Should IKEA be family friendly?

[monkey68]

I don't mean the actual store, but the self serve furniture area, it seems rather dangerous to have a bunch of kids running around while people are taking heavy furniture off of shelves. I was at IKEA today, and there were a bunch of kids running underneath people taking the boxes down. I'm talking about the box half off the shelf, and the kid runs right under the box. All I'm picturing is someone to lose their grip, and the box falls right on the kids head. Granted, it's probably a case of bad parenting, the parents not able to stop their kids from running down the aisles, but they have the kids play area, why can't the leave the kids there while they get their furniture? These were small kids, they would have fit the height requirement for the play area.

Just wondering what other's opinions are. I have no problem with the store itself being family friendly, I think it's great. I used to love going to IKEA with my parents when I was a kid because my sister and I would get to test all the couches and beds, and play in the ball pit. But we never went into the self serve furniture area until we were older. We were both well behaved, but my parents still worried that someone might accidentally drop something near us anyway.

 

[MM27]

How much more family friendly should they be? They have a dining area and kids play area. It's a store, not Disney World. Stores should not have to change their setups in order to cater to poor parenting.

 

[MomofKatie]

I think you hit the nail on the head, monkey68. It's not IKEA that isn't family friendly. They are one of the most family friendly stores out there. It's the parents that aren't doing their job- letting their little kids run around in an area where an accident could happen. What else could IKEA do, other than making the self-serve area off limits to kids? I don't see it as their responsibility, but the parents', to keep their kids from getting in trouble.

 

[Liberty Belle]

And sometimes it's not a matter of bad parenting. Children sometimes are willful, overexcited, hungry, or tired and misbehave.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

you must have been at my Ikea today. We just got back and it was crazy! I would have loved to have dropped the 2 boys off at the play place but they were full and had a line waiting to get in. It looked to be about a 1-5 ratio and there were only 2 staff members that I could see through the window. I can't believe people would actually wait in line for the daycare, we just took the kids with us and were still there for 4 hours including lunch.

Oh and I have the willful, overexcited kids.

 

[SCHBR'smom]

I would not be happy if IKEA wouldn't let me have my kids with me while picking up my furniture. If they had that policy, I wouldn't shop there. If they restrict who can be there, then IKEA can load it. Of course, then the prices go up, too.
My children are expected to stay with us and not run around. If they were to run under someone like you witnessed, I'd be pretty mad at them. They would definitely be in trouble because they are endangering themselves and others. But, that is not IKEA's responsibility. I have to watch my children and get on to them if they misbehave.

 

[LaurenLC]

IKEA, as in the furniture store? It's a store, not a pre-school or Gymboree... How or why should it be more "family friendly"? If people are concerned with their children's safety I would suggest they watch them and not let them run around.

 

[sorcerormickey]

I think you hit the nail on the head, monkey68. It's not IKEA that isn't family friendly. They are one of the most family friendly stores out there. It's the parents that aren't doing their job- letting their little kids run around in an area where an accident could happen. What else could IKEA do, other than making the self-serve area off limits to kids? I don't see it as their responsibility, but the parents', to keep their kids from getting in trouble.

ITA!!!! Just another example of today's lack of parenting. People let their kids do whatever they want, and when something happens it is everyone else's fault.

 

[allison443]

I have bought plenty of heavy items at other stores like Target, Walmart, Lowes, Home Depot, Costco, etc. which have plenty of kids running around and no playplace either!
Actually the items I bought at those other stores were probably heavier than the Ikea items I've bought..
Parents have to watch/control their kids, keep them in the cart if they are small enough. There are shopping carts you can use in the self serve area.


As a side note I recently read an article in the paper about people who use Ikea's play area for free babysitting and just hang out, read the paper, have something to eat in the cafe, but not shop at Ikea. Ikea said they don't have a problem with it.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/11/garden/11ikea.html?_r=1&scp=7&sq=ikea&st=cse

 

[allison443]

And sometimes it's not a matter of bad parenting. Children sometimes are willful, overexcited, hungry, or tired and misbehave.

I agree that kids misbehave for plenty of reasons other than "bad parenting" but it is then up to the parents to defuse/control/resolve the situation, kwim?

 

[OctMtnWoods]

I've never been to IKEA. They only arrived here a few years ago. I think I need to take a trip to where ever the nearest store is now.

 

[SandrA9810]

Just have to say, I love the article. I've stopped off at Ikea when I've been in that area just to go eat. I'd love to be able to afford some new furniture, and I love taking the catalog to the cafe just so I can "plan" it all out.
And you know, those people are going to be the same ones spending loads of money there when they can and do buy thier furniture. I always feel akward walking into a furniture shop, even like rooms-to-go, because there's constantly sales people watching to see if you "need" any help.

I can tell you right now... I was never the ideal child or anywhere near well behaved in a store. Although the bottom floor would probably bore me, I would hide in play houses at toys r us or in the center of circular clothes racks. Drove my family nuts but it was just a big game to me. Of course I never wandered far because I always wanted to watch them try to find me, so if they moved out of sight, I'd move to a new location.

 

[aristocatz]

I don't mean the actual store, but the self serve furniture area, it seems rather dangerous to have a bunch of kids running around while people are taking heavy furniture off of shelves. I was at IKEA today, and there were a bunch of kids running underneath people taking the boxes down. I'm talking about the box half off the shelf, and the kid runs right under the box. All I'm picturing is someone to lose their grip, and the box falls right on the kids head. Granted, it's probably a case of bad parenting, the parents not able to stop their kids from running down the aisles, but they have the kids play area, why can't the leave the kids there while they get their furniture? These were small kids, they would have fit the height requirement for the play area.

Just wondering what other's opinions are. I have no problem with the store itself being family friendly, I think it's great. I used to love going to IKEA with my parents when I was a kid because my sister and I would get to test all the couches and beds, and play in the ball pit. But we never went into the self serve furniture area until we were older. We were both well behaved, but my parents still worried that someone might accidentally drop something near us anyway.

Absolutely not! Ikea is not a childrens' store and it's not their job to entertain antsy children. They are a furniture store and they should focus on their task at hand-selling furniture. If a parent is worried about their kid's safety in the store, call a babysitter! I'm not referring to basic safety issues that could affect all people, I'm talking about safety issues that could happen to a wandering or unattended child.

 

[bumbershoot]

"Granted, it's probably a case of bad parenting, the parents not able to stop their kids from running down the aisles, but they have the kids play area, why can't the leave the kids there while they get their furniture? These were small kids, they would have fit the height requirement for the play area."

Kiddo only get a certain amount of time in there per the rules, and if the child leaves they can't go back in (not even if they leave for a potty break). I would bet that the kids had already been in there, the parents' shopping trip was longer than expected (as is usual), the time in the play area was done, and there was no other choice.

We only have one kiddo, and when we go to get furniture, we go with two adults, so there's someone to watch DS and someone to lift. Sometimes DS helps me steady the long low cart while hubby puts the box onto it, but that's only been recently.

Other than the playcare area (that probably isn't an option...and by the way, the kids have to be potty trained, no dipes or training pants, which of course doesn't always go with height), what other ideas can you think of? I can't think of any...

 

[FireDancer]

I can see no kids in the "warehouse" area but the rest of the store is fine. All it will take is one kid running around (which their parents should stop) and getting hurt and Ikea will be forced to institute some kind of policy. It very well may be their insurance company that insists on it. Besides, should kids that small really be in a warehouse environment? Have a stop point where the retail area becomes the warehouse and start treating it like a warehouse.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Kids running under hevy cartons being taken down from shelves? MEH

if it falls on them...


Darwin award.

and then sue the parents for causing me "mental anguish!"

hehehehehe

RUM fer life!!!

 

[FireDancer]

Kids running under hevy cartons being taken down from shelves? MEH

if it falls on them...


Darwin award.

and then sue the parents for causing me "mental anguish!"

hehehehehe

RUM fer life!!!

I got flamed on another thread for invoking the Darwin award on a stupid death but I do agree. The last place you will find me is standing under something being taken off the shelf. If I contribute, through my own negligence or stupidity, to my own death it is only my fault.

If someone is to young to look after their own safety in this kind of environment they should not be in the environment.

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I refuse to take responsibility for the stupidity of others.

 

[Christine]

OP, I get where you are going with this. I don't think Ikea should change its rules but I wonder how long it will be before some kid gets hit with a box, injured, and then his parents sue Ikea because "it was dangerous". Then Ikea will have to pay the parents money and put some stupid warning ala McDonalds (this coffee is hot) so they don't get sued again.

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

"Granted, it's probably a case of bad parenting, the parents not able to stop their kids from running down the aisles, but they have the kids play area, why can't the leave the kids there while they get their furniture? These were small kids, they would have fit the height requirement for the play area."

Kiddo only get a certain amount of time in there per the rules, and if the child leaves they can't go back in (not even if they leave for a potty break). I would bet that the kids had already been in there, the parents' shopping trip was longer than expected (as is usual), the time in the play area was done, and there was no other choice.

We only have one kiddo, and when we go to get furniture, we go with two adults, so there's someone to watch DS and someone to lift. Sometimes DS helps me steady the long low cart while hubby puts the box onto it, but that's only been recently.

Other than the playcare area (that probably isn't an option...and by the way, the kids have to be potty trained, no dipes or training pants, which of course doesn't always go with height), what other ideas can you think of? I can't think of any...

You plan your visit so your kids are with you in the safe part of the store, and you drop them off at the playspace when you're loading the car. You remind your kids that there's a bathroom in the playspace and to please use that rather than asking them to call you to come leave. You break your visit into 2 visits, select your items on the first day and come back another day to purchase them (It's not like w'ere talking about a pharamacy or grocery store or other store that sells things you need in an emergency). You leave your kids with Grandma. If your kid is young enough to be in diapers, they're likely young enough to be strapped into a stroller.

Almost any other store I'd be agreeing with you. I am a special educator, as well as a single parent. I know better than most that wonderful can parents can have challenging kids, and that wonderful kids can have challenging moments. I took my kid everywhere from infancy on, and wasn't one to expect him to be strapped down in his stroller every minute.

But we're talking about a situation with significant safety concerns here. A child who has a piece of furniture (in the box or not) dropped on their head can die. Running around at IKEA is not OK. It's not good parenting, just like letting your kid run in traffic is not OK even if they're tired or cranky or just acting their age, or you have flat tire you didn't plan for.