Too big for stroller--the website

[bwilcox]

Do you have the right to laugh at a big kid in a stroller? Sure. The same way you have the right to laugh at an obese person, someone with a bad haircut, someone with out of style clothes....It sure doesn't speak very highly of your character, though, when you find humor in putting others down.

Why not just live and let live?

 

[bartleby1]

"Twisting your ankle" can mean many things. It can mean that she stepped wrong and her ankle was sore, all the way up to she severly sprained it which would have required ice and elevating her foot.



I do not know of one child who has never had a meltdown in their entire lives...and I know several who know to use their words, DD included. A one year old does not have the means necessary to effectively communicate his or her needs via pure verbal communication...and I'm not just speaking to the size of his or her vocabulary.

That aside, the fact that a child has to be taught to "use their words, not throw fits" is demonstrative that they have in fact had a prior meltdown. If the child is naturally mild-mannered and has never had one meltdown, they would not need to be taught something different.

Teaching them to use their words and not throw fits can and should be done at the very first signs that their is an issue so that they don't ever learn that meltdowns are an option. Kids don't generally just fly into a fit or meltdown. There are many signs that happen before that point. It's always a lot easier to ward off the problem than to fix it afterwards when a child is beyond the point of no return. I do believe they can be taught to use their words, signals, and signs without ever having had a full blown meltdown. It really isn't necessary to get to that point. Their needs are really pretty simple before the speaking age and are generally very easy to figure out. Once they can point, grunt, and eventually speak, they have ways to communicate. I never found that it got to the meltdown stage with my kids, even with my oldest who was a late talker (first words didn't start until 19 months). She still managed to let me know her needs without screaming.

 

[kaligal]

I don't care what you do with your kids. But if you put a child that is too big in a tiny stroller, I'm going to laugh. Out loud. And I will laugh again when I see the pics posted online because you did it in a very public place where almost everyone has a camera.

This says much more about you and how you were raised than it does about people who put big kids in strollers.

 

[YodaGirl]

If my parents did that to me when I was 10 then I would have very loudly protested. I would have resented them for treating me as a baby in such a public place. My older brother and I really resented the fact that our grandmother took us to see a Care Bears movie when we were about 8 and 10. We were both embarrassed.

I really hope that there is some massive back-story to this. Otherwise the fact that you resented the fact that your grandmother took you to a movie that you deemed to childish, speaks volumes about you.

Teaching them to use their words and not throw fits can and should be done at the very first signs that their is an issue so that they don't ever learn that meltdowns are an option. Kids don't generally just fly into a fit or meltdown. There are many signs that happen before that point. It's always a lot easier to ward off the problem than to fix it afterwards when a child is beyond the point of no return. I do believe they can be taught to use their words, signals, and signs without ever having had a full blown meltdown. It really isn't necessary to get to that point. Their needs are really pretty simple before the speaking age and are generally very easy to figure out. Once they can point, grunt, and eventually speak, they have ways to communicate. I never found that it got to the meltdown stage with my kids, even with my oldest who was a late talker (first words didn't start until 19 months). She still managed to let me know her needs without screaming.

Perhaps we're using two definitions for a meltdown. By meltdown, I mean screaming and crying, not necessarily throwing themselves down on the ground in a kicking, screaming, crying, often times rage-filled fit. I find it very difficult to believe that none of your children have ever screamed and cried. If that is the case, then you should be very thankful because they would have to naturally be that mild-mannered. I deal with lots of kids, and some of them are very mild-mannered and have a go-with-the-flow disposition/attitude. Not once have I met a child who has never, at some point in his or her toddler years, screamed and cried.

 

[KigerKat]

This says much more about you and how you were raised than it does about people who put big kids in strollers.

Let's see... I was raised to enjoy life and find laughter all around me. I also wasn't pushed in a stroller after I was 4 years old. I spent my free time outside playing and climbing trees instead of inside in front of a tv, I was spanked if I misbehaved (which was not very often). Nothing was ever given to me, I had to earn it. If I got dirty, my mom didn't freak out and drown me with antibacterial gel. If I got hurt, my parents made sure I was okay and didn't just take my word for it. I started working when I was 15 and managed to get good grades and be involved in extra curricular activities. I never smoked, drank, or did drugs.

I'm pretty happy with how I turned out. And I hope my kids end up just like me.

 

[KigerKat]

I seriously think we have all gotten way off topic here. The OP didn't ask for anyone's opinion on how their family tours WDW. They didn't ask anyone to justify why the would or would not put their child/teenager/spouse/chipmunk in a stroller. They simply wanted to share something they came across that they found amusing.

So, unless you are one of the families on that web page, no one is asking for anyone to defend them and doing so is only heating tensions in what is supposed to be a happy place. If you don't agree with it, then just move on to the next thread so those of us that do find it amusing don't end up making enemies here.

 

[avic77]

Do you have the right to laugh at a big kid in a stroller? Sure. The same way you have the right to laugh at an obese person, someone with a bad haircut, someone with out of style clothes....It sure doesn't speak very highly of your character, though, when you find humor in putting others down.

Why not just live and let live?

 

[AndyLL]

Let's see... I was raised to enjoy life and find laughter all around me.

You were raised to laugh at other people?

I'm pretty happy with how I turned out. And I hope my kids end up just like me.

It is no surprise that you are happy about how you turned out... the question is are others happy at how you turned out?

It's amazing how many people have to put down others to validate themselves.

 

[tony609]

While i didn't find the website fun or funny. To each their own. i do think it is odd at times when I see large kids in strollers, however I don't know the reasoning behind it. I guess the lesson that website is sending is it's ok to laugh at someone to big for a stroller, take their picture..regardless of the reason. You cannot tell by the pictures what issues a child may have. What is next kids too big for leashes?????? Wait let me grab that domain.

I have a close friend who has a 4 year old, who has major issues walking is one,talking, seizures etc etc..she is tall for her age BUT is only just 4 and she rides in a stroller. It is the best way for her mom to get her "jobs, errands...etc etc " done.To most people just looking at her at first glance she looks to big for a stroller, as she looks older at first glance.

I would be terribly upset if i ever saw her photo on that website. That little girl is so precious and sweet. Her parents work HARD,VERY HARD to get her EVERYTTHING she needs medically etc etc... BUT at first glance you wouldn't notice her issues.

 

[atp]

Oh wow.

I agree that there are many pictures on that site where children are not that big for the stroller. But some are really pushing it.

I think it's none of anyone's business, like many said. But I don't think the website or anyone here is criticizing parents for pushing older kids in strollers, certainly not special needs kids! What seems to be the problem is that the strollers being used in those pictures are in many cases, way to small for the kids.

I see nothing wrong with pushing your child in a stroller, wheelchair or whatever it is as long as it is allowed in the parks and they are the appropriate size for your kid. I'm thinking parents with special needs kids know this and make sure their children are comfortable while in the parks.

What I really don't understand is why people are getting so offended (both sides). If you are comfortable with using a stroller for your child even if it's too small and think you are doing the right thing, why be offended at all? You do what you have to do. Maybe you weren't planning to have your kid in the stroller and they were tired and it's all you had to offer. So what? But if your kid is way too big for the stroller of course it's going to draw attention and possibly look funny. Just like if you wore clothes 4 sizes too small you would get looks, possibly laughs. You can't expect people to look at a 5' kid in a baby stroller and not think it is unusual, because it is.

As for the people who are bothered by strollers, lazy or tired kids walking around slowly and/or throwing tantrums would cause much more congestion in the parks, in my opinion. Not to mention it is much more unpleasant.

I don't really get all the bickering. Just because you disagree with something or someone doesn't agree with you, doesn't mean you need to offend them or be rude or get offended when someone politely disagrees.

 

[tony609]

I seriously think we have all gotten way off topic here. The OP didn't ask for anyone's opinion on how their family tours WDW. They didn't ask anyone to justify why the would or would not put their child/teenager/spouse/chipmunk in a stroller. They simply wanted to share something they came across that they found amusing.

So, unless you are one of the families on that web page, no one is asking for anyone to defend them and doing so is only heating tensions in what is supposed to be a happy place. If you don't agree with it, then just move on to the next thread so those of us that do find it amusing don't end up making enemies here.

It also is not a theme park strategy in any way shape or form so technically it should probably be closed or at least moved to a different board. Posting something on a PUBLIC forum pretty much opens it up for discussions/opinions. Which is pretty much, i am sure, what the OP wanted. So why do I have to move on if I don't agree with it? Just wondering why I am not aloud to have an opinion different then yours. I am not making issues with people that find it funny to each their own. If you like it then it's ok to post that, but if you don't like it you're saying we should move on? Nice.

 

[YodaGirl]

Oh wow.

I agree that there are many pictures on that site where children are not that big for the stroller. But some are really pushing it.

I think it's none of anyone's business, like many said. But I don't think the website or anyone here is criticizing parents for pushing older kids in strollers, certainly not special needs kids! What seems to be the problem is that the strollers being used in those pictures are in many cases, way to small for the kids.

Actually, both sides always end up being criticized in the stroller threads.

What I really don't understand is why people are getting so offended (both sides).

People, as a whole, have a need to be validated. Whether or not people would readily admit that is a different story. If person A disagrees with person B's way of doing things, person B too often feels that person A is saying that person B is doing something wrong. Person A could just be saying that he does things differently. Person B doesn't feel validated, therefore takes the entire situation personally. When people take situations personally, their nature (on average) is to lash out personally. It ends up becoming an endless cycle, which is why you see threads such as this become so heated.

As for the people who are bothered by strollers, lazy or tired kids walking around slowly and/or throwing tantrums would cause much more congestion in the parks, in my opinion. Not to mention it is much more unpleasant.

Those bothered by strollers would say that the child doesn't need to be in the park if he/she can't walk and not throw a fit.

I don't really get all the bickering. Just because you disagree with something or someone doesn't agree with you, doesn't mean you need to offend them or be rude or get offended when someone politely disagrees.

'Tis the DIS...it's the nature of the beast.

 

[*TheWigs*]

I just wish I could fit in a stroller some days at Disney...I get TIRED!!

 

[atp]

Actually, both sides always end up being criticized in the stroller threads.



People, as a whole, have a need to be validated. Whether or not people would readily admit that is a different story. If person A disagrees with person B's way of doing things, person B too often feels that person A is saying that person B is doing something wrong. Person A could just be saying that he does things differently. Person B doesn't feel validated, therefore takes the entire situation personally. When people take situations personally, their nature (on average) is to lash out personally. It ends up becoming an endless cycle, which is why you see threads such as this become so heated.



Those bothered by strollers would say that the child doesn't need to be in the park if he/she can't walk and not throw a fit.



'Tis the DIS...it's the nature of the beast.

I guess it's a lose lose situation then. Some people must really enjoy fighting

Now I understand why some people just go like this on similar posts

 

[maxiesmom]

It also is not a theme park strategy in any way shape or form so technically it should probably be closed or at least moved to a different board. Posting something on a PUBLIC forum pretty much opens it up for discussions/opinions. Which is pretty much, i am sure, what the OP wanted. So why do I have to move on if I don't agree with it? Just wondering why I am not aloud to have an opinion different then yours. I am not making issues with people that find it funny to each their own. If you like it then it's ok to post that, but if you don't like it you're saying we should move on? Nice.

Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That seems to be a disturbing trend here lately: If you don't agree with a certain viewpoint, some seem to think you shouldn't post. Nonsense! As long as you can disagree in a polite manner, there is nothing wrong with expressing your point of view. If people don't want to be disagreed with, then they shouldn't be posting things on a public message board. Because I have yet to see the thread where everyone agreed 100%.

 

[brunette8706]

Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That seems to be a disturbing trend here lately: If you don't agree with a certain viewpoint, some seem to think you shouldn't post. Nonsense! As long as you can disagree in a polite manner, there is nothing wrong with expressing your point of view. If people don't want to be disagreed with, then they shouldn't be posting things on a public message board. Because I have yet to see the thread where everyone agreed 100%.

**
hehehehe!

 

[brunette8706]

Let's see... I was raised to enjoy life and find laughter all around me. I also wasn't pushed in a stroller after I was 4 years old. I spent my free time outside playing and climbing trees instead of inside in front of a tv, I was spanked if I misbehaved (which was not very often). Nothing was ever given to me, I had to earn it. If I got dirty, my mom didn't freak out and drown me with antibacterial gel. If I got hurt, my parents made sure I was okay and didn't just take my word for it. I started working when I was 15 and managed to get good grades and be involved in extra curricular activities. I never smoked, drank, or did drugs.

I'm pretty happy with how I turned out. And I hope my kids end up just like me.

**
I see what your saying and I can relate. Boy how times have changed from 20 some odd years ago! LOL

brunette

 

[chicagodisneyfan]

Really? Snowflake? I detest it when that word is used. Is it supposed to sound nicer than brat? It really doesn't.

The words are not the same -
Brat is a behavior that the child has.
Snowflake is something the PARENTS usually are responsible for - like I drive my 8th grader to school or I would never leave a 13 year old home alone for 10 minutes, or I simply must bring my 10 year old boy to a womens restroom.

I do find the website mildly amusing.

 

[YodaGirl]

The words are not the same -
Brat is a behavior that the child has.
Snowflake is something the PARENTS usually are responsible for - like I drive my 8th grader to school or I would never leave a 13 year old home alone for 10 minutes, or I simply must bring my 10 year old boy to a womens restroom.

I do find the website mildly amusing.

By saying that a snowflake is something that the parents are responsible for, you're referencing the child. It's the same issue as when a child is spoiled or has bratty behavior. Why? Because of parenting.

The problem with referencing the child, however, is that it takes the focus off of the parent, thus inadvertently placing the blame on the child. If someone wants to reference the overprotectiveness of a parent, then a term such as overprotective, or even helicopter parent, should be used. In the post I was referring to, specifically, the term "soiled brat" could easily have been substituted without changing the meaning. While a spoilt child is normally the result of indulgent parenting (and I would dare say that there are those who say tht pushing an older child is indulget parenting), the behavior in reference is still that of the child's and not the parent's Most posters in the "No Stroller for an Older Child" camp would say that a six year old who can't walk around Disney is spoiled. I draw that conclusion from the posts which have been presented in multiple threads.

 

[Sunny37]

Funny site!