Recent cruisers. . .kid paging experience

[rae519]

The ship will also use the pager if you have an emergency. We had an emergency ship to shore call February 2002, and not only were we paged by the ship's announcement speaker but also the pager.

In fact, several crew members started looking for us since this was a medical family emergency.

I can't be thankful enough to their paging system and the dedicated crew members who located us that day.

Rae

 

[clarabelle]

I cruised on the magic last month April 5 cruise. When we originally signed the kids up for the clubs the CM's told us if we have spa or palo ressies to let them know and they would not call us except in an emergency.

 

[allshookup]

Mollyjo I think this is a very legitimate concern! My children are a bit older at 6 & 9 but even I have already laid down the law with them. They were a little apprehensive about being "left" in the clubs but I assured them they would have a pager to call me when they needed me. However, that being said, I also told them that if they thought I was going to be taking them in and out all day because they want to see what DH and I are doing and then head back...that was NOT going to happen. If they page me....they are done at the clubs for the day.

Yes it is a family vacation, but I am looking forward to some ADULT time alone! In fact it is one of the things Disney emphasizes in their advertising....how there are ADULT restaurants and clubs and the little darlings NEVER want to leave their clubs because they are having sooooo much fun!

Goodness I've really heard the extremes on these boards from people who think nothing of leaving their kids for weeks at a time to vacation to some who feel they shouldn't leave their children for a minute of their vacation together. Geez she only wants to have dinner and we are talking about a BORED child not an anxious or crying child.

I think making a notation that you would be at Palo and calling down to the club if you DO get paged to speak to the child might be a good idea. Good luck!

 

[hilltopfamily]

quote from original post

..."Has DCL been any more flexible with NOT paging at the drop of a hat?".... this seems to be her original question

The original poster is every bit as "entitled" to be a parent as some of the responders to her post and I am sure she loves and is concerned about her children as much as the rest of us are for ours. I cannot believe the posts she is getting from some people, actually questioning her choice of even being a parent, or having decreased concern for her 4th vs. her 1st child!!! Wow!!!!!

Don't many of the people choose DCL and pay the higher costs to cruise with this line BECAUSE the DCL video, TA information, and booklets/reports all refer to the wonderful times your children will have BOTH with the family and during their times in the clubs and/or labs? Her question was neither out of line nor a sign of an irresponsible parent.

 

[Wishing on a star]

AMEN! Hilltopfamily......

This is the DCL Cruise Board, NOT a Parenting Forum!!!! I was just astounded to read some if these posts attacking and questioning some innocent persons right or ability to be a parent, just because of a legitimate DCL cruise question, and their desire to have one single meal alone as adults.


I have noticed this happening several times now, recently, on this board. And it really does not sit well with me at all... In fact it concerns me that others may now refrain from posting.

This is the CRUISE board people.... Let's keep it positive and informative!!!!

 

[AnnMorin]

Originally posted by hilltopfamily
quote from original post
The original poster is every bit as "entitled" to be a parent as some of the responders to her post and I am sure she loves and is concerned about her children as much as the rest of us are for ours. I cannot believe the posts she is getting from some people, actually questioning her choice of even being a parent, or having decreased concern for her 4th vs. her 1st child!!! Wow!!!!!
.

I do not recall stating that the woman should not be a parent or anything like she does not love her children. And it is my experience that most parents do tend to relax more with each additional child. That is not a negative statement. I know my best friend would not let baby number one out of her sight but by the time she had baby number five it was no big deal to let the infant stay with friends overnight. With experience comes knowledge and confidence so a new mother of a single child is going to react differently that a new mom of four. That was not a negative comment just a statement. And sometimes with that confidence the last child does get a bit less attention. Not neccessarily a bad thing and I have no idea if that is the case in this situation. I was just expressing my experience as a professional what I see happen.,
I am certain the OP loves her children otherwise she would not waste the money to even bring them along, I was simply stating that the mentality of a three year old and that child's needs are vastly different than that of a nine or ten year old who can understand mom and dad want some time to themselves. The first four years of life are crucial to a child's development of a sence of self and security vs. insecurity. It is not unreasonable for a three year old to simply "want" his mom for no reason-or even if that reason is boredom. I for one would not want an untrained person deciding for me if my child was really in need of my attention or not, and if I was not a professional I would be hesitant to make that determination when the child is so young and unable to properly vocalize their concerns. I certainly do not want a parenting debate as everyone should do what is right for their family situation. Just want to clarify that I never said she did not love her child(ren)!

 

[hilltopfamily]

"...if you don't muster up the common sense and parental feeling to reply whenever and wherever your child says s/he needs you, then you certainly should not be a parent..."

this was a statement I was referring to from 1 poster. Along with (from different poster):

"...I just am saying that child number four also deserves and desires your full attention as much as child number one did...."

just clarifying also what I saw here and responded to!

 

[mollyjo]

First let me say that I was in no way looking to start a fire storm with my original post. And I have to agree with "Wishing"--this is a cruise forum, where pertinent questions can be asked and possibly answered. That being said, I will be careful with future questions not to get too personal. This all reminds me that words are powerful, can be hurtful and the tongue is indeed a weapon. I try to keep my mind open and not criticize others because "there but the grace of God go I". I did take comments made from people very personally and felt compelled to defend my actions/opinions. Stupid really as you don't know me and I don't know you. Soooooo--remember folks, all of us, your way is not the "right" way, it's just YOUR way.

Thanks to all recent cruisers who posted their experience. I will make notes on our file, I will let them know when we are at Palo specifically. It sounds like they are making efforts to make that night special for parents as I feel it should be.

On a lighter note--do you think the tag fairies are gonna stick me with "makes kids cry and ignores pagers?" IT'S A JOKE!! Lord help us all if we lose our sense of humor.

MJ

PS Grumbo--really want to get that a copy of that Castaway Cay shot , would that be possible?

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by hilltopfamily
"...if you don't muster up the common sense and parental feeling to reply whenever and wherever your child says s/he needs you, then you certainly should not be a parent..."

this was a statement I was referring to from 1 poster. Along with (from different poster):

just clarifying also what I saw here and responded to!

I stand by my post, hilltopfamily - if a parent can't be a parent at all times then don't have children.

That's NOT an argument, but a statement based on years of experience working with parents who didn't want their children, children who have been abused, neglected and abandoned by these parents and everything I've seen and experienced inbetween.

I am a Registered Nurse, Counselor and CHILD advocate - not a rosecolored glasses do gooder who will only post things "light and fluffy" in agreement with the fairytale.

There are parents who put their children first and others who do not both on land and on the Disney Cruise Line.

Rae

 

[perdidobay]

IMHO, people who put their children first "all of the time" raise spoiled brats!

Equating a child staying in day care while the parents go out to eat with abused neglected and abandoned children is a bit much
In that case, all parents who go to work are child abusers, and should not have children, after all, if a parent can't be a parent at all times...they shouldn't have children


flame away !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rae519]

Do you really think putting children first is the cause of "spoiled brats"?! Poor parenting, lack of discipline and neglect are far more often the cause.

Children come first. That doesn't mean giving them everything they want and forgetting that there are responsibilities with rights.

If you think I was "equating" children in day care while parents eat with abused and neglected children - that was not my intention.

I do believe that if a child NEEDS (not wants) mom or dad, then that's where Mom or Dad need to be - not eating out or even working. And DH and I were also civilian full-time employees after our military careers and utilized child care during our workhours, if necessary. I had to resign as a DON (Director of Nursing) once because my child became very ill and required special nursing attention. Loss of income, YES - loss of seniority, YES - but our son need me and there was NO question where I needed to be.

No flames here.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

Children come first happens to be mine.

Rae

 

[AnnMorin]

Originally posted by perdidobay
IMHO, people who put their children first "all of the time" raise spoiled brats!
flame away !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
My son does come first all the time and is very far removed from being a spoiled brat. Putting a child first does not mean you indulge them with any wish they want-youjust make sacrifices or whatever to put the child's NEEDS before your own (note needs not wants) I am not convinced that anyone on this board does not truely put their child's needs first nor have I insinuated that anyone is a child abuser.
Mollyjo- I do apologize if my post started all this for you, I DO NOT think you are some type of bad mother nor did I think you were intending to ignore your child if they were in need of you. I was just suggesting to you ,based on my education and experience, (not just on my personal child rearing philosphy) that a three year old is at an age when it is difficult sometimes to identify if there is a true need or a want. I am sorry that some other posters have felt I attacked you that certainly was not my intent.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Before I say what am posting here to say - Just one comment first. Obviously a three year old does not always have the ability to identify a true need or want... They also do not have ability to pick up a pager and dial their parents!!!! That is what the wonderful and well trained counselors on DCL are for! According to some parents the DCL kids club should not even exist, and is solely there for the benefit of dead-beat neglectflul parents????? JEEZ!!!



SO, here goes....
This has become just ridiculous. I will not even begin to quote specific posts, but yes, Number one there have been comments here personally attacking the original posters ability or right to parent... Two, this thread has gone COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC!!!!! I am personally asking the MOD's to close it...... Hello, MOD'S..... are you out there?

 

[CarolAnnC]

Part of the problems with posting on an internet bulletin board is that words are sometimes misconstrued, there are no facial features nor voice inflections to accompany the words.

I truly believe all who are posting here on the Cruise Board have the best of intentions and desire to relay their own experiences with their children's adaptation to being left in the Kids Clubs. When a topic is opened for discussion, we must expect to hear differing viewpoints. If all replies were homoginized and the same as our own, it would be a very boring world IMHO.

So please try to take what you can from reading the experiences of others here and treat everyone with the same kindness and respect that you would like to be treated with yourself. Thank you all and have a most enjoyable Sunday!!

 

[AnnMorin]

Originally posted by Wishing on a star
Before I say what am posting here to say - Just one comment first. Obviously a three year old does not always have the ability to identify a true need or want... They also do not have ability to pick up a pager and dial their parents!!!! That is what the wonderful and well trained counselors on DCL are for! According to some parents the DCL kids club should not even exist, and is solely there for the benefit of dead-beat neglectflul parents????? JEEZ!!!



SO, here goes....
This has become just ridiculous. I will not even begin to quote specific posts, but yes, Number one there have been comments here personally attacking the original posters ability or right to parent... Two, this thread has gone COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC!!!!! I am personally asking the MOD's to close it...... Hello, MOD'S..... are you out there?

I certainly did not suggest that the clubs should not exist. I think they are a great benifit. As to the training of the councilors I would highly doubt any of them are certified teachers, child deveopment specialists or the likes, nor should they be-their job is to supervise and facilitate play in a safe environment. My guess is they probably are required to meet the minimum OCCS reguations which would be one class in child developement and to be certified in CPR and first aid.

Mollyjo, again I do apologize if you felt I was questioning your "ablity or right to parent" that certainly was never my intention. I do think you got some great advice that you may want to let the CM's know you are in palo when you are going and I would add to try to plan it when there is an activity that your child may be most interested in, thus avoiding her getting board etc.

 

[Mjasp]

It is funny how interpretation of each post can be taken either way.

When I read the original post, I thought nothing of it, maybe because my children are older, now 7 and 11. They were never needy kids and always liked going to pre school, etc. Ann, I'm sure you know my type of kid (being a preschool teacher) They would love to be left with a babysitter (grandma) who wouldn't, etc. (strange kids) I guess.
They love having fun and being stimulated.
Maybe I thought nothing of it because our friends sailed when her DD was 3 and she got beeped while in Palo's. I don't know if the waiter called the club or them, but they were then told to enjoy the rest of their dinner as it was not an emergency and her DD ws not crying or upset, etc. Her daughter was just fine when she picked her up, and never said how come you didn't come for me when I called.

Now this is the funny part...I am the overprotective mom and DH is more laid back. He always says if he wasn't around our kids still wouldn't be walking. For the fear of falling and hurting themselves LOL. Funny now when you look back.

Yet, I was the one who didn't give any thought to the original posters question. On the other hand my DH said that question is one that should have never been asked. He stated it was obvious what should be done when your child (any age) calls for you.

As far as birth order goes. Speaking From my OWN personal experience, I am more relaxed with my second child. I think you know they don't break.
It may be that the first child is doing things you never dealt with before and with the 2nd child, you know what more or less to expect. I have no idea what it is, but it is. Go ahead BR dad, have fun with that sentence. LOL

I totally agree with Carol Ann that words on the internet are misconstrued and there is no facial features or voice to accompany the words.



Joanna

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by Wishing on a star
Before I say what am posting here to say - Just one comment first. Obviously a three year old does not always have the ability to identify a true need or want...

MY reply: Babies cry their needs and then learn to express them.
I believe that if a child expresses a request for a parent, then the parent should assess the situation and respond accordingly.



They also do not have ability to pick up a pager and dial their parents!!!! That is what the wonderful and well trained counselors on DCL are for! According to some parents the DCL kids club should not even exist, and is solely there for the benefit of dead-beat neglectflul parents????? JEEZ!!!


My reply: This was not said, implied or intended by anyone. If parents wish to have a "childfree vacation" then so be it. If children are included then that's different. The Club is for the benefit of both child and parents. The counselors are wonderful and well trained, but if a child says, "I want my Mom/Dad". The counselors have the responsibility to notify the parents.
Some children enjoy the Clubs more than others when the activities suit their interests. Again, if you include your child in your vacation then don't expect the Clubs to take over your responsibility as a parent when your child requests you to come for them.


SO, here goes....
This has become just ridiculous. I will not even begin to quote specific posts, but yes, Number one there have been comments here personally attacking the original posters ability or right to parent... Two, this thread has gone COMPLETELY OFF TOPIC!!!!! I am personally asking the MOD's to close it...... Hello, MOD'S..... are you out there?

My reply: I fail to see any "attacks" on individuals - there have been general comments made about children, parenting and Clubs - all having to do with the "kids paging experience" and comments made.




Rae

 

[Michelle]

Mollyjo, my daughter is older so it's not as applicable, and she has cruised 5 times on DCL so far and is very familiar with and enjoys the Club/Lab. Last December (she's 9) we were dropping her off and she started complaining that she was bored and didn't want to stay. One of the counselors, seeing that we were dressed for Palo, took her under his wing and made her his "special assistant", which she loved. They really DO go out of their way to give parents an evening alone at Palo.

Of course when we went to pick DD up later she didn't want to leave the Lab.

With a little one it IS harder, they are more dependent upon parents and sometimes they just want you and no amount of distraction will change that. I hope for your sake that both kids are happy and enjoy their time in the clubs so you can enjoy a night out too.

 

[Empire Day]

Should I even get in this...
Just back and DS7 paged us quite frequently not everytime he was in the club but always just when mom and dad sat down for a cocktail in cadalic lounge 3 times! But this saved us so much $$$$ LOL. The only real bummer was 40min after we droped him off so we could do some shoping in nassau, and have lunch, of course right as we looked at the menu at Senior Frogs beep,beep,beep! and then go to get him and he wanted to stay!! he was afraid we went swimming without him!!!
All in all I think they do a great job!!! and I'm glad the kids can just request to have the parents paged!

 

[Grumbo]

MollyJO private message me with your email address and I will send you the original Castaway Cay photo from my sig file. It is a rather large jpg file (as opposed to the reduced one in the sig file) but you can reduce it to whatever size you would like.
Next time Mollyjo post on something like your kids won't wear ties or dress shoes or the even better one "I like wearing shorts to Palo".. Should be good for a few pages of replies
Cheers,
Grumbo