A 9 & 11 year old in a stroller?

[badblackpug]

I have noticed that the people who are in favor of older kids in a stroller haven't chimed in on where they will draw the line.

My 3 year old is tiny. We will have a stroller for her this year. (I also have a 20m old, it's a double) I will see how much she is in it this year, and think about whether or not I will take it next year. She will be 4, but that will be the absolute cut off.

I don't really care if you choose to push your kid in a stroller straight into their 1st apartment. No, it doesn't effect me in the least. It is your dime and your back, but I do think it speaks to a bigger issue that I see in a lot of parents now days. Parents overprotecting and babying their kids. Then everyone complains about how irresponsible young adults are how they have no work ethic, no follow through, no initiative. Well, they learned it somewhere. While I am not suggesting that a 7 year old in a stroller is the cause of this, I certainly think it is a symptom of the overall attitude. I am a firm believer that kids will raise or lower themselves to their parents expectations.

...and if someone comes on here asking if their healthy school-aged child will need a stroller I will continue to say no.

 

[marthachick]

This girl is an only child, and mine are not. I know my nephew, who is an only child, gets babied more than mine do, but still. . .doesn't everybody want their kids to fit in and grow up to be independent?

Being an only child has absolutely NOTHING to do with this. DS is an only child & has been the most independent of all of his friends. He knows what "NO" means. He hasn't been given everything he wants. He hasn't done everything he wanted to do. He is 19 now & last summer he worked at the YMCA Summer Day Camp. He dealt everyday with spoiled rotten kids - some had sibs, some didn't. He thanked me for NOT giving in to him & making him one of the kids that everyone hated to see coming. So DON'T assume your friend's laziness has anything to do with the child being an "only". It's just a parent's laziness!

Stepping off soapbox now.

 

[rotlex]

Love the parents in this thread who think that because an 8 or a 9 year old wants to ride in a stroller, they must be obese, lazy whatever.

We have two kids. Our daughter, 8, and our son, 2 1/2. On our last trip, our daughter walked, and walked, and walked. You know what though? By 9pm, when my wife and I like to stroll around the parks, walk, talk and relax, she is usually ready to fall asleep. Guess what? She would generally ride in the stroller while my wife or I carried our son. I'd like to know exactly what is wrong with that? Really, what, you would rather have a miserable, tired worn out kid, or have to spend the night at the hotel because your too lazy, or "embarrassed", to push your kid in a stroller?

Let me guess though, those of you who have no problem complaining about this, see no issue with the 400+ pound adults that ride around all day on scooters right? And no, I'm not talking about anyone that is handicapped, or has a medical issue.

 

[YodaGirl]

Love the parents in this thread who think that because an 8 or a 9 year old wants to ride in a stroller, they must be obese, lazy whatever.

We have two kids. Our daughter, 8, and our son, 2 1/2. On our last trip, our daughter walked, and walked, and walked. You know what though? By 9pm, when my wife and I like to stroll around the parks, walk, talk and relax, she is usually ready to fall asleep. Guess what? She would generally ride in the stroller while my wife or I carried our son. I'd like to know exactly what is wrong with that? Really, what, you would rather have a miserable, tired worn out kid, or have to spend the night at the hotel because your too lazy, or "embarrassed", to push your kid in a stroller?

Let me guess though, those of you who have no problem complaining about this, see no issue with the 400+ pound adults that ride around all day on scooters right? And no, I'm not talking about anyone that is handicapped, or has a medical issue.

Had a different response typed out, then I realized it was sarcastic and snarky, so...

According to some, if your kids are tired, you should be back at the hotel as opposed to pushing sleeping children around while you and your wife took in the sights.

Personally, I don't care what anyone does.

I know that some have talked about park congestion because of all of the strollers, but I've never seen it. Maybe it was there, but it just wasn't bad enough to take notice? I don't know.

If someone wants to push their college senior around in a stroller, it's no skin off of my nose.

 

[rotlex]

Had a different response typed out, then I realized it was sarcastic and snarky, so...

According to some, if your kids are tired, you should be back at the hotel as opposed to pushing sleeping children around while you and your wife took in the sights.

Personally, I don't care what anyone does.

I know that some have talked about park congestion because of all of the strollers, but I've never seen it. Maybe it was there, but it just wasn't bad enough to take notice? I don't know.

If someone wants to push their college senior around in a stroller, it's no skin off of my nose.

That's OK, I can take it!

Really though, I always love the stroller threads. Folks take them so seriously. Stroller congestion? No more problem than the hordes of people walking around at all hours.

I do agree that any kid that can walk, should, my whole point is\was, that if the kids beat, and you, as a parent, don't feel like heading back to the room early, well, what's the problem then? I mean, it's the parents vacation too, and if you aren't one to vacation alone, ever, or leave your kids in someone else care, what are you to do?

As I see it, some people just like to complain; about anything, and everything

 

[YodaGirl]

That's OK, I can take it!

Really though, I always love the stroller threads. Folks take them so seriously. Stroller congestion? No more problem than the hordes of people walking around at all hours.

I do agree that any kid that can walk, should, my whole point is\was, that if the kids beat, and you, as a parent, don't feel like heading back to the room early, well, what's the problem then? I mean, it's the parents vacation too, and if you aren't one to vacation alone, ever, or leave your kids in someone else care, what are you to do?

As I see it, some people just like to complain; about anything, and everything

The deleted response was a bit snarky toward the other side.

I remember a picture from a Disney trip that we took when I was 5. It was August. I was hot and very tired. I didn't have a stroller...I don't think many 5 year olds would have had a stroller 25 years ago. At any rate, there is a picture of my equally hot and equally tired dad. He was enjoying the pleasure of packing me out of the Magic Kingdom to the boats, then from the boat to our campsite. I'm pretty sure that he wouldn't have snubbed his nose at a stroller at that point. Of course, then there are those who say that we should've headed back to the campsite sooner.

I think that no matter what anyone does, there will always be a group of people who disagree. C'est la vie.

 

[disykat]

I think it's amusing that so many people here keep talking about 5 year olds in strollers being okay.

The OP was about a 9 and 11 year old, yet all the "there's nothing wrong with stroller for any age" people keep talking about 5 year olds or 6/7 year olds who sat in a younger sibling's stroller. That's totally different than taking a stroller for your upper elementary or middle school child.

 

[ReneeA]

Hey - I certainly don't judge what others do with their kids. I don't look at kids that are obviously 5-7 years old in strollers at WDW with any sort of distaste. I MAY look at middle schoolers being wheeled around WDW with some sort of distaste, but to be honest, I've never seen that in all of my 8+ trips.

What I like to tell people is that it IS POSSIBLE to take your preschoolers on a long trip to WDW and not bring/rent strollers. We have done so...several times, for long (8+ day) trips. People come on these boards, researching for a first trip, and are told that they absolutely CANNOT do the parks with their 4, 5, 6, 7 year olds and not bring or rent a stroller. That they absolutely will not have an enjoyable trip without one...even though their kids have not ridden in a stroller for years. I'm here to tell you that you can have an enjoyable trip without wheeling your 50 pound+ elementary schoolers around in strollers. We have done it several times over, starting when my kids were 3 & 4.

Do what you want, I don't really care. But when these threads ask for opinions, I give mine with no further judgement of what others choose. We've been doing WDW frequently since the kids were babies, and I feel my opinion has merit, too.

YMMV.

 

[fortwildernessishome]

That's OK, I can take it!

Really though, I always love the stroller threads. Folks take them so seriously. Stroller congestion? No more problem than the hordes of people walking around at all hours.

I do agree that any kid that can walk, should, my whole point is\was, that if the kids beat, and you, as a parent, don't feel like heading back to the room early, well, what's the problem then? I mean, it's the parents vacation too, and if you aren't one to vacation alone, ever, or leave your kids in someone else care, what are you to do?

As I see it, some people just like to complain; about anything, and everything

Totally agree with your post! Your right some people just like to complain, stroller congestion at a theme park.......oh the horror!!!!! Ha, ha!!!!

My kids had many a nap in a stroller......I never thought of it being a big deal, certainly never saw the need to dash back to the hotel room!!!!!

What a funny thread!!!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

What does being tiny have to do with stroller suitability? I'm kind of scratching my head about that one.

I should say that while I have only one kid, he's been the smallest one (as a toddler) and now the biggest (tall, strong, built like an offensive linesman). While I guess I can see where, if you have a child who is 7 or 8 or 9 and can't walk size would make a difference in whether you choose a stroller or a wheelchair, I can't see how, unless it's tinyness related to a disability or medical issue, being small makes you less able to walk in the park. If anything a smaller child has less weight to carry so they should be able to go farther.

What am I missing?

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

What does being tiny have to do with stroller suitability? I'm kind of scratching my head about that one.

I should say that while I have only one kid, he's been the smallest one (as a toddler) and now the biggest (tall, strong, built like an offensive linesman). While I guess I can see where, if you have a child who is 7 or 8 or 9 and can't walk size would make a difference in whether you choose a stroller or a wheelchair, I can't see how, unless it's tinyness related to a disability or medical issue, being small makes you less able to walk in the park. If anything a smaller child has less weight to carry so they should be able to go farther.

What am I missing?

I am going to guess it is a stride issue...a short, tiny little person may not be able to keep up with their 6 foot tall dad. Nothing wrong with that. But a tiny pre-schooler, lower elementary kid is not the same as a tiny middle schooler and unlikely the 11 year old will want to be carried.

On that note--only our youngest ride in strollers, the oldest two have to "suck it up" and deal if they decide (as they did on their last trip as it was the oldest's birthday), that if they wish to stay for fireworks, they will still have to walk to the transportation and then from the stop to our room. They do fine with that understanding.

Again--does it affect me? Of course not...but it is a discussion board and we often care more about non-issues here than IRL. I don't go around carding tots in strollers and then say "for shame" when the child exceeds my self imposed age limit on appropriate stroller use.

For most here, that is probably the case as well. But if it isn't, well that doesn't affect me either. Win win for everybody.

 

[mercydisney]

If I could keep DD11 in a stoller only because she loves to wonder off. She on the other hand would rather stay home then to be in a stroller at Disney.

 

[Sydnie]

There is a big difference between a 5 or 6 year old hopping in their little sibling's stroller because they are exhausted on one evening of a many night trip and bringing a stroller exclusively for the use of your 9 and 11 year old.

I would not make a comment to anyone in the park because honestly if I saw a child much older than 5 in a stroller I would assume he or she had some sort of disability. And even if he/she didn't it certainly isn't my place to comment or judge. People must do for their family what they think is best.

However if someone asks my opinion I will tell them what I works for my family and why we do things the way we do. I can't fathom any reason a child much older than 4 would ever need a stroller for any reason so we just wouldn't bring one. I know I never used a stroller much past the age of 2 or 3 and neither did any of my contemporaries.I am only 27 years old, what has changed so much in the past 20 years?

I do think there is a link between our sedentary culture and childhood obesity rates skyrocketing, I think that children nowadays often have a sense of entitlement and I don't think it's good for them. I believe the best thing I can do for my kids is to push them, to expect a lot of them. Not in a crazy Tiger Mother way (I am like the anti-Tiger Mother) but by setting reasonable goals and expecting them to meet or exceed them. How is my child ever going to be able to cope if I don't challenge him/her to make his/her way in the world?

Walking on a vacation is a reasonable goal to me. If they are tired they have only to ask and we can stop and relax. Sure it probably wouldn't unravel 360 days a year of parenting if for 5 days they are pushed in a stroller, but why would we? I know they are capable of walking, so walk they can. Of course we walk daily in our neighborhood and my three year old can do a two mile walk without a problem.

Again this is why we would choose not to bring a stroller for an older child. I don't pretend to know what other people should do with their families, but this is why we have come to the conclusion we have

 

[badblackpug]

What does being tiny have to do with stroller suitability? I'm kind of scratching my head about that one.

I should say that while I have only one kid, he's been the smallest one (as a toddler) and now the biggest (tall, strong, built like an offensive linesman). While I guess I can see where, if you have a child who is 7 or 8 or 9 and can't walk size would make a difference in whether you choose a stroller or a wheelchair, I can't see how, unless it's tinyness related to a disability or medical issue, being small makes you less able to walk in the park. If anything a smaller child has less weight to carry so they should be able to go farther.

What am I missing?

In my case, I mention her being tiny in that she will still easily fit in the stroller we already own, so I would consider taking the double again next year if she used it a lot this year. If she were big and didn't easily fit into it she be walking, and I would take our single for the baby. I won't be buying another and the rental fees are more than I am willing to spend.

 

[pipemajr]

I am the mother of a mildly autistic 8 year old. My next trip (one week away) will include not only DS, but MY older sister, who needs an ECV. Yes, I rented a stroller. My reasons?

First, my son is on the small side - still only 45 inches tall, and less than 50 lbs. He looks like he might be a big 5 year old, or 6 at most. And because he is on the small side, he has shorter legs. And he has flat feet. Ever use a pedometer at Disney? Ever count your steps? How many steps do you take on your average 7 to 10 mile walk? Yeah, DOUBLE that for a child. If I'm going to be tired, he'd be downright EXHAUSTED! If I'm going to be hurting and sore, why would I torture my son and push him TWICE as hard?

Second, this is not just HIS vacation, it is ours, too. Yes, I could make him walk. And I'm sure he will do PLENTY of it. But honestly, a hot, tired, achy 8 year old can be extremely cranky. Now throw in the autism spectrum on top of it, and we're in for a serious meltdown. It is worth it to me to have him comfortable. If he's not achy and tired, he will be happier, which makes us ALL happier.

Third, even if DS chooses not to RIDE in the stroller, it is still a place for him to sit and take a break. Again, SO worth it if it keeps him from having a full blown meltdown because he is exhausted. AND, it provides shade, even if there is none to be had.

Fourth, I love the extra storage a stroller provides. My DH and I backpack our necessities for the park (he does the tech - phones, cameras, e-books, etc. - and I do the OTHER stuff - sun block, sweatshirts, snacks, water, refillable mugs, first aid kit, hats, sun glasses, extra socks). I was honestly dreading carrying that backpack around all day.

Finally, when we go to Disney, we are ALL GO! We hit the parks early, stay late. We have never done the mid-day break back at the hotel, nor do we WANT to. Yes, my son has needed a break during the day. The stroller provides that opportunity - he can actually sit back and catch a quick nap, which is usually enough to refresh him. Sure, I could take him on the Tomorrowland Transit Authority, or into the Hall of Presidents. But what if he's not ready to wake up when the ride/attraction is over? SOMEONE has to carry him. Did I mention that DH and I are OLDER parents (49 and 50)?

My DS's disability (how I HATE that word - he is not DISabled, he is DIFFERENTLY abled!) is not always visible. And he is a bright, articulate kid, a geography savant who is SO looking forward to exploring the World Showcase in EPCOT. He will want to go around two or three times in a single day, THEN do Futureworld, as well. He wouldn't hold up doing that on his two little legs and flat feet. He will manage beautifully in a stroller. So, yes, I expect I might get a few stares. But those people who stare don't know my son's limits, whereas I do.

I know no one meant that a child with a disability shouldn't be able to ride in a stroller. I take no offense. My point is, the OP did not specify if her children might need a stroller for a similar reason, despite their age. We are all so quick to judge. If you have a healthy child who CAN walk, and is willing to do so without having a whining fit or meltdown, consider yourself fortunate. No, I'm not being condescending. Just count your blessings. Some people would give anything to have a child like that. As for me? I'll keep my DS the way he is, and gladly push the stroller for as long as he needs it.

Hoping you all have magical memories and vacations!

 

[TAX GUY]

OK. Really no other comment other than this thread is over 3 years old. You did notice that?

If your son APPEARS small then who or why would anyone care if you have a stroller for him?

 

[NotUrsula]

Pipemajr, I concede that you have your reasons, and I'm not the judgy type in any case, but on one point I have to argue a bit:

First, my son is on the small side - still only 45 inches tall, and less than 50 lbs. He looks like he might be a big 5 year old, or 6 at most. And because he is on the small side, he has shorter legs. And he has flat feet. Ever use a pedometer at Disney? Ever count your steps? How many steps do you take on your average 7 to 10 mile walk? Yeah, DOUBLE that for a child. If I'm going to be tired, he'd be downright EXHAUSTED! If I'm going to be hurting and sore, why would I torture my son and push him TWICE as hard?

The average child isn't ever hurting and sore from walking unless he has blisters, and that has more to do with his shoes than with his stamina. Kids' bodies are built to be a lot more flexible and resilient than those of adults, and they weigh a whole lot less, so yes, it IS perfectly reasonable to expect them to be able to tolerate twice the amount of physical activity without breaking down. Physically-fit grade-schoolers can usually run rings around adults in similar circumstances, so I really wouldn't ever feel guilty about that.

My personal experience is that most kids outgrow the need for wheels at WDW by sometime around age 5-6; coincidentally around the same time that most of them start to feel mortified at the idea of acting "like a baby".

 

[mickeyboat]

It seems to me that if your touring plan is so rigorous that it is making everyone cranky, tired and sore, it might be time to adjust your touring plan.

 

[Gumbo4x4]

It's alive!!!!!!

 

[usd2bmd]

I would tell them they have a choice, they can walk or not go. Totally discounting the fact that they wouldn't fit in a stroller, there is no way I am pushing them in it.