Parents, Please Control your Children

[MickeyWaffles]

On our last trip to Disney we were eating lunch in Cosmic Ray's and there was a toddler, not more than 3, climbing and attempting to run on the back of the partitions between the eating areas. Mom was actually encouraging him to do it by occasionally holding his hand when he would come near her, helping him keep balance until he turned and scampered away again. He was disrupting the other patrons by crawling around on the partitions behind them while they were eating. And mom and dad said nothing, no apology to those around them, no correction of the child, only encouragement for their child using the restaurant as a jungle gym. That to me was unbelievably unsafe. I could envision this poor little guy going head first onto the ground. No CM said a word to them and he continued until we left. That, to me, was a perfect opportunity for correction of an obviously dangerous behavior where he could've gotten severely injured. But, no boundaries were set by the family. Not to mention how his behavior affected the other patrons.

Obviously I'm not commenting on the "dangers of touching a piano", but the fact that some parents allow behaviors that not only are rude, but can also be dangerous.

Ahh, more judging.

Honestly, a 3 year old child crawling or climbing on a partition behind me would not disrupt my meal at a quick service location at the Magic Kingdom. Cosmic Ray's isn't the Ritz Carlton. It's a chaotic counter service cafeteria with an alien lounge singer.

I understand being concerned about another person's child doing something dangerous. But that's on the parents and it is not your place to determine what is or is not acceptable for another person's child. I trust they have it covered. No one wants to see their kid hurt.

What if the child was screaming at the table next to you instead of playing (a thing all almost three year olds might do, regardless of their upbringing or temperament). Would you have been okay with that? If it's not one thing people are complaining about, it's something else.

 

[Mark P.]

Feel bad for Jim, if in fact that happened. We always take time to stop by and enjoy his music, and make it a point to thank him.
Found a nice article/video here on his 30 year anniversary:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ars-playing-for-guests-at-magic-kingdom-park/

 

[starjazz]

If it's not one thing people are complaining about, it's something else.

Truth

 

[maxiesmom]

Ahh, more judging.

Honestly, a 3 year old child crawling or climbing on a partition behind me would not disrupt my meal at a quick service location at the Magic Kingdom. Cosmic Ray's isn't the Ritz Carlton. It's a counter service cafeteria with an alien lounge singer.

It is still not acceptable behavior, I don't care if it isn't the Ritz. A child should never be running around a restaurant. It is annoying, and it is a danger, not only to the child, but to the people working and eating.

 

[DSLRuser]

So many people act holier than thou as if their children never misbehaved, or the way they raised their children is the only way.

.

I think the entire point of this thread is that people kids do act out. The OP's point was the parents did nothing. What ever your method....DO SOMETHING.....because little sally and what she does has a direct impact on others. A parent taking the attitude of "oh they are just kids" and not correcting the problem is just rude and shows you only care about your own little world.

Which apparently is what the parents of these kids in the OP's example did.

 

[UncleMike101]

The problem is not now, nor has it ever been, children.
They are as bright, inventive, manipulative, and precocious as they have been since the Human race began.
The problem is, just as it has always been, whether the parents permit unacceptable behavior from their children.
I spent a quarter of a century dealing with the children of parents who either believed it was their little darlings right to engage in whatever behavior they wished no matter who it offended or injured.
Or parents who didn't want to be "The bad guy" by disciplining their children when it became necessary.
Or parents who always blame someone else, (like the Police) for their children's bad behavior.
Or parents who simply didn't want to be bothered by the responsibilities of parenting.
In short the problem is, has been, and will always be bad parenting........

 

[summerw]

You seem to be glossing over what Darth Vader had previously done to the younglings. Either that, or you are unaware. If the latter is the case, it's all documented in the film "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith".

Bwaaa haaa haaa. Historical documents.

 

[starjazz]

It is still not acceptable behavior, I don't care if it isn't the Ritz. A child should never be running around a restaurant. It is annoying, and it is a danger, not only to the child, but to the people working and eating.

What about Crystal Palace, where they're encouraged to do so during the parade? How about the buffets where they intentionally put the kids food on lower tables so that they can help themselves? Frankly, if you're annoyed by kids roaming freely through restaurants, Disney may not be the best choice for your vacation.

 

[starjazz]

I think the entire point of this thread is that people kids do act out. The OP's point was the parents did nothing. What ever your method....DO SOMETHING.....because little sally and what she does has a direct impact on others. A parent taking the attitude of "oh they are just kids" and not correcting the problem is just rude and shows you only care about your own little world.

Which apparently is what the parents of these kids in the OP's example did.

But you also must not have read the OP. Or you saw what you wanted to see. Because your story is not the same as the OP.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

It is still not acceptable behavior, I don't care if it isn't the Ritz. A child should never be running around a restaurant. It is annoying, and it is a danger, not only to the child, but to the people working and eating.

Exactly my point. A mass generalization about what's annoying. It's annoying to you. I wouldn't find it annoying at all.

It's none of my business what parents let their kids do or not do. It's funny to me that so many will judge a parent's discipline style based on a 10 minute observation at a theme park. If you've ever been to WDW with kids, you know it's a vastly different scenario than at home or typical public places. Kids act differently. It's a magical place.

Give the kids (and parents) a break and move on.

 

[Pkltm]

You seem to be glossing over what Darth Vader had previously done to the younglings. Either that, or you are unaware. If the latter is the case, it's all documented in the film "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith".

LOL perfect this thread was in need of some solid humor!

Ahh, more judging.

Honestly, a 3 year old child crawling or climbing on a partition behind me would not disrupt my meal at a quick service location at the Magic Kingdom. Cosmic Ray's isn't the Ritz Carlton. It's a chaotic counter service cafeteria with an alien lounge singer.

I understand being concerned about another person's child doing something dangerous. But that's on the parents and it is not your place to determine what is or is not acceptable for another person's child. I trust they have it covered. No one wants to see their kid hurt.

What if the child was screaming at the table next to you instead of playing (a thing all almost three year olds might do, regardless of their upbringing or temperament). Would you have been okay with that? If it's not one thing people are complaining about, it's something else.

Everyone pointing out the judging, is indeed judging as well, as sad as it is judging is part of human nature, it is whether we share our inner thoughts or not.

IMHO a three year old climbing on the partition at cosmic rays would bother me, it is unsafe and I would be a tad on edge and probably try to catch the poor kid if they fell. I sadly saw a kid around 3 climbing all over the bus benches at POR last trip the kid took a header and the parents actually complained the CM there that the benches were too slippery, CM apologized as not to cause a scene, the parents still pushed it, next thing you know the kid has a new toy complimentary of the gift shop for his injury.

You never know how things will turn out lol.

I would stop my small kids from playing on the piano, the same as I would if they were touching something breakable in a store, or climbing and running the risk of them getting hurt. Just plain and simple teaching them boundaries IMHO

 

[DSLRuser]

IMO, the biggest issue at WDW is parents push their kids too far and then get shocked when they have a meltdown. If your kid normally goes to bed at 8pm, then staying up until midnight for a week is going to bring issues. Normally eating dinner at 5pm and thinking an ADR at 8pm won't be a problem, is an issue. It's that "I spent <insert dollar value here> on this vacation and we will see and do everything no matter how tired you are" that causes most of the meltdowns.

I agree, you have to try and stay on schedule. But if you push your kids, you are only making them stronger. Like most things, there is a balance.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

I think the entire point of this thread is that people kids do act out. The OP's point was the parents did nothing. What ever your method....DO SOMETHING.....because little sally and what she does has a direct impact on others. A parent taking the attitude of "oh they are just kids" and not correcting the problem is just rude and shows you only care about your own little world.

Which apparently is what the parents of these kids in the OP's example did.

The parents removed their kids from the situation and left. Did I read a different OP's account?

 

[starjazz]

This thread is kinda like the CM's behaving badly thread. The expectations are through the roof. Some people expect CMs to all be Tinker Bell, and some people expect kids to sit quietly in a restaurant when Tigger is bouncing around a couple tables away.

 

[OZMom]

Feel bad for Jim. We always take time to stop by and enjoy his music, and make it a point to thank him.
Found a nice article/video here on his 30 year anniversary:
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/bl...ars-playing-for-guests-at-magic-kingdom-park/

Thank you for posting that. We actually have never seen him and it definitely cleared up some confusion for me. There is indeed a railing, so I'm confused how the older child in the OP could have been hanging over the piano? AND there are at least 3 instances in this video where Jim invited children up to play. Maybe that is what happened and the child took it a step too far? or maybe the OP misinterpreted the events? It sounds to me like the parents tried to re-direct the child and while most on this thread don't agree that was adequate, I think in that setting, that was probably the best they could have done. It looks, to me, like audience participation is encouraged.

 

[maxiesmom]

Exactly my point. A mass generalization about what's annoying. It's annoying to you. I wouldn't find it annoying at all.

It's none of my business what parents let their kids do or not do. It's funny to me that so many will judge a parent's discipline style based on a 10 minute observation at a theme park. If you've ever been to WDW with kids, you know it's a vastly different scenario than at home or typical public places. Kids act differently. It's a magical place.

Give the kids (and parents) a break and move on.

Being a danger to others is not the same as being annoying. Not even close. I might find the behavior annoying and would only roll my eyes and suck it up, but running around is also very dangerous. But then I have seen a CM almost trip and fall over a child in Le Ceiller, a child who was "roaming freely" and decided to also roll around on the ground.

As far as the Crystal Palace and their parade goes, it is announced as a parade. They have CMs directing it. The children walk in a line. Very different from Little Johnny all of a sudden running out in front of someone.

 

[DSLRuser]

. Along came the parents and not once did they correct their child. They only suggested moving on to something different. .

But you also must not have read the OP. Or you saw what you wanted to see. Because your story is not the same as the OP.

I am not seeing your point?

If I was the parent in the OP's story. I would instruct the child to stop. If they didn't stop, I would remove them from the area so they could not be disruptive to others. When they are removed, we could then in private go through my parenting options. Point is, I would do something so YOU or others could enjoy the show without my disruptive child banging away on the keys.

 

[Ursula's Apprentice]

You seem to be glossing over what Darth Vader had previously done to the younglings. Either that, or you are unaware. If the latter is the case, it's all documented in the film "Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith".

+100 points for that statement!

 

[Enjoying Life]

Where is that witch from Hansel and Gretel when you need her?

 

[goofy4tink]

It is not hitting. it is spanking. There is a very real difference.

Spanking is the next step (usually the last) in a progression of discipline. There come a time when timeouts dont work. Little sally knows that after her 5 minutes in the corner she can go right back to what she was doing. after 3 or 4 "time outs" with no change, there is a next step. Spank a child and they know what happens next. No child likes to be spanked and they will do what they have to do to avoid it.

Done properly, you may only have to spank your child 1 or 2 times in all their life.

But sally has to know what happens when time outs dont correct bad behavior.

I love my mother dearly, but when I was a kid, I had a healthy fear of her. I did not want to have to have her spank me, because it hurt. That fear of a painful spanking kept me in line.

And if deploying the nuclear option doesn't work, then what?

Spanking didn't scare me one bit as a kid. In fact, during one spanking in particular when I was nine, I remember thinking, "My mother's weak. She's pathetic. She can't actually hurt me. I can do whatever I want, and this is the worst she can do!" (And that one actually gave me welts on my butt, which I pointed out to her with glee - I was a tough kid.)

I didn't spank my kids, or threaten to spank them, because there were always better ways to shape their behaviour. And make them think about what they did and reconsider their actions in the future. We were big on learning to think before you act, and when you do mess up, then make restitution for your misdeeds.

My kids, as adults, still have a healthy fear of disappointing me - or, even worse! - their dad. For some reason, that's FAR more terrifying to them than a spanking ever was to me.

A smart parent knows their child. My ds, now 42, could have been beaten to within an inch of his life. That didn't serve as a good punishment. But, if I looked at him with tears in my eyes, from disappointment? Oh man...he bent over backwards to make it right!!!
However, my now 22 y/o, was fond of disregarding my rules as a child. When she was about 2, we were at a cookout at church. The church is on a short road, that is basically traveled by those going to the church, or to one of the 5 houses on that street..so not a busy road. The other youngsters were being allowed to play in the road. Ages ran between 18 months and 8 yrs. My dd ran after them. I went to get her, telling her that she was not allowed to play in the road...it's still a road, and at her age, she wasn't able to distinguish between what roads were safe to play on. Ok..she crept back out onto the road a second time. I went and brought her back to the grassy area. Yes, I knew it was hard for her to understand why the other kids could do it but she couldn't. Told her that if she did it again, her behind was going to get swatted!!! Ok....she looked at me sideways and stopped. But as soon as my back was turned (or so she thought!!) off she went again. I calmly walked out, picked her up, swatter her diapered behind. Well, you could have heard a pin drop. Finally everyone went back to what they were doing. The next day, at church, a man took me aside to tell me that if he had been there, while I abused my child, he would have had to take me aside and explain why I was so wrong and then give me the name of a counselor. Of course, as the years went on, the other kids in church wouldn't play with my dd. Why? They knew that she wasn't allowed to do sommersaults over the altar railing or run around in the parish hall while adults tried to enjoy coffee, or climb the supposedly off limits trees out front! Yep, I was the mean mother. But, dd has grown into a respectful young woman, who is able to make good choices. And for the record? I never had to lay a hand on her again. She knew that if I said to stop, or there would be consequences, there would be consequences! I never made idle threats!

I don't expect children to always behave...they're kids. It's in their rule book to try and get away with crap. But it is my job, as their parent, to catch them and stop that behaviour. No, my kids wouldn't have been allowed to go up to a performer and start banging on the piano. Then again, I'm lucky. My dd fully realizes that a piano needs tuning after that kind of treatment!! We're always tuning our piano's at church because parents think their kids are the next Liberace!!!
Children are the way they are (for the most part) because of the way they were brought up. If you allow a child to behave as if there are no consequences, well.....they're going to push the limits, and it is going to really annoy others when it happens in a crowded theme park. It is not my job to be my child's friend. It is my job to be their parent, one who sets limits. One who has expectations. It is also not my job to monitor what other people's kids are doing. Well, not unless it impacts me. And I have to say that standing in the Great Movie Ride line, being constantly hit on the back by the swinging rope, made me somewhat nudgy. That child, who was about 6, was never told to stop swinging the rope, at least not until she tried to sit on it and it completely pulled off both poles....the kid went flat on her behind. Her parents? Dad turned to Mom and said, and I quote, 'Disney should make these things more substantial. Someone could get hurt!' Seriously???