Do you know where your Teen/Kid is? You'd be surprised!

[PizzieDuster]

We are just home from our May 8th - Western.

To take the heat off the smoker vs. nonsmoker thread....

This is what I saw:

Group of 6 - 12-13's crawling over the railing between the midship elevater at deck 6 - and jumping to deck 5. While I check my daughter out of the club, I told the counselor that the kids were climbing over the elevator rails - and the next thing ya know - a huge bang and everyone ran towards it. Hope the lil gal was okay! When we went back up the stairs there was a crowd of concerned moms and dads.

Hidden Deck 7 - Big hang out and make out deck! My DH and I interrupted and I was not sorry for it one bit...it was about 11:30pm... And they were younger.... not sure if they were even teens! Maybe 12/13

I group of teens hanging out in the hallway. Everynight. Not a problem... but they got more disrespectful as the cruise went on. And maybe it was your daughter and this teen (who looked very old) were more then friends as it went on too. All in front of my room!

When we came in out of the room, this boy had a girl on his lap and they jumped (and his hand came out of her shirt). I couldn't believe what I saw. One time when we came back in the room - they were getting closer (there are chairs between the elevators) within 2 minutes someone knocked and ran. I opened the door to look at the teens and said "You have to knock and run?" and while his hand was up her shirt (your daugher?) he stared at me said "oh, blame it on the teens!" And contined to feel someone's daughter up! There were two other couples there too.

And then 5 minutes later they cranked called us. Then one of the girls - which I saw through out the cruise - knocked on my door - with a friend and and asked if I could help her, she had allergies and she needed a tissue! Her room was on deck 2 and she didn't want to go all the way down to her room. I invited her in, gave her tissue and watched her babble and I think she actually felt bad because I was so nice to her! She left my room and they were out there laughing at her in the hall. Then we were harrassed all night and had to call security. It started again the next day and I had to identify the brats. Problem solved. Never had another incident. Never saw one more person sitting on those chairs outside our room the rest of the cruise.

Oh, but on Castaway Cay - I saw her with her mother. It took everything in me not to tell her mom about the boy having his hands all over her daughter, feeling her up - and the fact that she knocked on my door. She looked so sweet with her family .... not like the girl I saw on that kid's lap. And it's not they way I wanted to remember my time on Castaway Cay.

But I did make eye contact with the girl - she split - and fast! I just decided to come back to the board and inform, like all you wonderful DISer's have.... What was I to say? There is the mom ... with her sweet dear innocent daughter, walking along the beach... .... Umm, excuse me Miss.... I just want you to know that I saw your daughter making out with a disrepectful mouthy kid who had his hand up her shirt? And that's only what I saw in a hallway?

Enjoy your last night!

You'll get that stuff everywhere you travel to I guess. But I really appreciate the way the Disney security handled it. Once I complained --- problemed solved.

Remind the kids that there is always a way to be identified. Just like we say - don't ever shop lift.... there are hidden cameras everywhere! And then there is a place called SHUTTERS! JK!

 

[Dreamer04]

Wow! I have to tell you, this is an eye opener! My DS 14, enjoys a good deal of well-earned freedom at home and on the cruise.

At home, I actually have a good idea of where he is hanging out. But, on the cruise, he sometimes didn't come in until 2 or 3 am. He was permitted. But now I am afraid he might have been disruptive to others onboard!

I have an idea. Last time we went, we didn't go to the DIS meet onboard and I didn't walk up and acknowledge anyone wearing our buttons, lanyards or hats. Next time, I will. I'll introduce everyone I meet to my kids. The more the merrier!

Now I thought that the deck seven overlook was locked at midnight? Is that true?

Honestly, I didn't expressly say "No hanging out in the corridors, or on stairways!"
I will add this to my list!

Thanks for the info!

Any other ideas??

 

[my3kids]

Where in the world was your room? There wouldn't have been room in the corridor outside my room for anything but walking.

I'm glad security took care of the problem for you. It is good to know they are responsive to problems.

 

[moocow35]

I had two teen girls on the last cruise. At night after they were back in the cabin, we got the crank calls. 2:00 am and later! It happened several times, and I called guest services and complained. The next night the same thing happened. (I am not a happy person when I get woken up) I insisted that guest services try to do something about it. Security then stepped in, and they were very efficient and were able to trace the calls to my room both nights. Most of the calls came from phones throughout the ship in various places, but one of them almost immediately after, came from a stateroom. BUSTED! The calls stopped after they found out who it was. Fortunately the caller made a call from a public phone and then within minutes went into his stateroom and called again. I never realized that there were cameras. Interesting!

Robin

 

[rae519]

I commend you for you actions - how awful to have to "parent" and "police" other children during your vacation. But thankfully, you may have prevented something from happening.

Younger children can be allowed "sign out" privileges from the Clubs and love to play the "elevator game" - punch all the buttons and leave, so the elevator is "busy" whenever it's needed.

Or they "roll" down the stairs (aft) when things aren't busy.

No matter how sweet and well-behaved your child is with you, when it comes to a group together - behaviors change.

Rae

 

[ohiominnie]

PizzieDuster,
I was on this cruise with you. It was my 4th DCL cruise and I'd say the one where the teens were the most obnoxious! I didn't see any making out, but I did see a lot of running uncontrollably through the halls and down the stairs. Also saw a lot of loud talking (talking from one level of stairs up to the next)

Twice, going around a corner in a hallway, I was almost run over by uncontrollable teens. I did tell them harshly "SLOW DOWN!"

Maybe you need to write to DCL about it. They may need to make their teen activities more appealing. Maybe these are kids who have been on a few cruises and are bored with the repeat of activities. Although teens who are brazen enough to make out in public probably wouldnt' be interested in ANYTHING the teen club could put together.

(sigh)

 

[dotterson]

My DD is going to be 12 1/2 and naturally, I'm concerned about the activities offered. I know she'd behave herself and act properly, but what about the other 12-14 year olds?

I told Disney that they need to make another group of 12-14. Most of the 13 and 14 yr. olds are really too young (IMO) to hang out with the 16 and 17 yr. olds. This age group likes to do projects -- art, or animation, or TV, whatever. And, they need some supervision.

I have a feeling my DD will want to do other things than the usual flubber stuff (how many times can you do that????) So, we'll see how DCL responds.

For those who have witnessed problems, please let DCL know. The more who bring this to their attention, the better!

d

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[piglet33]

On our cruise last October, we caught a bunch of teens playing spin the bottle behind the elevators on Deck 6! Those same teens were so loud and kept running up and down the halls. Amazing that after Security was called everything got quiet.

 

[my3kids]

Dotterson...great idea about another group. My 12 year old didn't like the activities in the club because at nearly 13, he didn't want to be with 10 year olds. 12 to 14 sounds like a much better spread...that is the same age group as at the middle school.

 

[dotterson]

My3kids,

If more parents write/tell Disney, I'm sure it will happen! (And, if Disney people are out there, please LISTEN!) Middle School-aged kids are tough enough, but they are either too old for 10-11 and too young for 13-14.

The more activities they have (they don't have to be rigidly supervised, but have some authority), the better the kids are! I sent Disney a list of creative, artsy things my DD would be interested in. I think boys and girls would love some supervised sports (if they're into that) such as basketball, ping pong, or volleyball tournaments.

It shouldn't be too hard to entertain the kids, if Disney puts their mind to it!

d

 

[MiaSRN62]

I told Disney that they need to make another group of 12-14. Most of the 13 and 14 yr. olds are really too young (IMO) to hang out with the 16 and 17 yr. olds.

I agree with this 100%. During our cruise this Nov, I'll have a 12, 14 and 17 yr old. I just can't imagine the 13 year old having the same interests as my 17 yr old ?

 

[dotterson]

I hope Disney DOES listen. I mentioned this in several letters to Disney and when I was selected for market research. (From a financial view, parents of kids this age will be more adapt to cruise if they feel their kids' needs are met!)

Esp. when 12-14 is a hard age range to deal with.

If I saw the things those pre-teens (Tweens) were doing as the first post... ARG!

d

 

[ivanova]

Egads! Hubby will FREAK if he ever reads this!! 'course, now his idea of duct taping the DD to his side during the cruises makes more sense

 

[twinmomplus2new]

I for one as a mom of a teen girl. would have wanted you to tell me. Of my DD'd or DS's behavior. For one thing that would be a great eye opener for that kid. I would care less if anyones obnoxious teen was mad at me. It takes a village correct? I know I will probably get flamed for saying to tell. But the simple fact is. I would want to be told. So keep in mind it's just my opinion.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I'm just glad my DD#1 (12) will be in the club with her very quiet 11 year old cousin so I will always hear what is going on! But if we were going alone there might be a concern--last year she was running around with other 11 year olds and it was more than I was ready for.
I also would have wanted to know if a guy was hitting on her (although she won't be in the "stack" yet) or worse. I still have her on a tight leash--I think!
Robin M.

 

[JJsmama]

I would want to be told about the young girl and the older boy with the wandering hands too. But I can definitely see how difficult it would be to actually do the telling. Some parents do not like to hear anything negative about their children. As a former high school teacher I know that many parents have no idea how their children act when they are not around.

 

[dianthus]

Pixie Duster~ Wow! Sounds like you came across an out of control, immature bunch of teens. I'm glad that security stopped the problem for you and others. I can see why you are angry!

What you witnessed is not indicative of all teens though, as this is unfair to the group as a whole. Teens are playful and experimenting with their identity to find who they are- we've all been there...It seems to me what you witnessed is more of a lack of integrity, self respect and self control. Some kids will follow the group if this is the prevailing behavior, contrary to what they know is right.... These teens unfortunately turn into adults who's behaviors we don't appreciate either...

The parents either choose to look the other way, or just don't care. I find it hard to believe Mom is not aware of her "little angel's" behavior. It just doesn't rear it's ugly head on a cruise ship. I'm sure this behavior has been displayed at home, or through the friends she chooses... Teens who make bad choices, usually do so consistently... As a parent, your antenna has to be up & you have to get your arms around it before it becomes a problem.... A cruise does not mean your teens should be totally unsupervisored, but should allow them the freedom to have fun. That freedom allows them to make decisions-good or bad.... Regardless, parents need to know they are with and what they are doing.

My DD turned 13 on the 4/17 cruise. She was initially exciited about the Stack. When she went the 1st night, she didn't feel that the majority of the kids were her type. They were loud, out of control and trying to impress everyone with their behavior ( it didn't work for my DD). She and a tablemate( who is 16 ) opted out of the Stack, but had a great time together anyway. They did indeed share the same interests & had a great time! We witnessed a little bit of this behavior during the week in the halls and DD said this is why I'm not going to the Stack Mom. I wouldn't hang around those jerks at home, why would I on a ship?

I do give my daughter freedom, as she's earned it through her behavior. I see it in her grades , activities and the types of friends she chooses to associate with- consistently... She's not perfect, she makes mistakes and makes me a bit crazy, but I don't worry that she will follow others bad behavior. I feel confident in saying that her behavior is not that different around us, or with her friends.

Rae spent time with my DD & her friend on our cruise. I think she would say DD & her tablemate friend are the kind of teens you'd enjoy having dinner with in Palo. They are not little adults, but confident, fun, young women that know who they are. There are many more teens like them onboard, rather than the one's you describe on your 5/8 cruise. Unfortunately the squeaky wheels get the grease and most teens on the ship get the bad rap!

Those jerky teens behaved very poorly. I don't think this is indicative of all in the group onboard, just a group that has gone wild!

 

[KaitlinsMom]

Originally posted by twinmomplus2new
I for one as a mom of a teen girl. would have wanted you to tell me. Of my DD'd or DS's behavior. For one thing that would be a great eye opener for that kid. I would care less if anyones obnoxious teen was mad at me. It takes a village correct? I know I will probably get flamed for saying to tell. But the simple fact is. I would want to be told. So keep in mind it's just my opinion.

I just wanted to say I agree - I would want to know -

 

[Christine]

Originally posted by twinmomplus2new
I for one as a mom of a teen girl. would have wanted you to tell me. Of my DD'd or DS's behavior. For one thing that would be a great eye opener for that kid. I would care less if anyones obnoxious teen was mad at me. It takes a village correct? I know I will probably get flamed for saying to tell. But the simple fact is. I would want to be told. So keep in mind it's just my opinion.

No flames here but you obviously didn't read that post on the Community Board about the woman who witnessed two teens in Target, I believe, rearranged clothes. She reprimanded them. They told their mom and the mother yelled at the woman. I'd be afraid to tell any parent anything these days.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Please don't flame me--

I'm a mother of pre-school daughter's--I think I can handle it now and when they are older for someone to tell me that my children are misbehaving. If a parent takes it badly--perhaps they feel personally attacked on their parenting skills, but they shouldn't.

I cruised at ages 10, 14, and 19--and again as an old married woman I was given freedom at the ripe old age of 10--BUT, I had to check in with my parents every now and again---as at age 14. 19 was nicer, didn't have to check in so much. I was allowed to consume alcohol, courtesy of the drinking age of 18 on board and in the islands. But I had a stern step-father that said if I showed up intoxicated, I would be in trouble. (there were more specifics than that, but I never got drunk--so his promises worked). We always had to say where we would be--and if we were going to be out past our at-home curfew--then we spelled it out for them on the who, what, when, where, and why in order to be permitted to go. I thought it was strict back then--but I never got into any trouble as described on this post. The most that happened--was I hung out at age 14 with my spanish speaking teen tablemate. He was a perfect gentleman--otherwise, my parents would have nixed that quickly. On the last night of the cruise--he gave me a kiss on the cheek when he dropped me off at my stateroom--one of my best memories of cruising. No groping, no nothing--hanging out and behaving properly.

Now--if parents don't step up to the plate--perhaps they should create curfews on board for the youngin's. Make that Hidden deck 7 an adults only area--and other things could be done.