Does Anyone Hate/Dread Christmas?

[horsegirl]

However, other people on this board have kids with ADHD and they don't destroy the Christmas tree. No, I don't just sit there and watch him do whatever without making a move to correct it. He's quite "sneaky". Oftentimes, he gets out of bed in the middle of the night and "breaks rules" then hides the evidence, so I'm often not even aware of it until days later. That's usually when he picks the ornaments off the tree! He also chooses this time to raid the pantry, fridge, etc. He's not hungry, otherwise he'd be eating it. Instead, I find food hidden all over his room (usually unopened), or "played with", such as colored sugar sprinkled all over the floor of his closet.

vhoffman, have you considered how your anger influences your son? Your anger and disdain at those less fortunate, including your son, is appalling. He could very well need to be sneaky in order to express how he really feels. You're right, it sounds like more than just his impulsivity. You say you are getting help for your son, get help for yourself as well. Many of the posters here appear to be very supportive on other boards I have read. They are not out to get you, they are reacting to what you are saying. Even I usually refrain from being too frank as I feel folks on these boards are generally looking for support or ideas, not lectures, but the tone of your posts is so very hostile that it is hard for anyone to imagine any other explanation for the issues that you have presented. I tried to stick to your issue of what to do about xmas initially, but felt compelled to be more candid as your lack of compassion and insight revealed itself in your subsequent posts. I am sorry to say this, but much of the problems appear to me to be about you, not everyone else, especially your son. I hope the Christmas suggestions that everyone has given helps, and that you listen to what folks are saying about other things.

 

[vhoffman]

No, I don't think there are "people with communicable diseases everywhere........." Where did I say that? Just my point that a homeless shelter isn't exactly the safest environment for small children. Also, they're oftentimes not in the best areas of town. Do you really think its appropriate to expose yourself and small children to an area where its a risk just driving there and back, not to mention finding a safe place to park? Or do you think they have valet parking? I said many are just people "down on their luck", however, there is an undesirable element present in such places that I, for one, don't choose to expose my children to. You just conveniently ignored the example of the convicted felon/escapee from Houston who hid out a a homeless shelter for several days. Or I suppose I'm making that up? Also, I've read that the incidence of TB is on the rise, and has been found in homeless shelters at a much greater rate than the general population. No, that isn't something I'm making up, either. Really homeless shelters aren't like something out of a Dickens novel! Also, isn't it rather rude, to go to a shelter, just to "gawk" at the less fortunate? Kind of like Bedlam, putting the mentally ill on display for a fee (go look it up if you doubt me,) It was about 100 years ago, hopefully we're more civilized and compassionate now! Homeless shelters aren't there for "sightseeing"! Just where did I express "anger and disdain at those less fortunate"? That's just something Horsegirl made up to justify attacking me. I just don't happen to think that visiting a homeless shelter is such a great idea. The reality doesn't fit with the perception that many have, that its something out of a Dickens novel.


Just what does my past experience with WL have to do with anything here? I had a bad experience with WL, so I posted my opinion. Seems I, like everyone else, is entitled to an opinion. Yes, partly to vent, but also to provide a different point of view about WL so others could take that into consideration. Many others on that thread (almost a year old) also agreed that WL has its drawbacks. So, to all the other posters out there, please, go wherever you want--WL, a homeless shelter, wherever!!!!

3Princesses4Us ....I really don't need your permission to go to WDW, or wherever I please! I have some suggestions as to where you could go, but I don't think they can be posted here!

 

[disneyjunkie]

No, I don't think there are "people with communicable diseases everywhere........." Where did I say that? Just my point that a homeless shelter isn't exactly the safest environment for small children. Also, they're oftentimes not in the best areas of town. Do you really think its appropriate to expose yourself and small children to an area where its a risk just driving there and back, not to mention finding a safe place to park? Or do you think they have valet parking? I said many are just people "down on their luck", however, there is an undesirable element present in such places that I, for one, don't choose to expose my children to. You just conveniently ignored the example of the convicted felon/escapee from Houston who hid out a a homeless shelter for several days. Or I suppose I'm making that up? Also, I've read that the incidence of TB is on the rise, and has been found in homeless shelters at a much greater rate than the general population. No, that isn't something I'm making up, either. Really homeless shelters aren't like something out of a Dickens novel! Also, isn't it rather rude, to go to a shelter, just to "gawk" at the less fortunate? Kind of like Bedlam, putting the mentally ill on display for a fee (go look it up if you doubt me,) It was about 100 years ago, hopefully we're more civilized and compassionate now! Homeless shelters aren't there for "sightseeing"! Just where did I express "anger and disdain at those less fortunate"? That's just something Horsegirl made up to justify attacking me. I just don't happen to think that visiting a homeless shelter is such a great idea. The reality doesn't fit with the perception that many have, that its something out of a Dickens novel.


Just what does my past experience with WL have to do with anything here? I had a bad experience with WL, so I posted my opinion. Seems I, like everyone else, is entitled to an opinion. Yes, partly to vent, but also to provide a different point of view about WL so others could take that into consideration. Many others on that thread (almost a year old) also agreed that WL has its drawbacks. So, to all the other posters out there, please, go wherever you want--WL, a homeless shelter, wherever!!!!

Momof Princesses....I really don't need your permission to go to WDW, or wherever I please! I have some suggestions as to where you could go, but I don't think they can be posted here!

I really feel sorry for your kids and your husband.

 

[VSL]

I really feel sorry for your kids and your husband.

Even with 900+ posts, she seems kinda troll-ish - posting threads asking for opinions and then flaming everyone who replies with a suggestion that's not to her liking.

Suprised she's still around

 

[bizeemom4]

however, there is an undesirable element present in such places that I, for one, don't choose to expose my children to.

Also, isn't it rather rude, to go to a shelter, just to "gawk" at the less fortunate?

Just where did I express "anger and disdain at those less fortunate"?

That's just something Horsegirl made up to justify attacking me.

I have some suggestions as to where you could go, but I don't think they can be posted here!

Well, that's it for me. I'm out. I for one have wasted enough time on this lost cause. Good luck to your children. They need it!

 

[graygables]

No, I don't think there are "people with communicable diseases everywhere........." Where did I say that? Just my point that a homeless shelter isn't exactly the safest environment for small children. Also, they're oftentimes not in the best areas of town. Do you really think its appropriate to expose yourself and small children to an area where its a risk just driving there and back, not to mention finding a safe place to park? Or do you think they have valet parking? I said many are just people "down on their luck", however, there is an undesirable element present in such places that I, for one, don't choose to expose my children to. You just conveniently ignored the example of the convicted felon/escapee from Houston who hid out a a homeless shelter for several days. Or I suppose I'm making that up? Also, I've read that the incidence of TB is on the rise, and has been found in homeless shelters at a much greater rate than the general population. No, that isn't something I'm making up, either. Really homeless shelters aren't like something out of a Dickens novel! Also, isn't it rather rude, to go to a shelter, just to "gawk" at the less fortunate? Kind of like Bedlam, putting the mentally ill on display for a fee (go look it up if you doubt me,) It was about 100 years ago, hopefully we're more civilized and compassionate now! Homeless shelters aren't there for "sightseeing"! Just where did I express "anger and disdain at those less fortunate"? That's just something Horsegirl made up to justify attacking me. I just don't happen to think that visiting a homeless shelter is such a great idea. The reality doesn't fit with the perception that many have, that its something out of a Dickens novel.

Now who is "feeling superior"??? You don't go SERVE at a homeless shelter to "gawk", you go to SERVE and as a side benefit, you learn immense gratitude for what you have. You learn the difference between a "want" and a "need". Also, when was the last time you READ a Dicken's novel? Have you any clue at all what Dickenson "homeless shelters" were like? They weren't shelter at all and were horrid, WRETCHED places to be, enough so, that many would rather freeze to death on the streets of London rather than go there and have their children ripped away from them and stuck in an orphanage/work house. "Homeless shelters" today are a far cry from that...maybe if you visited one, you'd see that for yourself.

Quite frankly, I would rather expose my children to *that* "undesirable element" than expose them to your children whom I'm sure are learning their behavior from somewhere and it ain't school, my dear. It simply boils down to a year round lack of parenting and it's not something you can fix in time for Christmas. Stop taking your hostilities out on the rest of the world and take a moment to look in the mirror. You'd be amazed if you REALLY took the time to look at yourself as the source of your miseries first. I daresay that most of us here have already figured that one out.

 

[3princesses4us]

Okay, this "lady" has just told me to go to "you know where" in no uncertain terms. At what point do we close YET ANOTHER one of the threads she has started?
If you won't stay out of Disney, at least do us the favor of staying off these boards.

 

[vhoffman]

GrayGables,

You've had some rude posts before, however, your last one is a deliberate insult to my children--that you wouldn't want people in homeless shelters exposed to my kids. HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY
CHILDREN?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your post is about the lowest thing I've seen. Really, do you think you can post anything you want on this board? Congratulations--You've sunk to a new low!

 

[3princesses4us]

She's sunk to a new low?! You just told me to go to HE double hockey sticks to put it nicely!!!! If that's not low, I don't know what is!

 

[vhoffman]

3princesses4us--

I told you to go to He--? Where did I say that? I said I had suggestions, however you interpret that is up to you. Perhaps you feel your interpretation fits? Go wherever you wish.............y que te vaya bien!

 

[Allison]

I agree with others-I feel very badly for the kids and the husband who have to deal with such an angry and bitter person.

 

[VSL]

GrayGables,

You've had some rude posts before, however, your last one is a deliberate insult to my children--that you wouldn't want people in homeless shelters exposed to my kids. HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY
CHILDREN?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GrayGables didn't want to expose his/her children to your children - you don't seem to thoroughly read the posts you respond to.

Your post is about the lowest thing I've seen. Really, do you think you can post anything you want on this board? Congratulations--You've sunk to a new low!

Pot. Kettle. Black. - you should go back and read some of your posts (and not only the ones on this thread).
You, apparently, seem to think you can post anything you want on this board.

Double standards.

I've come to my conclusion: troll.

 

[minkydog]

Where is that troll picture when we need it?

 

[krystyana]

Why ask for help/advice if you are not willing to hear the suggestions? People will always have different opinions but if you choose to hear what they are saying with an open mind maybe you could make positive changes. I don't think anyone is a perfect parent, it's one of those jobs you learn along the way and with trial and error, and I really haven't read anyone trying to present themselves as perfect, just offering suggestions and what has worked for them. I try to expose my four year old to experiences so that he can appreciate what he has. Every year I have had him pick out a toy and give it to toys for tots, I have taken him with me to volunteer, and I try to do things to teach him to respect others and know how truly lucky we are. We have definately recieved as much as we have given when volunteering, I recommend it. Is he perfect, no way! He's four, he has temper tantrums, probably has too many toys, and doesn't really get the "meaning" of Christmas and giving yet, but he does know his boundaries and knows that actions have consequences.

 

[graygables]

GrayGables,

You've had some rude posts before, however, your last one is a deliberate insult to my children--that you wouldn't want people in homeless shelters exposed to my kids. HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY
CHILDREN?????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Your post is about the lowest thing I've seen. Really, do you think you can post anything you want on this board? Congratulations--You've sunk to a new low!

Rude or brutally honest? Guess it depends on your perspective. And, yes, I said I wouldn't want to expose MY children to yours.

BTW, I've read your OP to several people today, friends, in-laws, parents, older DDs, etc and they've all had the same reaction, "You've GOT to be kidding me?!?" Nope, I say, whipping cream on the mirrors. I have yet to hear anyone tell me that you are parenting appropriately, even if your DS is ADHD, in fact, the response has been, "Does she discipline them AT ALL???" Perhaps if you posted some of your discipline techniques that you are consistent with, others might have some good suggestions of other things you might try.

It's clear that you have your self-rose-colored glasses on and a darkened mirror to look in. Take 'em off, turn up the lights and maybe you'll say, "Hey! Maybe *I'M* the problem!"

 

[terri01p]

vhoffman-

I always enjoy your posts, sometimes I get on here and if I see your name on the thread I will click on it regardless of the title because I know it's going to be bazaar, you seem to love a good debate ( not that this is one ), why don't you just not even mention christmas, an act like it's any other weekend, problem solved.

 

[Allison]

These posts are right up there with the thread where the OP observes that people from large families act like "selfish, grubby hogs" and there are "too many pigs at the trough".

See this post:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=10557370#post10557370

 

[gr8ful4Him]

Just my point that a homeless shelter isn't exactly the safest environment for small children. Also, they're oftentimes not in the best areas of town. Do you really think its appropriate to expose yourself and small children to an area where its a risk just driving there and back, not to mention finding a safe place to park? Or do you think they have valet parking? I said many are just people "down on their luck", however, there is an undesirable element present in such places that I, for one, don't choose to expose my children to.

Just in case you don't realize it, there is NO safe environment for children. NONE! I have taken my children to a homeless shelter before. Many times the people there are MUCH more grateful for the fact that someone would take their time to do anything for them. We've gone with our old church's youth group and had worship services with them and then fed them afterwards. The youth served these people and then sat and had the opportunity to talk with them, and learn that most were just "down on their luck". I guess I didn't notice the undesirable element present at the shelter we went to...sure, they may not have been dressed in fancy clothes, or looked the cleanest, or whatever, but they also weren't trying to impress anyone and they had better manners than a lot of people I run into daily.

 

[Mom to Jordan]

I read through this post this Am when there was only 2 replies and had been thinking all day about what to say. After returning home and reading through all the post it seems there is nothing else to say. I will say a prayer for this sad family and pray they get the help that they seem to need.

Jordans' mom

 

[vhoffman]

Oh, are we having fun yet? Let's make a contest out of how many of my past posts you can find, then twist them into something I never intended. Really, have some of you considered teaching Creative Writing? What an interesting pass time! Am I supposed to be on the defensive about every word I've ever written? The "...too many pigs at the trough", was an entirely different matter. And regardless, stop taking my words out of context and applying them in a global manner. For example, I never said that homeless shelters are all full of drunks, etc. However, there are many undesirables mixed in along with those "down on their luck"--my words, never quoted! Every time I write a sentence that is specific to a given situation someone comes along and stretches it into my saying it applies in all situations. Or perhaps some of you have such poor reading comprehension that you really can't determine the main point, subordinate ideas, etc. That's what they're teaching my kids now in third grade--perhaps some of you would benefit from sitting in on some of your children's reading classes?

What I don't understand is how some of you feel justified attacking my parenting because of some of the things my kids have done--such as squirt whipping cream on the mirror. I'm not standing there letting him do it! I don't know about it until after the fact, which should be obvious. I've said I've tried every discipline method legal, been consistent, etc. This kid just doesn't respond to anything I do. Perhaps if he wasn't allowed to get away with anything he wants at school he'd behave better at home. Oh, yes, I know, its supposed to be the other way around. Well, do any of you have any suggestions--legal, of course? You just assume I've done nothing over the years, that makes it easier to attack me. What doesn't fit, you just throw out.

Well, I started this thread yesterday after coming home from the mall, all decorated for Christmas, and we saw soime model homes decorated for Christmas. True to form, ds proceeded to take ornaments off the trees, then denied he was touching them when caught red-handed! I attempted to correct him, only to be told by the variuous sales clerks "Oh, that's ok. He's just a little boy". To which he gave a self-satisfied grin. Regardless of what some of you might think, I do try to correct and discipline him. However, it seems like I'm always fighting someone else, oftentimes a stranger, who thinks they have to intervene and somehow "champion" him. Believe me, he knows how to play into that. I told the clerk who said "that's ok", then it must be ok for him to break things, according to her, and I would not pay for them. Oh, lets see how this gets twisted around--let me save you some trouble. Lets see now, something like this--"how can he ever learn to respect other people's property if you stand there and say its alright, go ahead, I won't pay for the damage? Just ignore the fact that I tried to correct him and was overruled by others, including sales clerks! Whatever I do, its wrong and I'm at fault.

Well, have fun! This has gone from the original topic to attacks on me and my children. Argue amongst yourselves, go to WDW, or wherever you like! Merry Christmas!