grade at the end of the year. The declarers were crushed.

[Syndrome]

Line moves up a bit. Kid runs back in line, kicks my Dad in the shins, then runs back to his mom! No apology from kid or kid's mom.
That kid would've had to move his ass fast if he pulled that with me because I would have kicked right back. If the "parents" (I use the term loosely) had said anything, I would have said, "I have Tourettes that is aggrevated by hostile bodily contact which causes me to lash out uncontrollably in response, so if I were you I'd keep him away." I had a little brat in the pre-show room of Dinosaur once who stepped on my foot. I was wearing flip-flops so that wasn't pleasant, but I figured once might be an accident, especially in the dark, and gave him a gentle little nudge. He stepped off, then stepped back on HARD and he got a swift kick in the back of his bratty little legs. You can be sure he stayed far away from me after that, and if he had whined about it, my excuse would have been, "It's dark and I was stumbling around from the pain and didn't see you, just like you apparently didn't see me."

[Tinker Bell]

Ahhh! The joys of parenting...

There is a certain location where people love to sit, play (insert weird thing here) on the rails or fence. Every time I'm there I'm constantly saying not to sit, stand, play etc, etc on it, and two minutes after that someone is doing it. Unfortunately for them, I'm one of those annoying attendants that enforces the rules and I go one by one asking them to get down. Boy do parents give you the mean look!

I certainly hope they do not think it even makes me uncomfortable their mean looks. Because not only does it not bother me, it makes me thank full that I'm not going home with the little monster. Seriously the phase of 'youth today' should be change asap. It should say 'Parents today'.

[Ms. Matterhorn]

Before moving to Hawaii we lived in the town next to Stanford. Just about every parent there declared THEIR child WOULD attend STANFORD. Lots of pressure on the kids.

My daughter started kindergarten with a set of twins whose parents were Stanford declarers. The twins social skills were so bad that the teacher wouldn't let them move into 1st grade at the end of the year. The declarers were crushed.

A 9th grade student in my colleague's class earned a failing grade on a test. Student's mother was livid and emailed my colleague saying it would be her fault that DD would not get into medical school. Good thing, no one should have her as their doctor.

[hobie16]

A 9th grade student in my colleague's class earned a failing grade on a test. Student's mother was livid and emailed my colleague saying it would be her fault that DD would not get into medical school. Good thing, no one should have her as their doctor.
Was the test on anatomy? :D:

[Ms. Matterhorn]

No, Spanish! Unfortunately, said student is in my class this year! I'm bracing myself.

[SlantedCastle]

The magnetic chains...
I get a real kick out of the Parents that watch their kids play with these things until it disconnects. Then wait until I will swoop down to fix it before telling their kid off about how they shouldn't play with it.

[turkeyham]

My brother's son loves to climb on him and his wife. They said it was fine when he was 5, but know he is older, he has to stop. They got him a Wii and he has focused his attention to that and school.

What I have seen is when I was young, my parents told me to wash my hands with soap and water. Dry your hands off with a paper towel and toss it properly into a trash can. Hold that! I see the SG and their messy kids. They turn in the water, hit the soap so it over flows their hands, soap hits the counters, they leave 3/4 of the crap in the sink and they shake the water off onto the ground, grab 50 towels and 90% of them are on the floor and that 10% hits the corner of the trash can. :eek:

[DisneyMom]

No, Spanish! Unfortunately, said student is in my class this year! I'm bracing myself.

So, Ms. Matterhorn, how's it going with the "Future MD"?;)

[hobie16]

So, Ms. Matterhorn, how's it going with the "Future MD"?;)
My nephew, the brain trust, was also a future MD. His mom was so intent on him becoming a doc that she did half his homework and a number of his merit badges for Eagle Scout.

He got to college, took the first quarter of classes his mom signed him up for, and once he found out he could call the shots on the next quarter classes, signed up for one class.

When mom found out she was crushed. When dad found out after signing the check for six large, sonny boy almost got yanked out of school.

He finally got tossed out for a still secret reason and now majors in philosophy at another school.

[DisneyMom]

I think my kids are majoring in "Guitar Hero" and Emo 101....:rolleyes:
just kidding, actually,I think that they are doing pretty well this semester, of course, I'm going to check their grades!:twisted:

[hobie16]

I forgot one thing about my nephew. He told his parents he wanted them to take all the money they were going to spend on college for him and set up a trust fund so he could wander around Europe and find himself. I believe his dad's response was, "Find this!"

[DisneyMom]

I forgot one thing about my nephew. He told his parents he wanted them to take all the money they were going to spend on college for him and set up a trust fund so he could wander around Europe and find himself. I believe his dad's response was, "Find this!"

Didn't they know they OWE him?:rolleyes:

[hobie16]

Didn't they know they OWE him?:rolleyes:
Totally!!

Meanwhile, his sister is working her ass off in high school to get both an academic scholarship (85%) and an athletic, soccer (15%) at St. John's in New York because sonny boy used up most of the college money.

Everything was looking good until two weeks ago. She was playing a game in San Diego with her college coach watching and blew out an ACL. She said she heard eight pops when it went. The good news is the academic scholarship is locked in. She'll be off the knee for six months and may show up here for some recovery time. :palm:

[june1st1997]

That kid would've had to move his ass fast if he pulled that with me because I would have kicked right back. If the "parents" (I use the term loosely) had said anything, I would have said, "I have Tourettes that is aggrevated by hostile bodily contact which causes me to lash out uncontrollably in response, so if I were you I'd keep him away." I had a little brat in the pre-show room of Dinosaur once who stepped on my foot. I was wearing flip-flops so that wasn't pleasant, but I figured once might be an accident, especially in the dark, and gave him a gentle little nudge. He stepped off, then stepped back on HARD and he got a swift kick in the back of his bratty little legs. You can be sure he stayed far away from me after that, and if he had whined about it, my excuse would have been, "It's dark and I was stumbling around from the pain and didn't see you, just like you apparently didn't see me."

Some people may not like this...

Let me start with this. I'm all over my daughter when we are in line. She's 2 and the personal space thing is lost on her. But she's good. Has never bumped anyone but me. She does not play with the chains... She is a dream. I have even had people comment on line about what a good girls she is. I do feel it's my responsibility to make sure she is a valuable member of society.

If anyone ever laid a hand or foot on my kid, I don't know what I'd do, but I'm guessing I'd go to jail for it.

It's a kid. A child. I can totally see my 2 year old doing what is described above and not realizing she has done it. Your response is to kick her. That's ok? Let's say she is 8... It's ok for an adult to kick an 8 year old child? 12?

Would you attack an adult as easily? Or just people you are bigger than?

As you can see, I'm a bit of a momma bear when it comes to kids and violence.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Some people may not like this...

Let me start with this. I'm all over my daughter when we are in line. She's 2 and the personal space thing is lost on her. But she's good. Has never bumped anyone but me. She does not play with the chains... She is a dream. I have even had people comment on line about what a good girls she is. I do feel it's my responsibility to make sure she is a valuable member of society.

If anyone ever laid a hand or foot on my kid, I don't know what I'd do, but I'm guessing I'd go to jail for it.

It's a kid. A child. I can totally see my 2 year old doing what is described above and not realizing she has done it. Your response is to kick her. That's ok? Let's say she is 8... It's ok for an adult to kick an 8 year old child? 12?

Would you attack an adult as easily? Or just people you are bigger than?

As you can see, I'm a bit of a momma bear when it comes to kids and violence.

So its Okay for your daughter to go kick a stranger, and/or step hard on the bare toes of a stranger, like Syndrome described?

Bumping into someone in line, by a little one, is no big deal. its happened both at WDW and DLR. But to have a kid, of any age, assault an adult and not expect anything is beyond rude (and stupid)

I recall a story of a certain Safari driver that had a kid yell into his ear from a few inches away, effectively causing temporary defness, Is that okay? And I believe that was after the parents encouraged it. (yes they were total SG's)

And if your daughter does that (being a SG) and does assault someone, and they react the way anyone would, you are then going to further assault them?

Just wondering at what point you correct the bad behavior?

[Amphigorey]

If anyone ever laid a hand or foot on my kid, I don't know what I'd do, but I'm guessing I'd go to jail for it.

It's a kid. A child. I can totally see my 2 year old doing what is described above and not realizing she has done it. Your response is to kick her. That's ok? Let's say she is 8... It's ok for an adult to kick an 8 year old child? 12?

Would you attack an adult as easily? Or just people you are bigger than?

As you can see, I'm a bit of a momma bear when it comes to kids and violence.

I'd certainly kick someone who stomped on my foot. I probably wouldn't think twice about it. Child or not is no excuse.

[DisneyMom]

I think she was just talking about brats who PURPOSELY injure another child or adult just because they think they can get away with it. Now, I'm not advocating physical discipline administered by strangers,but that little darling apparently avoided injuring her again, and maybe now he'll think twice about doing it to someone else.
Doing something like that is risky, just because that purposely bratty child usually is accompanied by an equally obnoxious adult, who will chew your ass out if you say even timidly," Oh, excuse me. Your child has purposely stomped my foot several times now, and I'd appreciate it if you could have him stop, it is really painful."
Either way, saying something or not, I am usually stewing afterward at the lack of good parenting....:mad:

[mechurchlady]

I have SID/SPD and hang out on the disability section of disboards. Do you even know if that child knew he was hurting someone? Maybe that child has autism, auspergers, SID or some other disability that causes them to not know they are hurting a person on purpose. Probably was a brat but why was the kid stepping on a person. Most kids would say oops and stop. What if that was an autistic kid that you kicked? He is in his own little world and oblivious to what is around him when he gets kicked. I think some people should read the laws about assault and battery as well as hang with the moms who have disabled kids.

Also what if the kid was not disabled but his bratty sister was bugging him. What if he saw a bee and stepped back. What if the person in front of him cause him to step back. I would put my hand out and if he was coming at me again his back would hit my hand and he would know he had hit an immovable object.

[DisneyMom]

You can be a good or bad parent of a child with special needs as well! I realize that all of these kids differ from each other, but in my child's case (autism) I watched him LIKE A HAWK, and he didn't go around hitting people, or stomping on their toes. I know this because I made sure he didn't even LOOK at people for more than a second while I was around without my watching over it....Disneyland is full of random people and you never know what could happen if someone becomes offended, let alone hit or stomped. How hard is it to watch your kid in line, anyway? If it is really too difficult for your kid to behave in line,get a GAC or Don't Go, nothing against you or the kid. How much are you going to enjoy the day if injuries result?

[june1st1997]

So its Okay for your daughter to go kick a stranger, and/or step hard on the bare toes of a stranger, like Syndrome described?

Bumping into someone in line, by a little one, is no big deal. its happened both at WDW and DLR. But to have a kid, of any age, assault an adult and not expect anything is beyond rude (and stupid)

I recall a story of a certain Safari driver that had a kid yell into his ear from a few inches away, effectively causing temporary defness, Is that okay? And I believe that was after the parents encouraged it. (yes they were total SG's)

And if your daughter does that (being a SG) and does assault someone, and they react the way anyone would, you are then going to further assault them?

Just wondering at what point you correct the bad behavior?

But how does she even know the kid understood what her was doing was wrong? We don't know how old this kid was. I know if the same happened with my little one, she might have thought it was a game. You step on my toes, I step on yours. It's possible she would not have understood she had hurt someone.

When do I correct bad behavior? I am vigilant to make sure the bad behavior does not happen. I am very watchful of her and if she did bump or whack someone, I would apologize as if I had done it myself. Her actions are my responsibility.

I can tell you right now my child would never yell like that on a ride, or sit on chains or horseplay in line. It would happen once and she would leave the park. Going to DLR is a privilege not a right.

To whom much is given, much is expected. And she knows even at 2 what is expected of her at DLR.

I was just at playhouse disney at CA. I was pummeled by a kid who had to be 6. Totally out of control. I assumed by the beating I took that this kid could not control himself. Was I pissed, ya. I was sore the rest of the day. My daughter would have never acted like that and on the off chance she did, I'd a yanked her from that place so fast. But, it never occurred to me to turn around and hit him back. All I cared about was making sure this kid got nowhere near my kid.

To gloat about how you would kick some kid is low.

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

But how does she even know the kid understood what her was doing was wrong? We don't know how old this kid was. I know if the same happened with my little one, she might have thought it was a game. You step on my toes, I step on yours. It's possible she would not have understood she had hurt someone.

When do I correct bad behavior? I am vigilant to make sure the bad behavior does not happen. I am very watchful of her and if she did bump or whack someone, I would apologize as if I had done it myself. Her actions are my responsibility.

I can tell you right now my child would never yell like that on a ride, or sit on chains or horseplay in line. It would happen once and she would leave the park. Going to DLR is a privilege not a right.

To whom much is given, much is expected. And she knows even at 2 what is expected of her at DLR.

I was just at playhouse disney at CA. I was pummeled by a kid who had to be 6. Totally out of control. I assumed by the beating I took that this kid could not control himself. Was I pissed, ya. I was sore the rest of the day. My daughter would have never acted like that and on the off chance she did, I'd a yanked her from that place so fast. But, it never occurred to me to turn around and hit him back. All I cared about was making sure this kid got nowhere near my kid.

To gloat about how you would kick some kid is low.

Right. The thing is, I don't want my, or DW's time at the park marred by having to hobble around on sore feet, or deal with someone elses brat. And that is just what they are, nothing more or less. I have raised kids and now take my grandkids to the park, and yes they behave. Not because they will get smacked, but because they know they could be.

I won't get in a big discussion about how to teach kids to behave, each has there own level. For my son, a smack on the bottom was needed just to get his attention, for my daughter, I only had to slightly raise my voice.

Its just that if you don't make your kids behave, you get the situation described above, and various incidents. I don't want to go to someplace wonderful like DLR or WDW, and have to deal with the parental shortcomings of theirs because they can't say "NO" or make their little perfect kids behave. (and ASK them, they will tell you that they are all perfect.)

The really good kids never need much supervision on their behaviour in a setting like the parks, the darlings that are perfect need continous watching.

sadly, experience has taught us that the latter is more common than the former.

[Zazu]

I'm afraid I have to count myself among those who kick back.

Yes, it's great when parents teach their kids how to behave in public. Yes, I'd prefer kids learned from their parents and not strangers. But....

If you bring an undisciplined kid to a public place -- Disney or elsewhere -- and they assault me, you really shouldn't be surprised when I defend myself. Doesn't matter what medical or emotional condition he has, it's my own physical well-being I have an obligation and a right to protect.

Now given a chance, I'll bend down and talk to the kid. Most of the time, this works -- kids aren't used to being addressed by adults as an equal, and most rise to the occasion. This is my preferred technique, and it works most of the time.

When the kid (or adult, for that matter) cops an attitude, or kicks me again after I've gotten their attention and asked them politely to stop. I'll take what steps seem appropriate, from kicking back to pouring coffee.

I'm not saying this is something to be proud of, but then neither is letting myself be abused -- or taking an unruly and violent child out in public without restraining them.

Please, be a parent to your child ... so strangers like me don't have to.

[Syndrome]

Would you attack an adult as easily? Or just people you are bigger than?
I'll go for anyone, no matter what their size. I have gotten physical with adults too if they have violated my space and caused physical pain to me or were about to (for example, dude heading backwards at me and not listening at all got a water bottle right between the shoulder blades before he could make contact, and perhaps you read my story of kicking the moron at Halloween Horror Nights who bumped into me one too many times).

The kid was most definitely old enough to know it wasn't a game. I'm no mind reader, but I got the distinct impression that he did it purposely after I let him know gently the first time. I would have welcomed a comment from his parent, but interestingly enough he whispered something to Mommy and she never said a word or even glanced back...probably knew her brat had instigated it.

You might take a pummeling from a kid, but I won't. Even if it's a special needs youngster (and I didn't get the impression this one was...I'm not psychic, but being in the psych. business has given me a better than average sense), it's not my responsibility to be pummeled because a parent isn't taking proper precautions. I'm not talking an accidental bump or step or whatever here but willful behavior that happens more than once. Whatever the reason, make sure the kid's not in a position to do it at all or stop 'em immediately after the first time. If you don't, I'm taking self protective steps.

[LittleDollClaudia]

Wow.

I have an autistic son and the time he was growing up, yes there were a few issues. As anyone that has a disabled child can tell you.

You try the best you can to prevent it. Unfortunately, you cannot for every single moment of every day.

But I'm sorry, I have some trouble believing a 2 year old does not EVER have any flareups. I am not trying to call you out as a parent, but to say that your child has NEVER acted up, I beg to differ. Is she your only child?

My daughter, who has no disabilties whatsoever, is a very smart capable girl. But she had her moments that she had her own opinion on things. Not acting bratty, but definitely had her personality. My thing is this:

I don't condone children acting like punks, but I do believe in letting them be children.

I didn't see anything in your posting that your daughter is getting that chance. If I am wrong, I do apologize.

On the whole kicking back if someone hits you, obviously the OP meant that this was an isolated incident and honestly you don't know how you'll react until it happens to you.

Hopefully, you use your head and make the right decision, that's all I think that person was trying to convey.

[Syndrome]

I don't condone children acting like punks, but I do believe in letting them be children.
That is SUCH a good point! On the opposite end of the spectrum from Stomp Kid, I was in line for Space Mountain at DL one day and a little boy was behind me. I got the sense that he was on the spectrum by the way he was moving/acting, but he was not being disruptive to anyone else. He had a toy Mickey, and he suddenly started telling me all about it. Just went on and on, with me interjecting an occasion, "Oh, that's nice!" or whatever. Mom noticed what was going on and told him to stop bothering people. I almost said, "It's okay, he's not bothering me" but bit my tongue because if he was on the spectrum (or even if not), she might have been working on teaching him something and I didn't want to interfere. I felt a little badly for him tho' because he was really cute...honestly, he was almost cracking me up with his descriptions of how his "Space Mickey" was going for a flight.

There is "okay" physical contact too, and that is way different than a kid who deliberately jumps on someone's foot or kicks them in the shins or whatever. I remember when we lived in Chicago and were at the airport one day. I was standing in line when a toddler appeared out of nowhere and BONK! She runs right into me, bounces off, almost goes down but regains her feet and does it again! She managed three times before Mom swooped in and intercepted her. I think she had broken free from Mom, took off for freedom, and I happened to be between her and wherever she was trying to go. Being small and not having developed the necessary sense of cause and effect, she thought if she just kept running into the barrier, it might give. Obviously it didn't hurt much to have a toddler bouncing off me, and she wasn't doing it maliciously. She was actually a real cutie...poor mom was so embarrassed and apologized profusely, but I assured her it was no biggie and that her little one's judicious escape attempts had actually given me my laugh for the day.

Kids need the freedom to be kids, and most adults other than the crankiest sort understand that..and for the cranky ones, too bad. When it crosses the line into willful brat behavior, especially on a physical level, that's when it becomes unacceptable.

[DisneyMom]

You all are right about letting children be children.....but in my case,15 years ago, basically no one had even heard of Autism except for Rain Man, and I knew no one else who had kids with it. There were a few instances where Jamie would do something differently than another kid, nothing bad, and then I'd get "the Look" that would remind me that that my kid was always going to be different. It basically tore me up.
Times have changed! Last night we went to see Metallica, and Jamie was doing some high-energy Rockin' Out! (nothing that resembled a seizure:rolleyes:) I heard the people behind me making a comment about it, but I didn't worry about it. As it turned out, they must have been high because the woman of the pair started stomping and kicking at the seats right next to me and SHE was the one everyone was exchanging glances for!:p:

[hobie16]

Last night we went to see Metallica
We're you in the moshe pit? :D:

[june1st1997]

Its just that if you don't make your kids behave, you get the situation described above, and various incidents. I don't want to go to someplace wonderful like DLR or WDW, and have to deal with the parental shortcomings of theirs because they can't say "NO" or make their little perfect kids behave. (and ASK them, they will tell you that they are all perfect.)

The really good kids never need much supervision on their behaviour in a setting like the parks, the darlings that are perfect need continous watching.



I'm guessing the fundamental difference between me and the parents of the "perfect" kids is... I'm at DLR with my kid to spend time with my kid. We did not simply share a car ride there. If my kid did something I would see it and deal with it.

My kid is not perfect and I never said she was. She can be a handful. At home. I am very fortunate that she is very good in public. And it helps that I have very strict rules about what I expect from her in public. I was taught that if you can't behave in public, it is not OK to impact those around you.

I also know it's super hard for a 2year old to stand in line. I try and engage her alot in line, it's our time together. We go to DLR to connect. My DH and I did the same before her. I also know that if it's gonna be a long line or if I'm tired, I bring my iphone and let her watch tv. It keeps her in check. And I think those around us appreciate it. I'm not crazy about it, but you do what ya gotta do.




The kid was most definitely old enough to know it wasn't a game. I'm no mind reader, but I got the distinct impression that he did it purposely after I let him know gently the first time. I would have welcomed a comment from his parent, but interestingly enough he whispered something to Mommy and she never said a word or even glanced back...probably knew her brat had instigated it.



Look I was a jerk, It sounded like you to were bragging about kicking a kid. I have a kid. If you know the kid was just being a brat, go for it. It's not for me, but I'm sorry I judged you.



But I'm sorry, I have some trouble believing a 2 year old does not EVER have any flareups. I am not trying to call you out as a parent, but to say that your child has NEVER acted up, I beg to differ. Is she your only child?

My daughter, who has no disabilties whatsoever, is a very smart capable girl. But she had her moments that she had her own opinion on things. Not acting bratty, but definitely had her personality. My thing is this:

I don't condone children acting like punks, but I do believe in letting them be children.

I didn't see anything in your posting that your daughter is getting that chance. If I am wrong, I do apologize.



The child you see in public or preschool is not the child I have at home. She is willful, spirited and stubborn. She's 2. But I am super lucky that in public she is pretty easy. I can usually get away with a pretty stern look and a low, "knock it off or we are leaving". But I do let her be a kid. We were in CA yesterday and she wanted to ride the ladybugs again, I looked and saw there was no one in line, I let her run (jog) through the queue. There was no one there to bother and she was so excited.

She is my only.

And oh man does she flare up and me have some pretty good knock down drag out conflicts.

Really my comments were about her at DLR. And as a parent I am only doing the best I can. Neither one of us is perfect. I bribe her to use the potty. And she screams and throws things at home. In public so far she has been far easier than she is at home.

[DisneyMom]

We're you in the moshe pit? :D:

Hehe, NO, but once I was when they were at the Colisseum(sp).....
I was standing not too far from the stage in the standing-only crowd when suddenly there was a fire, the crowd separated, and I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MOSH PIT!:eek:
Hubby was at the edge yelling, "GET OUT!":p:
Ah, Good Times!

[BRWombat]

I have to say, this thread is a shining example of how different things are at SGT. I really enjoy how people here on this board can calmly discuss topics, sometimes disagreeing, maybe even getting upset or offended, but the discussion doesn't degenerate into name-calling or abuse. We have some great people here.

Bravo, everyone.

[kurtisnelson]

I have to say, this thread is a shining example of how different things are at SGT. I really enjoy how people here on this board can calmly discuss topics, sometimes disagreeing, maybe even getting upset or offended, but the discussion doesn't degenerate into name-calling or abuse. We have some great people here.

Bravo, everyone.
You big crippled wombat!

:p:

[turkeyham]

I saw these SG waiting in line to go on Splash mountain. The parents thought it would be cool to let their kids climb all over the place. If you have seen there are railings all over the que, the parents were trying to walk on the lower rences with their legs. SG mom missed the pole and went face first into the cement. After that, SG hubby and kids stay away from her. Good stunt! :mad:

[Main_Street_Merch]

If you're talking about the chains I think you're talking about, there are magnets in the center of each one, holding the two halves together, presumably to prevent people from sitting/swinging on them. I don't remember seeing them last year, but I think they are AWESOME! I wish they'd install those all over the park. Instant, public embarassment for naughtiness, even with brain-dead parents who let their kids climb on everything like chimps.

Or: Mild Electrical Current. Just run it through everything. Stanchions, chains, railings. Anything people use as a seat, ladder, swing etc, that is not designed as such.

[BRWombat]

You big crippled wombat!

:p::hysteria:

[Syndrome]

You big crippled wombat!
:p:
You forgot the abuse part.
You big crippled wombat {kick kick kick}. I'm pretty good at that, hee hee.

[Ms. Matterhorn]

I saw these SG waiting in line to go on Splash mountain. The parents thought it would be cool to let their kids climb all over the place. If you have seen there are railings all over the que, the parents were trying to walk on the lower rences with their legs. SG mom missed the pole and went face first into the cement. After that, SG hubby and kids stay away from her. Good stunt! :mad:


LOL! SG mom does a face plant and is abandoned by SG family! That is awesome!
:hysteria::hysteria::hysteria:

[hobie16]

After that, SG hubby and kids stay away from her.
She'd probably beaten them on other occasions. :twisted:

[mechurchlady]

I have to say, this thread is a shining example of how different things are at SGT. I really enjoy how people here on this board can calmly discuss topics, sometimes disagreeing, maybe even getting upset or offended, but the discussion doesn't degenerate into name-calling or abuse. We have some great people here.

Bravo, everyone.

So that is were Grumpy's rum has gone to, lol.

[turkeyham]

I am guessing she must had watched the kids do it and thought she could do it. I agree with the rum, but I believe it was monkey see, monkey do.
Monkey face sandwich too. I like to lean on the railings, but I don't stand up on them either. Please stay off the railings, fences and poles. If you don't a picture will appear with your face on it and it will be sent to other attractions throughout the parks!:eek:

[Zazu]

I have to say, this thread is a shining example of how different things are at SGT. I really enjoy how people here on this board can calmly discuss topics, sometimes disagreeing, maybe even getting upset or offended, but the discussion doesn't degenerate into name-calling or abuse. We have some great people here.

Bravo, everyone.Be glad the rest of the world isn't like us, or you'd be out of a job! :D:

[Tinker Bell]

I need to vent and I think this is the thread to do it.

I'm sorry but us parents suck. I look at this people and I'm self-conscious of everything I do with my children. Parents have no respect for their own children, but boy do they expect to get respect all the time. Where do this people come off? :buttkick:

I was in a location where there is water and more than once today, I had to go to parents and ask them to put clothes on their children. The kids were running around the area butt-naked!!!

Seriously?! In what world is this ok?! When did Disney became a nudist colony for children. What the hell is wrong with this people?!?!?! :bbbat: :bbbat:

What I love is the reaction of the parents when you tell them their kids need clothes. One mom got into an argument with a fellow CM, over this. Why in the world do you need proof that the kids need clothing on the packs? It defies all logic! Does this woman would walk around the park naked? What possible excuse can she come up to justify this!

What really angers me is that this is not uncommon. Kids get wet and instead of people changing them in the bathroom, located at the corner, they just peel off the kid clothes and changed them right there. Same with diapers, all the time people just go and change the diaper where everyone can see them.

For the love of all that is Holly have some respect for your child and give him/her the same privacy you would like to have. If you wouldn't strip and change in the middle of a park, then don't do it to your kids. They might be your kids and you own them, but they should be treated with the same respect you'll like to be treated. They are people too and they do have feelings.

Then I had parents who were flat out refusing to discipline their kids. Someone mention the idea of believing the kids to be kids. I believe that too, but the difference is that people need to watch out and step up when things get out of control. About 80% of the time the parents know that the kids are doing something wrong, they just don't want to deal with it. Oh my God, if you don't want to deal with kids then the solution is easy DON'T HAVE ANY. But if you have children then step up to the plate and be a parent. Kids have plenty of buddies they need a parent.

Sometimes I think we should get the kids, give a beeper to the parents, and send them away. I have far an easier time dealing with the kids than with the parents.

Ok, I feel better.

[Zazu]

AMEN, brother, AMEN!

[mechurchlady]

Who is Holly? Disney and other parks and many businesses have a clothing requirement and Disney has required all guests to wear shoes and shirts but not pants lol. I remember somewhere in a park seeing that sign about requring a shirt to get into the park.

Well said about nudity of kids in parks and their right to privacy.

My peeve is hoochie momma outfits on kids under the age of 18 and especially under the age of 12. What is up with little girls in sexy clothing and why do they need to show off everything they got before they are big enough to deck a pervert.

[felinefan]

Tinker Bell was so upset he put an extra L in holy, as in what in the name of all that is holy. I remember one time I was running Huff 'N'Puff at Knott's, and this one little girl got on--with no underpants. I later commented to someone about this, and they said chances are she got her undies wet, her mom didn't want her to be uncomfortable in wet undies, and took them off of her. I did discreetly tell the little girl to be careful, because I didn't want boys to see her like that and make fun of her. (Being a non-parent, that was the best I could come up with that the child could understand, without going into the sex thing.)

Okay, I understand parents can't anticipate everything, so maybe I would be asking too much to think they should've brought along an extra pair of panties for her.

[Tinker Bell]

Tinker Bell was so upset he put an extra L in holy, as in what in the name of all that is holy.

Ups :o: aside from upset. I sat on my glasses and I'm getting by with an old pair. Not fun!

[felinefan]

I'm on my third pair of bifocals, and I hate having to crick my head back to read the posts. If I look through the top part, I have to sit so far away to read that I have trouble reaching the keyboard.

[joanna71985]

I need to vent and I think this is the thread to do it.
I was in a location where there is water and more than once today, I had to go to parents and ask them to put clothes on their children. The kids were running around the area butt-naked!!!

Seriously?! In what world is this ok?! When did Disney became a nudist colony for children. What the hell is wrong with this people?!?!?! :bbbat: :bbbat:

What I love is the reaction of the parents when you tell them their kids need clothes. One mom got into an argument with a fellow CM, over this. Why in the world do you need proof that the kids need clothing on the packs? It defies all logic! Does this woman would walk around the park naked? What possible excuse can she come up to justify this!

What really angers me is that this is not uncommon. Kids get wet and instead of people changing them in the bathroom, located at the corner, they just peel off the kid clothes and changed them right there. Same with diapers, all the time people just go and change the diaper where everyone can see them.
Ok, I feel better.

Were you at the Grotto, by any chance? I hate working there for that very reason.

[Ms. Matterhorn]

I was wondering why kids are running around naked in water in the dead of winter but then I looked on Yahoo and saw that the temp in Orlando is 79 degrees! You lucky dogs! We're out here in Orange County freezing in 63 degree weather!

Hobie? How's the weather today?

[Big Wallaby]

I was wondering why kids are running around naked in water in the dead of winter but then I looked on Yahoo and saw that the temp in Orlando is 79 degrees!I thought it felt nippy! :D:

[hobie16]

Hobie? How's the weather today?
It's currently 74 degrees. There's some thin clouds and a very light wind. A great day to take down the Christmas lights.

[Tinker Bell]

Were you at the Grotto, by any chance? I hate working there for that very reason.

Yeap! The place is a nightmare.

I'm on my third pair of bifocals, and I hate having to crick my head back to read the posts. If I look through the top part, I have to sit so far away to read that I have trouble reaching the keyboard.

Ah, so I'm not the only one playing tricks to be able to read the computer or a book.

[Zazu]

I'm on my third pair of bifocals, and I hate having to crick my head back to read the posts. If I look through the top part, I have to sit so far away to read that I have trouble reaching the keyboard.True dat!

I finally broke down a couple of years ago and bought a pair of computer glasses. They have saved me from all the sore necks I used to get bobbing my head up and down to read the monitor with the progressive lenses on my regular glasses.

[Big Wallaby]

They have saved me from all the sore necks I used to get...Having met Zazu, I can assure you he has only one neck. Occasionally, I think he orders necks on e-Bay and doesn't want them to be sore.

Okay, these late nights are taking their toll...

[joanna71985]

Yeap! The place is a nightmare.


Tell me about it! And somehow I always get scheduled to be the make sure people are dressed/keep kids off the rocks/ect CM (I never get scheduled inside with Ariel).