CM insults child in stroller

[mama22]

Well, apparently (according to some on this thread) if your kids get tired in WDW, it must be the parents fault. Wow. And if kids can't keep up, they should be left home. Looks like I need to stay home, because I actually get tired at WDW! Imagine that.

Really, who cares if older kids are in strollers! Actually, there are tons of older kids in strollers! So if you ask me, most people don't care.

Everyone has different circumstances. There may be those with AP that can come and go throughout the year multiple times. Then there are those families who live far and this is their one trip to WDW, maybe for only 2 or 3 days. Both of those families will approach their time at the park differently. They need to figure out what works best for them.

 

[SueM in MN]

I was thinking that if I (or someone else) has a 9 yr. old with a disability, why wouldn't you just rent a wheelchair? More comfortable than cramming a large child in those strollers. I'm sure if a disabled child was in a wheelchair, no joking would have occurred.

Because the wheelchairs are adult size, they are not really comfortable for the average 9 year old.
The armrests end up being anywhere from midchest to neck level. The seat length is too long -if the child sits back in the seat, the edge of the seat comes at calf level and they can't bend their legs. If they sit forward in the seat so they can bend their legs, then they have no back support (kind of tiring if you are sitting and moving).
Many children with autism or similar conditions like the WDW strollers (especially the firm plastic ones) because they find the firm pressure comforting and the sides of the stroller cut down on stimulation.
My DD got her first wheelchair when she was 30 months old. If she had been able to walk, but still needed something for distances, I would have still gotten a child's wheelchair for her at that point because it gives more independence (and less chance of rude comments) than a stroller.

I think the CM was out of line because, even though there were several large kids in strollers, it could have been a couple of parents with kids with special needs who were together.
I tend to steer claer of those street performers because I don't personally like the type of humor that makes fun of people for how they are dressed, look or act.

 

[tmli]

I believe the remark was out of line, whether this person was playing a character or not. My ds has a number of unseen disabilities that would make a stroller necessary. He no longer fits and we have had to use a wheelchair while at wdw. That remark would have humiliated him....no amount of "making amends" by the cm would have erased the embarrassement he would have felt at that moment.

I hear the comments and remarks made by ignorant so called adults behind our backs and do let them "roll off". All bets are off when they are heard by my ds. He is a child, a beautiful, sensitive young man who has every right to enjoy wdw anyway necessary.

Some of you who are looking at the "healthy looking" 9 year olds and making remarks or condoning others rights to comment should really learn some compassion. You would never be able to pick my son out of a group of 5 "healthy" 9 year old boys....but after your remark he would be the one shrinking even lower in his seat, with tear filled eyes and a face full of humiliation and shame.

 

[d4est]

People need to stop and realize...just as each adult is different & unique, so are children.

I just asked my DS 8 if, after a long day of walking at Disney & being really tired, he would ride in a stroller. He kinda giggled & said no. I asked why & he said because they are for little kids. Maybe his toon will change when he has walked for hours?? I'll let you know in a few weeks!

My point is, he wouldn't, but my neice (9) probably would. Two TOTALLY different kids, different personalities, & endurance levels. My kid is like the dang energizer bunny. He stopped getting naps at age two because Mom & Dad couldn't handle being up past midnight.

Live & let live. If it ain't skinin' your back, don't worry about it.

 

[DisneyPhD]

Because the wheelchairs are adult size, they are not really comfortable for the average 9 year old.
The armrests end up being anywhere from midchest to neck level. The seat length is too long -if the child sits back in the seat, the edge of the seat comes at calf level and they can't bend their legs. If they sit forward in the seat so they can bend their legs, then they have no back support (kind of tiring if you are sitting and moving).
Many children with autism or similar conditions like the WDW strollers (especially the firm plastic ones) because they find the firm pressure comforting and the sides of the stroller cut down on stimulation.
My DD got her first wheelchair when she was 30 months old. If she had been able to walk, but still needed something for distances, I would have still gotten a child's wheelchair for her at that point because it gives more independence (and less chance of rude comments) than a stroller.

I think the CM was out of line because, even though there were several large kids in strollers, it could have been a couple of parents with kids with special needs who were together.
I tend to steer claer of those street performers because I don't personally like the type of humor that makes fun of people for how they are dressed, look or act.

That is what I was thinking about the whellchair. I know they have many alterntives to strollers for older children who can benifit from them (something called a "kid cart" is what many of my clients families used, and medicaid paid for, keep in mind these were not poor families, but medicaid supported many of their "over the top" expensies.) I signed the paper work for them to get the carts.

However if a WDW stroller works better for somene, do what works for you.

 

[bytheblood]

I truly think you are being a bit hyper-sensitive. I don't think the CM meant it to be rude. I am sure it was all meant in good fun.

True, the child could have a disability, but those CMs see this day in - day out and I truly do not think that he meant any harm. I have seen many CMs very nurturing with those who have disabilities, so I don't really know that after you passed, that though did not cross his mind as well.



By the way - you should do whatever works best for your family. Heck, there are times I wanted my husband to push me around in a stroller. I could care less if your child is 2, 5, 8, or 15 riding in a stoller as long as you are not clipping my heels !!!

 

[ElleBelle]

There are a small contingent of people on the Dis boards who are outright rude with their comments, and they are very good at hiding behind the guise of "expressing my opinion and just giving the facts." Rude is rude. Most people know it when they see it.

I think that there are many more people on the Dis boards that are helpful and kind and articulate themselves in a way as to not insult others.

So to the OP, let your children be in a stroller if they want and don't feel badly about it. When they are finished with strollers, they will tell you.

Do you want me to start listing their names??

 

[bytheblood]

Do you want me to start listing their names??

I have 4 that come to mind at this very moment.

But the high road offers better breathing.

 

[Leah and Emily's mom]

During our Christmas trip I saw a 30 year old woman being pushed around in a double stroller - after a long day at the park the CM probably wished someone would stroll him around... I would just take it as a CM trying to strike up a conversation with your family-or he was trying to make it easier for the parents to not have to push those strollers around. It was your vacation and your children... don't let someone's remarks take the magic out of your vacation. After all without a stroller where would you put all the stuff we pack around and the things we purchase.

 

[Dare2Wish]

My DD actually prefers walking. Hasn't been in the stroller since she was 3. However, if getting a stroller would make our vacations easier and she could still squeeze into one, I would do it. Who cares how old anyone is in the stroller? If you refuse to put your 9 yo in a stroller, that's your business. Unless the OP asks you to push the stroller for her, keep your opinion to yourself.

As for the CM, I'm sure he sees older children in strollers every day. Hopefully, he uses good judgment when making his "jokes". Was your child upset about the joke?

 

[tmli]

Personally I would prefer that someone not strike up a conversation with my family that could potentially alienate and humiliate my child. He took a very big chance with that remark and luckily the OP's children did not have a disability.

 

[lillygator]

The CM took a chance - but he was/is doing his job....if OP felt so strongly she/he should have said something, maybe individually to the CM or asked to speak to a manger. The same type of things happen at comedy clubs....(well, mainly with adults). They make fun of hairstyles, clothes, you name it, but it's all about a sense of GOOD HUMOR.

I have NEVER been past those CM's at MGM without hearing them make fun of someone/something or each other.

And, not that it is ANY way right, if the child had a disabilty and at that age - wouldn't he or she be used to - well, not used to because I would hate to think it happens all the time, but be prepared for comments? I know that would hinge on a lot of factors, but even kids at school are MEAN, and I am sure they say much meaner things that the comment made by the CM.

Every person/child is brought up differently.

 

[Aptor]

Oh my God a nine year old can walk! No wonder there are so many fat kids they can't even walk. Maybe the kid should have been pushing you. Get over it or stay home on the couch.

 

[wdwfan]

Do you want me to start listing their names??

 

[Daxx]

This whole thread has me totally laughing. It amazes me that you are all so passionate about this whether you are pro or con stroller!!!

Get over the comment, let it go and move on. I cannot believe anyone would let this little comment ruin their vacation. In the grand scheme of life, if this is the biggest thing you have to be upset about, consider yourself lucky!!!!

It seems to me like Mom was more upset by the comment than the child was. I'd like to know how the child felt!!

 

[wright1baby]

This whole thread has me totally laughing. It amazes me that you are all so passionate about this whether you are pro or or con stroller!!!

Get over the comment, let it go and move on. I cannot believe anyone would let this little comment ruin their vacation. In the grand scheme of life, if this is the biggest thing you have to be upset about, consider yourself lucky!!!!

It seems to me like Mom was more upset by the comment than the child was. I'd like to know how the child felt!!

I agree completely, what are we teaching our children by obsessing about one comment (obviously intended to be entertaining)?? No wonder there are so many kids with self esteems issues. Try to chill out and have fun!!!!!!

 

[momz]

i have a couple of observations about this issue. i am of the opinion that a healthy 9 year old in a stroller looks a bit odd, and therefore, creates an opportunity for the street performer to make a joke. consider it an opportunity for the child to learn something about the world. maybe to learn to laugh at themselves a little. part of growing up is learning about what is socially acceptable behavior and what is not. please note that i am not at all referring to a child who has a hidden need to be in a stroller, but to the healthy children who are able bodied and perfectly capable conveying themselves through the happiest place on earth with the legs and feet God gave them. walk, or be prepared for the comments.

 

[goofie4goofy]

On our recent extended family trip, we had a 4yr old and 9 yr old in a double stroller, and two other 9 yr olds in single strollers. We only had 3 days in the parks, and knowing how hard we were going to push ourselves we made the decision to help the kids out by renting strollers. When we passed by one of the CM's at MGM (who I guess is there to make jokes as a "vagabond" type person), he made fun of one of the 9yr olds. He said in a very crass voice "Hey kid, don't you think it's time you learn to walk. You're a little big for the stroller don't you think." We didn't think much about it at the time, but now that I think about it, I realize how risky that was of him to say. What if the child had some type of disability? I know he was just trying to be funny, but he probably should be made aware of what a terrible thing he could be saying to some child. A post I just read here discussing the appropriate age for children in strollers made me decide to tell my experience. To make matters worse, not long after the CM made his remark, a lady passed by us and made some rude comment about the kids being too big for the strollers. Of course, I have to admit they did look a little oversized for those pitiful strollers MGM has, but the other parks' strollers easily accommodated them. I can't imagine why anyone would concern themselves over this! If I'm willing to pay the money, should I not be able to push around whomever I want in a stroller?

Lighten up

 

[TinkerbellMama]

Are you kidding me!!!! I have read this whole thread! I DO NOT understand why anyone would even care if older kids are riding in strollers. You are not their parents. That is wrong if you think that children are being babies or lazy. My husband is 6"4'. I'm 5"1'. I can't keep up with him. I'm not going to ask my kids to try. I also do not want to worry every 5 seconds if my kids are going to get lost. I feel better having them in a stroller. I like it, they like it. Why would you even care????? You need to get a hobby if this even remotely bothers you!!!!!

I am short, too, and I have a thought...maybe you could ask your dh to slow it down a bit, since you guys have trouble keeping up with him? I know how hard it can be to keep up with someone with a long stride! If your kids like being in strollers, that is great! Mine hates it and is only 1...so Daddy will just have to slow the pace for us slowpokes! Well, except that our son runs at top speed...argh. LOL

 

[Daxx]

consider it an opportunity for the child to learn something about the world. maybe to learn to laugh at themselves a little.

So on target w/this one!!!!!! Two thumbs up to you, Momz!