Saw lots of Unmagical Parents

[elismom]

Oh that sounds like a mom that used to live in my neighborhood.
She laughed about how she forced her daughter(then 6) on a ride and she peed herself from fright.
This was a very unhappy and mean women and they travelled alot!

 

[donac]

I agree that commando style doesn't always work with kids. We were with my sister and her family a few years ago. We decided to do an enight. We went back to our rooms and took a rest while they continued to tour. It really showed with her younger child later.

Not enough people realize that rest is a good thing. It can make the rest of the day so much more enjoyable.

Dona

 

[lenshanem]

LOL The last two times we went to Muppets Vision my 5 year old freaked! She had seen it before when she was smaller and I guess it left a serios impression on her cause she thought the cannonballs really hit the walls.
In June I had my hubby with us. As soon as we walked into the waiting area with the TVs she started freaking out like we were torturing her. Peopel started looking at us so he had to atek her out whiel i satyed with our 2 year old.
Then in July she did it again with my Mom who was determined she was going to see it again so she could see the cannonballs were pretend. Again she freaked and my Mom had to atek her out whiel I satyed with my 2 year odl.
Both times she was literally ahving a fit like you'd never seen. It was amazing and I'm sure peopel aroudn us were wondering if they shoudl report us!
Now this si the same girl who thinks Hanuted Mansion is fun adn watches Bugs Life.
So you never know..........
regardless, it will be a long tiem before I atek her on Dinosuar, etc. I think she woudl ahve a stroke.

 

[frazzled one]

On our trip last week I noticed lots of "family dynamics" that probably would have occurred whether the kids were at WDW, the local shopping mall, or in their own living rooms. For better or for worse, we're stuck with the same family members when we're on vacation, and I know from first-hand experience that their relationships won't be miraculously fixed just because they're in the happiest place on earth.

I saw lots of teasing, tattling, and other endearing sibling behaviors. Also noticed many parents failing to notice and act on problems until they became MAJOR problems - probably because they were just plain exhausted. A major example: unsafe behavior while waiting for Disney transportation. Saw lots of kids chasing each other at the bus stops, running out into the roadway, hopping up and down off of the benches etc. - while Mom and Dad seemed not to notice until someone fell, at which time Mom or Dad would holler at the injured child. (So what's the sin here - inappropriate behavior or getting hurt because of it?)

No doubt about it, parenting in the parks can be tough. But I'm with those who suggest pre-emptive action - paying attention, clear expectations, fun distractions, etc.

fraz

 

[pintrader]

Teri1

Thank you for sharing your insight from a new perspective as an adult at WDW without children. Changing your perspective challenges what you THINK you know. I hope it adds something meaningful to all your future visits.

I wonder how many who work there ( so obviously without their kids while working) make the same observation? I also wonder how many time it is immensely obvious that it is NOT just a moment in the day?

 

[anne60]

On the flip side...last April we were waiting to get into the MK. Next to us was a family, Mom, Dad, and 6 kids of various ethnic backgrounds, so I assume some were adopted or foster children. The oldest looked to be about ten, the youngest about 3. The Mom had a big bag and out of it came bananas, hard boiled eggs, juice boxes. She doled it out to the kids and they sat down and ate. Each one of the older ones helped the younger ones with peeling their egg and banana, and when they were thru, they gathered all the trash together and went over to CM, who let them under the rope to the trash. This was done without any comments from the Mom or the Dad. I watched them for at least a half hour, and there was no fighting, whining, nothing but happiness and excitement. I really enjoyed watching these kids, especially when the train pulled up and they did the opening song. Sometimes the Magic comes from your fellow travelers, I know it did for me that day.

 

[Tarheel Tink]

I have another "on the flip side" story- I see so much uphappy moments that this really stood out for us. We were on The Land ride and a young child was screaming non-stop despite all efforts. We could not hear the CM- suddenly the child's frantic mother put her hand over the child's mouth and gently patted it turning the screams into an amusing war whoop- Indian style! The child stopped in amazement and started laughing. We all started giggling and the CM was unable to speak for a while from her laughing- a definite case of turning a negative into a positive for all involved!