Screaming children

[karemore]

We ate in a restaurant in Lake Placid that said on the menu something to the effect of :

"We welcome your well behaved children. We will pack up your meal at no extra charge if they become restless".

It was a clear message to parents that they would be escorted out if they didn't control their kids.

It's amazing how many parents let their kids run wild, and then are suprised when they get older and they have all kinds of issued with them.

Just reading this thread gave me a headache!! lol

Karen

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Gretchen, I have one of those devil-children, too. My guy is 4yo and has been removed from restaurants, stores, etc. Restaurants are the bigger problem since I don't want him, or any child, to ruin the experience for others. I figure that nobody is going to the grocery store for a good time so I tolerate more there than other places. That, and we do need groceries.

Today he had to have a 10 minute time-out in his room after we returned from the grocery store because he was yelling everything that he had to say to me, even though he wasn't always mad. ARG! He got a fair warning and then I followed through with what I'd told him.

I don't expect perfect behavior from my children or other's children, but children should be taught what respectable behavior is.

As to the Sounds Dangerous show at MGM, I had a problem there when my son was 1yo. I knew that he wouldn't have a problem with the dark so we went. He started making baby noises (not crying, etc, just noises, but you know how the sound carries in that show) and a lady in back of us started making all sorts of rude comments about him. The ironic thing is that didn't she realize that she could be heard by everyone, too, and she kept it up, not just complaining about Jake, but just talking. She was an example of a rude adult... I wanted to take Jake out, but it was pitch black and we weren't on an aisle, so I had a hard time doing so. Yes, they warned us about the darkness, so I should have known, but was thinking more about the scary factor the darkness, not how hard it would be to leave. Live and learn, which I do.

Someone mentioned the age to bring children to WDW. We waited until our older children were 4, 7, and 10 yo, which was perfect. Problem is, we had a 4th child. We took a second trip when the kids were 1, 7, 10, and 13. I wouldn't have normally brought a 1yo, but with other older siblings it was the right thing to do. It also depends if you are talking about a once in a lifetime type trip or something that occurs on a somewhat regular basis. Not to mention the temperment of the child/children. All individual and personal decisions.

My husband and I hope to take a trip to WDW, sans children, and hopefully I won't be surrounded by too amny unruly children, but even if I am, my consolation is that they are not MY unrully children.

T&B

 

[PhotobearSam]

I am so glad some of you actually say something or tell a manager...

Too many people just sit there and do nothing. Ask and you shall receive...If you don't say anything, nothing will be done about it. If more people spoke up, things would change.


I don't tolerate someone else ruining my day/night/meal etc.

I can put up with a little bit of bad behavior but I don't hesitate to tell people when I have had enough.

Thank goodness my DH is 6'2" and 400lbs...No one talks back to me after I say something like "Please calm your child...We are paying customers too" and they then see my DH and quickly do the right thing...

Gotta love the Big Hubby thing...

 

[jbthi]

I know all children can act up at times, but it really upsets me to see the parents ignore this.

Now may I tell a nice story about 2 of my GC?

We had our 4 yr GD and her mother at Kona restaurant. She is usually well behaved but this day she wouldn't sit in her chair. She wanted to climb on the table. Well, her grandfather picked her up and took her outside. When they returned a few minutes later she sat down and ate like a little lady. We never did find out what he did. When GD was talking to her father on the phone that night, he asked her how she had been. She said "well I was a little wild today but now I have settled down."

Another year our 2 1/2 year old GD had the most fun of anyone at DW. She was perfect. She did not whine, cry or beg once. She had the biggest grin imaginable on her face almost all the time. Everyone said we should wait until she was older to take her but I am so glad we took her then.

When I asked her what her favorite ride was she said the "school bus" at OKW. Her older brother and sister rode the school bus and I guess she figured she was as big as them now.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I agree that the parents ignoring this behavior is the big problem. Of course if the real problem is noise, etc, runing a meal, I'd have to say that just as big of a problem is adults talking loudly on cell phones. I encounter that more often than noisy children. Again, that goes back to adults who aren't thinking about the other patrons in the restaurant.

We were out of town a couple weeks ago. My 4yo was especially awful, getting mad about everything. Not just in restaurants, but at the science museum we were at. My DH was at the end of his rope, but the funny/ironic/pathetic thing is that when my son would get mad, my husband would way in a louder voice, "no yelling". Hmmm, didn't really help the situation at hand. lol I took over with Jake and things went a little better. Turns out Jake was sick, which explained his bad mood. And my DH was sleep deprived, which explained his bad mood.

T&B

 

[disneyfreakk]

so your family was just "sick and tired" of it all, huh??
LOLOLOL

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by disneyfreakk
so your family was just "sick and tired" of it all, huh??
LOLOLOL

You could say that!!!

T&B

 

[pixie71]

okay here's my $.02 and some people may not like it.

First, in defense of parents - why is everything in the world blamed on the parents You can have the most patient, loving, nurturing parent and the child will still behave just like what he/she is a CHILD. When I see a wailing "out of control" kid I don't feel for the kid I feel for the parent!!! First, of all you have these non-parents and parents with perfect little "angels" staring at you and judging you on your parenting skills and they know nothing about you or the situation. So that automatically sends the parent in defense mode and causes them to take some kind of negative action toward the child instead of forgetting about those people who don't pay their bills and focus on the best way to correct the problem.

Second, we would be reading posts from people who are appalled if parents starting spanking their kids in public in response to their behavior - you can't win. Parenting experts tell us not to spank it sends the wrong messages so we try to talk and reason with kids and some kids just like all adults are not the same - they just can't be talked too or reasoned with. I am sorry that the originial poster had an awful experience but lay off the parents let's not forget that the kid's genes also have a lot to do with his/her behavior as well...and how many times have your parents said to you "I just don't know where you get that from" - just something to think about.

 

[Deep-Thots]

Originally posted by pixie71
okay here's my $.02 and some people may not like it.

First, in defense of parents - why is everything in the world blamed on the parents You can have the most patient, loving, nurturing parent and the child will still behave just like what he/she is a CHILD. When I see a wailing "out of control" kid I don't feel for the kid I feel for the parent!!! First, of all you have these non-parents and parents with perfect little "angels" staring at you and judging you on your parenting skills and they know nothing about you or the situation.

Well, you're right. I don't like your two cents, but that's mostly because they fail to speak to the issue at hand -- namely, parents who seem to refuse (indeed, even refuse to make any attempt) to discipline or to modify the behavior of their children.

If you'll re-read this thread carefully, you'll discover posts from parents whose kids seem to throw a tantrum for no known reason under the sun. Certainly, childless or child-enabled, we all know that tantrums do and will happen. And to a large extent, most of us are both willing and able to allow situations like these to drop by the wayside.

However, what vexes us is when the parents do not seem to care even one iota about their kids' misbehavior -- not even when it appallingly infringes in incredibly noticeable ways upon others, and others' enjoyment of, well, whatever it is they are trying to enjoy.

And, what's even worse (and a number of us have experienced this, as well) is when the parents have the audacity to blame the bystanders and other guests for their own children's bad behavior.

Situations similar to those I outlined here (and to most of those outlined by other posters, above) are simply unacceptable. Again, tantrums will happen. But that's not the core of what we've been talking about here.

 

[Davids-Coco]

However, what vexes us is when the parents do not seem to care even one iota about their kids' misbehavior -- not even when it appallingly infringes in incredibly noticeable ways upon others, and others' enjoyment of, well, whatever it is they are trying to enjoy.

And, what's even worse (and a number of us have experienced this, as well) is when the parents have the audacity to blame the bystanders and other guests for their own children's bad behavior.
[/B]

I have to agree with this. I think that all we have been saying - child or childless - is parents shouldn't ignore their children.

 

[pixie71]

Deep thots I have not encountered a situation where a parent has willfully allowed their child to wail uncontrollablely to the discomfort of those around them. Perhaps those parents are reading books or watching shows in which parenting experts tell us parents to "ignore the behavior and it will cease" I do not know. However, what I did not like as I read these responses were the amount of blame that was put on the parents.

And yes I read ALL the threads and choose to take my repsonse in a different direction - that is my right

 

[Deep-Thots]

Originally posted by pixie71
Deep thots I have not encountered a situation where a parent has willfully allowed their child to wail uncontrollablely to the discomfort of those around them.

Well, then your experience has been *very* unusual, in that plenty of people (see, for example, the posts of cocowum, helenk, pkaroch, underdesea, Terk-1, RickinNYC, etc.) have encountered just such a situation, and have written about it here.

However, what I did not like as I read these responses were the amount of blame that was put on the parents.

We were merely (based on our observations of the situations at hand) placing blame where blame appeared to be due.

And yes I read ALL the threads and choose to take my repsonse in a different direction - that is my right

You are absolutely correct. It is your prerogative to put your foot wherever you please, whenever you please.

Cheers.

 

[pixie71]

I wouldn't say it is very unusual...but it's not like I go around looking for kids for the next "kids gone wild" video either.

I have a different take on the situation and a different view and I'm sure there are others who agree. But frankly I enjoy disagreeing with you - sometimes everyone on the boards are so PC and that's boring. How's life in your part of Jersey.

 

[Deep-Thots]

Originally posted by pixie71
I wouldn't say it is very unusual...but it's not like I go around looking for kids for the next "kids gone wild" video either.

I have a different take on the situation and a different view and I'm sure there are others who agree. But frankly I enjoy disagreeing with you - sometimes everyone on the boards are so PC and that's boring. How's life in your part of Jersey.

Well, gosh, if you want politically incorrect, check out the recent thread re: Rumors about the Contemporary Resort. I think it's on the Resorts board; it's fun!!

And it's very wet here in northern NJ. But not nearly as wet as what my sister is about to experience in Fort Myers, FL!

Cheers!

 

[newtowdw1]

>>>>> I have not encountered a situation where a parent has willfully allowed their child to wail uncontrollablely to the discomfort of those around them. Perhaps those parents are reading books or watching shows in which parenting experts tell us parents to "ignore the behavior and it will cease" I do not know. However, what I did not like as I read these responses were the amount of blame that was put on the parents.<<<<

I think the issue is that many parents do not seem to TRY to do anything. I know that with my temper tantrum ds I had a horrible time. For a long time we could not go anywhere. Well, finally, when he was 2.5, I ended up in our SuperWalmart with him and DD, but no DH. DS started screaming. Normally I would put him in the car and send out DH later, or go later myself, there was no later and no DH to be had for three days! I had to check out--and the lines were abysmal. And I had to write a check. Just as I was about to join DS in his melt-down an angel of mercy appeared.
One of my HS boys (I teach AP biology) leapt up to the cart, snatched him up, and whisked him around in the air. He'd babysat DS once before, and after that, he was a favorite!

However, that was an extreme circumstance, and I have to say that I got more looks of sympathy than blame.
Next year at WDW (don't worry, we broke him!) we plan to do 3 or 4 hours in the morning, nap and swim, and MAYBE 3 or 4 hours in the evening. Kids don't get enough sleep. Noone is kind, well-behaved or polite when they are over-tired!

 

[NIK]

Originally posted by MickeyMonstersMom
It's interesting what children remember. We just returned from a quick trip to WDW, my children's second visit. The first time we went to celebrate DD's 8th birthday and DS was 4. While we were there this past trip, both kids recalled DS's previous meltdown at MK. He'd started the day in a mood that his wishes were the only ones that counted, and put up a fuss whenever they were thwarted. Before we'd even left for WDW, we'd discussed that anyone who did not behave would have to sit out the next ride, and sure enough, that day DS had a tantrum over wanting to ride HIS choice a third time, so I made him sit and watch his sister ride the teacups. The rest of the day went just fine after that. I was amused that both children not only remembered this last week but even commented that some other children could use a dose of that medicine!

Overall, most of the meltdowns we saw this week were obviously heat- and fatigue-inspired, but there were a couple that really made me upset. Just to get this out of my system:

A woman brought a terrified 3-year-old into Muppet Vision - the child was afraid of the darkness and the way people looked in the glasses, and cried through the entire show. The mother kept telling her that it would be fine if she'd just watch the show, but the little girl was scared of the glasses and of course the film looks blurry and weird without them, so she alternated hiding her head on her mother's shoulder and asking to leave, crying throughout. Her father had already left about 5 minutes into the show with her younger sister, so half the family was already outside waiting for the show to end. It made no sense that the mother insisted on staying. Poor kid.

At Ghirardelli's, a 2- or 3-year old boy just kept pounding on his mother. He didn't want to sit at that particular table, he changed his mind on the ice cream he'd asked for and wanted something else, he wanted to leave, he wanted to stay - and with every "want" or complaint, he'd punch his mother. At one point he slugged her in the chin! At no time did either parent try to stop him, either physically or even saying no. My mother (who is one of the strictest parents I've ever known) finally asked us to hurry and leave because she was so distressed over it. As a Middle School Teacher, I see that type of child when they hit adolesence, and it's sad all around.

A good thread this!

My mother always told me as a child 'I want, never gets' You soon learn!

Trouble is folk forget that their screaming child might be getting on their nerves but is also getting on the wick of anyoen within screaming distance.

It always amazes me how the smallest possible child manages to have the loudest possible voice. I now tell my nephews that the size of the mouth is in inverse ratio to the size of the brain! By the time they've thought about it, they've forgotten what they were yelling about

 

[Muppet]

Wow there are some stories there. We are a childless(by choice) couple who find some children quite overwhelming. But I agree its purley and raising issue, some parents don't seem to care.

I tell you my short story its quite funny. We were in the queue for MS and the family behind us had 2 boys. Over the course of 90 minutes they kicked and stood on my foot, only me not DH (then DH is 6ft2). I asked them not to and the father told me to quit my whinning, so I kicked him full blast in the shin and stood on his wifes foot. Feeling very liberated I waited for the aftermath. They kicked off big style, CMs came over I let them explain first and then I said my part. 5 others agreed with me, enough is enough. CMs asked them to leave the line.

Maybe not the right action but a action at least. The boys were stunned and the parents....................well wadda you think.

 

[KathAnn]

How's this for a spin on the screaming children thread?

My sister and I were at Disney in 2000 to celebrate my 40th Birthday. We were having a whale of a time, despite the inclement weather, until we sat down for a snack one afternoon at Pinocchio's. We were seated next to a family of 4 - Mum and Dad, and a girl of about 6 and boy of maybe 9. Mum and Dad were obviously not on the best of terms and they were sniping and sneering at each other. Next thing that happens is she screams blue murder at him over the table. It turns out that hubby has had an affair (and by now all Florida knows about it) and his dear wife is not entirely happy. Daughter is sitting weeping quietly into her Coke (and, believe me, my heart broke for those little lambs) and the boy, well, he showed us all how it should be done. While his mother drew breath and his father tried to find a way of looking less mortified - he leaned across the table and said "Mum - this is embarrassing. You did this at our school, and at Dad's work and now you're doing it here and you promised today was mine and Karen's day. Aren't you going to keep your promise?" A cast member rocketed over and asked if she could help - Dad's response was "Honey, thanks for the offer but we don't need marriage guidance; we need a peacekeeping force" and with that he turned round, bent down to his kids and told them (loudly, I think on purpose) that he was really really sorry for spoiling their day. The mother mumbled an apology too and they all left. I hope for the kids' sakes they sorted this out, but I just thought you'd like to hear another spin on the screaming horrors tales.

PS: For the record, neither my sister or I have kids - but I wouldn't have minded a couple like Karen and her brother. I've just remembered his name - Cody.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Originally posted by Muppet
Wow there are some stories there. We are a childless(by choice) couple who find some children quite overwhelming. But I agree its purley and raising issue, some parents don't seem to care.

I tell you my short story its quite funny. We were in the queue for MS and the family behind us had 2 boys. Over the course of 90 minutes they kicked and stood on my foot, only me not DH (then DH is 6ft2). I asked them not to and the father told me to quit my whinning, so I kicked him full blast in the shin and stood on his wifes foot. Feeling very liberated I waited for the aftermath. They kicked off big style, CMs came over I let them explain first and then I said my part. 5 others agreed with me, enough is enough. CMs asked them to leave the line.

Maybe not the right action but a action at least. The boys were stunned and the parents....................well wadda you think.

What do I think? That a grown woman could act more childish that a child! Amazing that it happened and even more amazing that you are repeating it with pride.

T&B

 

[DMDSTPRGIL]

Your are all right. It's the parents fault for allowing there kids to be out of control.Mostly because the partents want to get there moneys worth and they have the kids up late and run them almost into the ground during the day. Then when the kids get fussy,the parents don't want to deal with them and let them do as they please. I also asked to have our seats moved because a parent would not control her child. She also gave us a dirty disgusted look and stated " do you have a problem,this is Disney and there are tons of kids around you know". I told her I have no problems with kids, I do have a problem with a kid out of control because there parents don't know how to deal with them and keep them in line. I then stated that it's not a big deal for us,you see I can get up and walk away from your screaming kid. You have to live with him and a person like you deserves everything she gets. Good luck with the rest of your trip with your little one.She didn't like that at all.