I saw the World's worst parents at MGM!!!

[phisigprincess]

I'm sure that little boy had a magical vacation.

 

[Straughn]

Kinda makes me wonder how the parents treat the children in private if they are this rude in public.

In 10 or so years, these children will be foul-monthed, obnoxious teen-agers who don't care about anything or anyone. The apple never falls far from the tree...

 

[Ride Junkie]

nick262 - I love the pic of the cute little girl enjoying her ice cream cone! That is adorable.

Wouldn't it be great if these parents happened to cruise these boards & see themselves, along with everyone's reaction. But on the other hand, would they even recognize their behavior? Probably not.

 

[madgomez]

I think these threads are important because children rely on adults to protect them from abuse. And this was abusive. If we see these things happening to children and nobody ever says or does anything, then the parents think it is okay and the children keep right on suffering. If we say "well, I won't comment on this because I'm not a perfect parent either and perhaps those parents had a good reason for their behaviour" then it doesn't improve. Yes, we all make mistakes and have bad days - but we need to call each other on it when we are doing things that hurt children.

I know that this thread doesn't help the children in the original post. But notice how when one of the OP's family made a comment, the mother taking the video did move a bit so the son could see at least a little. Her comment didn't solve it, but it did have some effect.

And when I read these threads, my hope is that it gives us courage. Next time we see something like this, we'll feel supported by "our DISboard friends" in their agreement that these things are wrong. And maybe that will encourage us to speak up - not in a hostile way, but in a way that will help the parents and protect the children. Offer a suggestion, encourage the child, share your own experience (if you can mention being in a similar situation and how you dealt with it).

Research with abused children says that often it is those little supportive comments from other adults - often strangers - that kept them going and helped them to understand that what was being said and done to them was wrong and that it wasn't their fault.

That's my perspective, anyway.

Teresa

Teresa, thank you for your perspective on why threads like this are important. I think you are right that there are times when we need to have courage and get involved. And I appreciate your thoughtful and reasoned reply.

However, this thread comes on the heels of another thread, since locked, started by the mother of an autistic boy, who complained about comments from others, because they didn't know the circumstances of her son's meltdown nor the medical condition underlying it.

On that thread, the majority of posters agreed how rude it was for other adults to react or comment on others parenting methods, not knowing the whole story. Many of the posts were very harsh about how adults shouldn't make comments or interfere with parents and how they handle their children. On that thread I suggested that those complaining about others judging might be doing the same thing by assuming the criticisers were rude and there was no other explanation for their behavior. I said maybe we should all stop judging each other. Went over about as well as my post here.

I am not suggesting the children in the OP's story were autistic, before I'm misconstrued again. Only that, once again, perhaps we shouldn't all judge each other.

 

[nick262]

nick262 - I love the pic of the cute little girl enjoying her ice cream cone! That is adorable.

Thank you! She loves ice cream.

 

[tlbwriter]

Kinda makes me wonder how the parents treat the children in private if they are this rude in public.

In 10 or so years, these children will be foul-monthed, obnoxious teen-agers who don't care about anything or anyone. The apple never falls far from the tree...

It won't take 10 years. Just a few days ago I saw an 8 or 9 year old boy yell "Shut the f___ up!" on a local playground. His father gently "tsk tsked" and said "Johnny, don't say that!" Gee, where do you think Johnny learned that language? (And after observing Johnny on the playground, I saw no evidence that he suffered from Tourette Syndrome or autism or anything other than a foul mouth!)

 

[lark]

I try not to pass judgement and I always try to see the other side - but in this one I just couldn't - if saying that I would never tell my child to shut his hole is "self-congratulatory back patting about what great parents WE all are"

well then - I am doing it!!!

1) Fair enough.

2) Peace.

3) I do think that's exactly what it is. From the other comments on the thread, it is clear that I am easily and firmly in the minority on whether that's problematic, and I do understand and respect the majority view. I just, again, humbly and with much respect, differ. I guess the last point I'd make (not to the OP, but to some of the follow up stuff) is that with respect to the part about not trying to pass judgment, at it's core, isn't what this thread is all about? Again, we can disagree about whether there's a problem with passing judgment in this situation, but we should at least be able to be honest and agree that the entire thread is an invitation to pass judgment.

 

[madgomez]

out of curiosity - why did you open the thread then? You are certainly entitled to feel that this is an inappropriate thread but I am just explaining why I posted it for you and wondering why when this type of thread bothers you that you would open it

I opened this thread because I was curious what behavior was witnessed that prompted the title of the thread. This type of thread doesn't bother me, as it gives me the chance to encourage others to try not to judge that which you do not know.

my point was to discuss how some people seem to get so wrapped up in getting the perfect photo or video or having the perfect moment that they seem to forget that they should be having fun and enjoying the moment with their kids not going for the perfect memory and in the process ruin it

Perhaps that was your point, but you do not know that the story you just created was the reality of the situation for the people you are talking about. Perhaps they had seen the parade with their children numerous times and now wanted a video. Perhaps the father has some sort of mental condition. Perhaps they were spys for another company making theme parks and the kids were a front and not really theirs. Unlikely - of course - I'm being extreme to make my point - NONE OF US KNOW.


I was baffled by the behavior - everyone around us was horrified - I started my post by saying I know I don't know the WHOLE story but I just can't imagine doing this or treating my child this way - NEVER and I mean NEVER will the words "shut your hole" come out of my mouth while talking to my children

Being baffled is non-judgmental and quite expected under the circumstances. And I know you said you didn't know the whole story. I hope you manage to never lose it with your children. I know as parents we all try to do the same. Some are more successful than others.


I also contribute quite a bit in informational threads about Disney

I'm glad to know that - that is what we're on these boards for. I think you took my post as personal criticism, and it wasn't meant to be - I honestly wondered about the motivation for starting the thread. Thank you for your answer.

 

[LaraK]

I think that, as a parent, I would have to place this personal opinion forward for consideration.

Some days I'm a wonderful, patient, model parent. I gently correct my children's behavior using positive reinforcement and reflective listening techniques just like they tell you to do in the books.

Other days, one (or both) of my kids decide I don't need any sleep and decide it would be great to test every one of my limits. On those days I'm not as nice when I correct, or as patient in using reflective listening techniques and...every so often...raise my voice to my kids. Am I abusive? No! Am I not always at my best? Sure! We all have good days and bad days. I hope this was a bad day for this family...I suspect it was not, but I'm hoping this family was stressed and putting the child in a "time out" at the parade. I hope you don't think I'm a rotten parent when I snap at my kids.

I try not to judge, but sometimes you can't help it...I'm not perfect and will not cast any stones. I do think there are rotten kids and rotten parents...but there are bad people in the world and bad things happen.

 

[BluOrchid2]

NickandJulia'sMom ROCKS. That is all. You should visit her on the Make your own Disney tshirts thread sometime and see what all she does for her fellow DISers, out of the kindness of her heart.

 

[madgomez]

Well Said!!!!!! No one forced you to read this thread or this board for that matter.

I know no one forced me to read this thread or this board. I don't understand why you think I need to be told that. I participated to encourage us all to be nicer to each other and try not to judge. Perhaps my message is clear now.

You comment suggests to me that you didn't appreciate me sharing my suggestion. Perhaps you think you're being forced to read it?

 

[sjrogo713]

I think that everyone just gets too crazed at WDW because we are all paying so much money and trying to cram as much as you can into a 1 week vacation to "get your money's worth" is just impossible. We are going back for the first time in 6 years next month. Last time I was a commando, dragging my 5 year old son, 6 year old niece, a sister-in-law and 2 grammas through the parks on my schedule so we could "see everything" and the kids could have cared less, they just wanted to get back to the pool. Plus I almost killed the grammas in the 90 degree heat (not really, but they did have to take a day off from touring after a 12 hour day at MK)

This time taking it easier with just DH and 11 year old son -- Making a plan only to hit the "E-ticket" stuff and then chill the rest of the time. Plus my son I think is ready to hit everything now. So what ever we miss, we'll have to catch it next time (gotta start saving now!!!)

 

[LoveWDW]

I think that everyone just gets too crazed at WDW because we are all paying so much money and trying to cram as much as you can into a 1 week vacation to "get your money's worth" is just impossible. We are going back for the first time in 6 years next month. Last time I was a commando, dragging my 5 year old son, 6 year old niece, a sister-in-law and 2 grammas through the parks on my schedule so we could "see everything" and the kids could have cared less, they just wanted to get back to the pool. Plus I almost killed the grammas in the 90 degree heat (not really, but they did have to take a day off from touring after a 12 hour day at MK)

This time taking it easier with just DH and 11 year old son -- Making a plan only to hit the "E-ticket" stuff and then chill the rest of the time. Plus my son I think is ready to hit everything now. So what ever we miss, we'll have to catch it next time (gotta start saving now!!!)

Last time we went I had general plans for each day, and it was nice. We knew where we were going each morning and evening without having to study the night before. The last day, though, I looked at my husband and said, you know, we are on vacation, why don't we just take a break today. And we did. We came home from the trip relaxed.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

About 6 little ones ended up behind us - one of them hit me and told me to move I was in his way I did not feel it was my place to tell him that it was rude to hit me and that I was there first - I was sitting so I told him if he stood up he could see - maybe I should have moved but I sat there for the 1/2 an hour and his parents shoved him up there two minutes before the parade - when he stood up - his mom yelled at him to sit down - he pushed and hit me and DH through the whole parade!! I like to sit down next to my kids during the parade so we can laugh together and enjoy the parade as a family - and I get there early enough to make sure my kids and I have enough room - the parents who feel they can walk up in the last two minutes and then I should give up my spot for their child never cease to amaze me!

This has happened to me twice, once on my very first day at disney for spectro, but it wasn't just a kid, but a whole family. Dad shoved me out of the way, kids climbed up my legs, trampled all over my feet when they showed up 5 min into the parade and we had been there over 1 hour. Other time at Fantasmic, we got thier early got good seats and had the pleasure of having a 6 yr old kick me in the back (intentionally) for most of the show, when i finally politely asked the mother to control her child she made a snide comment. I can see where children get it from.

 

[MagicKingdom05]

We have no idea what caused this and if the little boy did anything or not. However if he didn't do anything and this is the way they acted, it sounds like to me that maybe mom and dad should have gone to WDW themselves.

 

[Tigger113]

Not a good parent point!

 

[Deb & Bill]

This thread shows the reason why I don't wait for parades anymore. I show up about when it starts or shortly after it starts and stand at the back of the crowd. It just isn't worth the agony you have to endure from some people who think it is all about them and/or their kids. That happened far too many times to count. Rudeness is rampant at WDW.

When we did wait for the parade and get good spots, we did let kids we didn't know join us in our spot. But we've had too many boors and jerks push their kids in front of us, sit down in front of us, push us to the back or side, demand that we give them our spots because "it's really for the children", etc.

So, I don't wait for parades anymore.

 

[ksdave]

I find it very interesting that there are so many threads and posts on here about bad behavior by adults and kids at the parades in WDW. I marched in the Main Street parade three times, but I have only watched it once, in 18 separate trips. The main reason: people pushing and shoving, raising their voices, etc. To me, it was just not worth it.
Maybe Disney should consider a better system so these parades do not create so much animosity. Big parades like the Rose Parade and Macy's Thankgiving Day parade have reserved seating with tickets you can buy in advance. Maybe WDW can use something along these lines to remove all the inherent problems with the current system of "grab a curb". Anything would be an improvement over the current status.

 

[Seahunt]

I think this thread shows just how much events like this really do bother you "deep down" when you witness them - I can think of a couple right away that still bother me.

One was a family in front of my DH and me waiting in line for Indiana Jones - there was a young boy probably about 8 or 9, and when the "explosions" went off during the show before ours (we were waiting in in the cordoned off lines, and so couldn't see the stage yet) he panicked and got scared that maybe he was going to be afraid to do this show. Instead of reassuring him, his parents lit into him with no "f-ing" son of theirs was going to be such a wimp and they didn't want to have anything to do with him from then on and he better just find his own way home to Indiana because they were leaving him, and on and on..... it was a terrible thing to witness, and I still wonder what to do in these cases.

Another was a young girl getting off a bus at MGM trying to help with a stroller. Her mom had a baby in her arms, and apparently when the girl tried to lift the stroller off the bus she didn't do such a good job and she left a mark on the stroller. Her mom SCREAMED at her (at the top of her lungs,as in "What the H*** is wrong with you, that's a brand new stroller, you F everything up,etc") in front of all of us waiting in line, and the girl just stood there silently with tears streaking down her face, embarassed that everyone in line had to see this.

Ugh - still makes my stomach turn to remember it....

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think this thread shows just how much events like this really do bother you "deep down" when you witness them - I can think of a couple right away that still bother me.

One was a family in front of my DH and me waiting in line for Indiana Jones - there was a young boy probably about 8 or 9, and when the "explosions" went off during the show before ours (we were waiting in in the cordoned off lines, and so couldn't see the stage yet) he panicked and got scared that maybe he was going to be afraid to do this show. Instead of reassuring him, his parents lit into him with no "f-ing" son of theirs was going to be such a wimp and they didn't want to have anything to do with him from then on and he better just find his own way home to Indiana because they were leaving him, and on and on..... it was a terrible thing to witness, and I still wonder what to do in these cases.

Another was a young girl getting off a bus at MGM trying to help with a stroller. Her mom had a baby in her arms, and apparently when the girl tried to lift the stroller off the bus she didn't do such a good job and she left a mark on the stroller. Her mom SCREAMED at her (at the top of her lungs,as in "What the H*** is wrong with you, that's a brand new stroller, you F everything up,etc") in front of all of us waiting in line, and the girl just stood there silently with tears streaking down her face, embarassed that everyone in line had to see this.

Ugh - still makes my stomach turn to remember it....

In a situation like this, I don't really care about the things I don't know about. These parents were abusive and should have been called on it. Poor kids. I don't need to know about the family dynamics, the medical conditions, etc. These were BAD PARENTS!!!

And I'll stand by that call.