Children at DVC

[gopherit]

Hmmmm...about those hot tubs. Even my DH (a 6'2", 195 lb guy of reasonable size) can't stay in the ones at WDW for very long -- if he did, his nose would bleed. They are very dehydrating. ANd the adults sipping alcohol, out in the Florida sun, in a hot tub -- not good. A triple whammy in terms of dehydration. Some of the WDW hot tubs are really cranked up in temp -- I found one at VWL to be uncomfortably hot, in fact.

ANother issue is the jets. Children view hot tubs as a "pool" that 's just their size! I have seen them actually jump in and make the painful realization there is a ledge all the way around, or that it is quite deep in the center. Either way, not good (and also not good for those seated around the edge who took the brunt of the splash). Furthermore, the jets in hot tubs pose the risk of anyone with long hair (and no knowledge that you aren't supposed to "swim" in a hot tub, just "soak", heads up). Hair caught in the intake would not be readily removed and poses a very real drowning risk.

So as a matter of safety, I do show my kids the hot tubs, explain what they are for, note the ledge, the depth, how people use it, and that the goal is to just sit perfectly still and soak. Now, imagine you're 7 and you're told -- in THIS pool, you sit completely still. You just sit. And soak. And soak. And sit. And you chat with other adults. A lot. And you don't interrupt. You just soak, sit, and chat. That's all. Whereas.... in THAT pool -- you can slide down a cool slide, swim, toss the ball to your brother, use your mask, use that slide again, play marco polo or other relatively tame pool games, (did I mention that slide?) and do all sorts of FUN, active stuff. It's a no-brainer. I then tell them if they too would like to soak in some bubbly water, let me know -- they can have their very own hot tub experience back in the villa in our jacuzzi tub when they are done swimming. (And at least I know I have CLEANED it prior, too -- folks talk about kids sullying the hot-tub waters, but who's to say those adults that raise those kids aren't doing the same?!?!) Ewww!

 

[OneMoreTry]

Here's to screaming, happy, loving, laughing, carefree kids. I wish we could all be.

I want to hear everyone say, "Supercalifragilisticexpealidocious!!"

 

[Kelly Nelly]

I think Disney should have adults only pools just like a pervious poster brought up as well as seperate seating areas in restaurants for adults only and famlies.I agree that some of these parents are way to easy on there kids and let them act as bad as they want, this is not acceptable.From my experiece I have encountered alot more young children behaving badily then teenagers, most teenagers in MHO are generally very good in the parks and think of others.

 

[Pa@okw95]

Dsny-FN Like Gail Hayden, I have to ask," you got to be kidding"
What you stated is far out it has to be a joke!!

 

[LucyLou&BobWho]

Good post LisaR.

 

[borncinderella]

DSNY FN, I think we are going to have to agree to disagree.

As a woman who was taught not to let anyone take advantage of me (and not getting into a child rearing debate, but my parents never subjected my temper/yelling to the general public), I would have to say that if I had children throwing food at my table, crawling under my table, or yelling loudly enough to disrupt my conversation -- I would be standing at that parent's table (with the manager) informing them about how I was feeling my patience was being "taken advantage of" by their children's behavior. Polite children develop into polite adults; IMO, "polite" does not equal "doormat." There is nothing wrong with reeling in the antics in public.

I'm not sure why you would be surprised that people would be talking about your children if they are showing a huge lack of table manners. (I think these still exist???) I personally don't have any problems if they are confined to your table (which sounded like what you are describing), but I have to say that I see dozens upon dozens of families that are able to have excellent table manners at WDW. It is just considerate to not interrupt other people's dining experience.

My understanding is that, in other countries, child rearing is a community event. If I had the capability to lean over to your child during your meal and say, "knock it off!" then this would not be an issue. Here in the good old USA, we just do not do this, and I'm sure you would not want me to. We all understand parents trying valiantly and failing to calm their children down. Not all of us feel that "kids will be kids" gives them permission to do whatever they want, however.

 

[DSNY FN]

Far out in what manner? I have 3 great kids and love them all to death and would do anything for them one of them has a pretty good temoer ok well 2 of them do the 2 girls. I let them yell and scream I find it is easier to deal with them after you let them do their yelling just like dealing with an irate customer etc. I let them do the yelling and get it out then talk to them it really works wonders you can't just let a kid start screaming then tell them to stop it makes it worse and then you really have an issue on your hands because the more you try to fight it and get them to stop the louder they get and the more frustrated everyone gets. My kids do play in the hot tub I allow that and have no problems with it we keep the hot tub at home around 102 to 104 and they will go in it for about 10 to 15 minutes and get out and play in the snow then hop back in no big deal they know how to use it and respect it. My son only goes in when we are in with him we will sit and watch the other 2 when we are out someplace and they go in a hot tub but we don't feel we need to go and get in with them. Or if we are in the pool we will let them go in the hot tub to no issue for us they are not there to kill anyone and like I said we have one at home so they know how to use it and the length of time we allow them in it. As for the restaurant we let them get out of their seats and play around but they stay around our table they don't go to other tables and bother other people eating so again no big problems there. My son will toss his food on the floor and when he does this we know he is finally finished eating he doens't get anything else on his plate or infront of him he just likes to throw things around wether it is at the table or elsewhere and he does it when he knows we can see him then he gives you the little darling laugh and runs it is a game to him but at 1 just about everything is a game to them. My kids like to play and have fun and don't like to be stuck sitting for long periods of time that is one thing we love about Chef Mickeys and other places it gives them a chance to get up and move around the place so when it is time to eat they will stay at the table and eat. They are not rude children they are actually quite well mannered all the pleases and thanks yous etc. They just like to be heard so to speak and I for one am not going to try and curb that in my kids I want them to be outspoken not rude but outspoken

 

[ClarabelleCow]

So the fact that the sign says 12 and over doesn't matter? So it doesn't matter that your kids running around your table could be bothering everyone around you! But hey it's your vacation right! Gee, and they wonder wants wrong with the world these days!

 

[DSNY FN]

Why should it matter if my kids are playing at my table they are not at anyone elses table so what is the big deal if they play at their own table? They also know how to act in the hot tub especially if there are others in there with them and if more people show up they will get out to allow others to use it that is all part of what we have taught them it is part of being polite to others and sharing something most people do not all but most. They also know that they are only allowed a minimal amount of time in the hot tub then they go back in the pool and play.

 

[MickeyB426]

This will be the first time I've ever posted something close to a flame.

But I'll say it anyway.

DSNYFN, it's parents like you that cause the problems we're talking about.

1. You have two kids with tempers, so you let them scream to "get it out of their system".

2. You let your 7-year-old take your 3-year old into the hot tub "to play", EVEN THOUGH the signs prohibit it.

What you do in your own home is your own business.

But when you use facilities shared by everyone, all of whom paid a pretty decent penny to be where they are, a little decorum is appreciated.

So now whenever I see kids act up or do something inappropriate, I'll no longer wonder "where are the parents?"

I'll just remind myself of your post.

 

[Duckielucky]

Whenever I see a child throwing a fit I chuckle to myself and think, “I am sure glad that they are not mine.” Or say to my wife, “Our children never acted like that.”

I often say to children acting in an unsafe manner, “Be careful, blood makes the side walk slippery.” Around cars I say, “Be careful, you don’t want to become a road pizza.” Most parents appreciate the comments because it helps the children visualize the consequences of their action. As for the parents who don’t appreciate the comments, I could care less.

 

[OneMoreTry]

Originally posted by Kelly Nelly
I think Disney should have adults only pools just like a pervious poster brought up as well as seperate seating areas in restaurants for adults only and famlies.

Are you serious??

Why bother to go to WDW? Go to NYC or a Ritz Carlton somewhere or to an adult resort in the Caribbean. They probably have lots of quiet pools. I don't think you belong at WDW with this kind of attitude.

I'm glad having kids isn't considered a crime in America yet and I'm glad WDW doesn't stick kids in a cellar -- separate but equal style. Is Maleficent your hero?

If someone has rude kids, speak to a manager at the restaurant. Also, compiment people when their kids are good. It's very encouraging for the kids!!

 

[borncinderella]

Thanks Duckielucky! LOL
I think I might have to borrow those for future reference!

DSNY FN, I am going to assume that you do not work in an office with other clients around, nor do you own your own business (please feel free to correct me if I am wrong). Any client that comes into our office yelling is fired. Any office staff that yells in our office is fired. Maybe something to think about when teaching children is a little restraint, as there are big consequences in the real world.

 

[DSNY FN]

Duckielucky those are good and kids will relate to things like that it gives them a visual of what may happen. Borncinderella I have worked in an office a number of times I am also in the sales area and have dealt with all kinds of people in both the reatial environment and commercial sales etc. I find the most rude people I have encountered are the corporate buyers etc they feel they have a free pass to talk to people as they wish and demand things most would find unreasonable but because they work for a large company they are ok to do it. My kids being outspoken is in itself a good thing they can talk to people without being demnding and let people know what they want they are not shy ids that you have to pry responses out of like some and if that is a problem then sorry about that but hey We can't all have perfect kids so to speak and I love mine just the way they are

 

[LisaR]

Originally posted by DSNY FN
My kids being outspoken is in itself a good thing they can talk to people without being demnding and let people know what they want they are not shy ids that you have to pry responses out of like some and if that is a problem then sorry about that but hey We can't all have perfect kids so to speak and I love mine just the way they are

DSNY FN,
What you have described is not "your kids being outspoken." What you have described is nothing more then disrespectful behavior. And, no, my kids aren't perfect either and I do love mine just the way they are. But you are going to have a hard time convincing anyone that the way to parent a screaming child is to just let them scream it out in a restaurant so you can talk about it after. Or, playing under and around your table in a restaurant is perfectly acceptable even if it is disrespecful of the other guests. You are acting as though when you go on vacation the only thing that matters is the happiness of your family. There is a whole big world out there. While it isn't my responsibility to make everyone happy, it is my responsibility to be respectful of those nearby.

Because your kids play in the hot tub at home does not mean they are entitled to at Disney. For starters, it is against the rules. You have rules at home and that is fine. But again, when you leave your home, you are expected to be respectful or other places rules. It is the policy at WDW that children under 12 stay out of the hot tub. And you sitting in a chair or playing in the pool while your 7 year old takes care of your 3 year old in a hot tub is beyond unresponsible. My dd is almost 9 and is a very mature child. However, I would not make her responsible for a 3 year old in a body of water. That is how accidents happen.

Lisa

 

[DSNY FN]

Thanks for your Opinions LisaR and I appreciate it as everyone is entitled to their opinion. I just don't get it when people try to yell at their kids in the restaurant or try to make them sit still while there either. They are kids hypedup on all things Disney and at dinner time they have likeley been in the park all day so some may get cranky ours get a little fidgety. I like to let my kids play others don't we asked the people beside us this past trip if it was a problem they had no issue with it if they had I would have gotten the kids to stop. If it is really that big a deal I would hope someone would come and talk to me honestly there is way to much finger pointing and not enough communication with people. I love watching the kids run around at a carachter meal it just reminds me of the fun that is alive and well at Disney. I would hope that my kids would be respectful of others if they say run into you while walking by etc which they are and if they are playing at our table and ot at anyone elses and it bothers them then maybe they should as I said come over and talk to me we are not unreasonalbe people I know in this world you never know how people will react but here I have no problem as I said if someone comes over to me and talks to me about it. As for the hot tub we have talked to people about that to and no one has had any issues with our 2 daughters in the hot tub we take them over and then go back to what we are doing or stay and watch them if that is not for you then so be it no one is going to be able to please everyone all the time and I for one am on holidays so if there is a problem tell me and I will sort it out. No one talks about things anymore and that is the bigger issue

 

[borncinderella]

DSNY FN, I appreciate your desire to raise children that are independent thinkers, free to speak their mind, and will know enough not to be taken advantage of. I think we wish that for all of our children! Genetics (mine) have dealt me children with no problems with being outspoken (but so many other problems ), so that we may be approaching our children from opposite directions. We all have certain parenting techniques we use to achieve the best upbringing we can. That said, there are certain techniques IMO that are best meant for the privacy of our own homes and not to be used in public. Why? Because they make people uncomfortable (e.g. bad table manners), because they negatively affect another peson's experience (e.g. yelling to interfere with conversations), or because they pose a risk to another person (e.g. children running around the tables where less mobile people -- my parents with arthritis for intance -- do not expect them, fall and break their hip). This is where you and I must agree to disagree; I feel it is OK to teach children appropriate behaviors in public or suffer the consequences. I know firmly in my heart, however, that "polite" is not synonymous with "gullible and meek," which seems to be where you and I have a difference in opinion.

Thank you for posting your opinions! That is why this board is here!

 

[DSNY FN]

I agree Borncinderella and if everyone had the same opinion what fun would the world be pretty boring if you ask me. I have no problems with people scolding their kids in public etc I have done it myself but I have found with my ids and with some adults hehe that it works better for me to let them get it out. I will not let them sit at the table and scream their heads off I take them someplace to do it then when they are done I talk to them and we come back. Sorry what I meant about screaming wasn't probabvly in the same context as what most would have thought.

 

[crisi]

Just to clarify, I said Disney should either label the current "Quiet" pools adult pools and enforce adults only, or change the label to "additional" pools. I would prefer they change the label to "additional" pools as I don't think there is adequate pool space at the resorts for children during peak seasons without them. If they want "adult" pools at the resorts, they need additional pools.

(I am for adult only hottubs).

BTW, it took a long time (my kids are now 4 and 5) of saying "Get out from under that table" before my kids learned being under a table was not appropriate dining out behavior (they've never been tempted to crawl under the table at home). When they still were "its fun to crawl under the table while we eat" age, we didn't go out very often and usually only when the adults outnumbered the kids.

We are STILL working on "inside voices" and "poop jokes are not appropriate table conversation" and for that reason one of my dining requirements at Disney is "will ambient noise sufficiently cover my children's lapses in manners?" Apologies in advance to anyone seated near us when we misjudge both the noise level of the restaurant and our children's current mood - we are working on it and are aware that poop jokes aren't funny (particularly a four year old's poop jokes.)

BTW, we just got back from the cruise where they ate dinner with us two nights out of four and were very well behaved by any but the strictest standards - especially considering the length of those meals (my daughter, who is the problematic one, did sleep through the second dinner - does that count?). No poop jokes. Nice conversation. Appropriate use of silverware. We were quite pleased.

 

[DSNY FN]

That is to funny crisis. My almost 3 year old is one to speak whats on her mind and sometimes it can be a little different for sure The stuff they pick up at daycare is well different to be one word I could use to describe it. Our kids get boistrous at dinner especially at Chef Mickeys as it is a fairly loud place to eat at any time but we luckily haven't had to deal with the poop jokes yet touch wood.