Waiting in long lines

[ducklite]

do you still plan on spanking your children when they are 13, 15, etc.?

No, by that time you just want to beat the crap out of them on a regular basis.

(I'm just kidding--please, it was a joke, no flames are warranted here!! I wouldn't do such a thing, but geezzzz they like to push buttons at that developmental stage LOL!)

Anne

 

[metta4]

good point about the bubbles and skin allergies...never thought of that....



not suer how helpful some of the "planning books" are, but what about looking over some of those and maybe coming up with a "strategy" for what rides might be busy when and try to avoid them during those times.

here are some ideas...i have looked at a few but not all....

Fodor's Walt Disney World® and Universal Orlando® with Kids 2005 (Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando With Kids)

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World with Kids
by Bob Sehlinger

The Hassle-Free Walt Disney World Vacation : 2005 Edition (Hassle Free Walt Disney World Vacation) by Steven Barrett

I have the last one plus the regular Unoffical Guide to WDW and there is a kids section in it...so pm me if you need any suggestions from them...

 

[CleveRocks]

Well Eric, you did sound harsh to me.

I AM sorry about that.

Like I said, I need Mickey and Company to help me relax. Two years ago, we planned our vacaiton to begin May 8, I just hope we don't such bad crowds (due to the 50th Anniversary Celebration) that we'll have trouble relaxing. PEACE.

-- Eric

 

[Nicks2Angels]

Well, I thought I (a SAHM to a 3 & 1 year old) might offer my view point. Personally, I do not spank, but most of my SAHM friends do spank. The reason I do not spank is b/c I was spanked by belts. brushes, sticks, hangers etc when I was growing up & I just can not bring myself to lay a hand on my precious treasures. They do, however, know who is boss in this house. Just b/c I do not spank them-rest assured there are consequences for misbehavior. I do know the children you are talking about though-the ones that are rude & obnoxious-even I might spank them.

I say, we are all doing the best we can as parents. We need to do what we feel is right in our home & not be so quick to judge others who do things differently. Do "I" think spanking a child for impatience is over the top-yes, but I am sure there are things I do that you might find equally so.

 

[meandtheguys2]

OUCH! A Master's degree in Education and you think spanking is negative reinforcement? What are they teaching you? Spanking is an example of punishment. Negative reinforcement increases the target behavior through the REMOVAL or AVOIDANCE of a noxious stimulus. I'm NOT advocating this, but an example of negative reinforcement would be, "You'd better stand still and talk nicely or you'll be spanked (or be taken out of line, etc.)."

I'm sorry, I'm really not trying to be harsh, but I just can't silently stand by when people identify themselves as knowledgable but then provide incorrect information. I know this is not exactly in the Disney spirit, but I haven't been there in 12 years (and even that wasn't for fun, it was for a conference) and I PROMISE I'll feel (and act) a lot better after I get back from WDW next month!!!

By the way, all my professional education and experience still makes me a pretty dumb Dad whose 2 preschoolers outsmart him on most days. In my late 30s as a new Dad, I learned VERY quickly that, at least for me, there's a HUGE difference between helping to guide others through their issues and dealing with my own day-to-day life. I always say to my clients that it's easy for me to comment, etc. because in relation to their lives I'm "sitting in the cheap seats" rather than being on the playing field with them.

-- Eric

Eric, you are so entirely on target! (Meaning I agree with you!) I taught parenting classes for years before i had my boys, and much of what we said was on target. The rest was malarky in RL situations (as opposed to treatment).

Why is it that everytime spanking comes up it becomes the focus of a thread? Haven't you all argued all of this before...? In case no one has figured it out yet, you aren't going to "convert" anyone on this board.

 

[ducklite]

Anne - What a great idea!!! I nominate you for Nanny 911!!!

My toes curl and my nails scratch deep into my scalp even thinking about the brats on that show. Let me tell you, the sad part is that it's ENTIRELY the parents fault that they got to that point.

Let me take the parents for a complete brain reprogramming first, then we'll deal with the kids by working on their behaviours with a consequences incentive program. I firmly believe that programming kids at a young age to understand the concept of rewards for positive behaviours and punishment for negative behaviours will help them as they make their way through life.

Life is a system of rewards and punishments that begin with the child entering school and end with retirement. Early programming to understand and accept that concept will make transitioning down the road of life much easier.

Anne

 

[Michelle2]

No, by that time you just want to beat the crap out of them on a regular basis.

Mine are 12, 11 and almost 9 and are almost getting to that point already! (I am kidding too!) They are great kids, but there are those times....LOL

Hokeyfan33, I really could give a rat's rear end what you think too...The spanking debate has been around for years and years, and no one is ever going to see the other's side, it is all people's personal opinions and views. You will never agree with me, and I will never agree with you.

Personally, I do not spank, but most of my SAHM friends do spank. The reason I do not spank is b/c I was spanked by belts. brushes, sticks, hangers etc when I was growing up & I just can not bring myself to lay a hand on my precious treasures. They do, however, know who is boss in this house.

I totally agree, and I am the same way.

OP Hope you have a great trip! We have gone many times with all ages from 4 months up, and I think if you go with the flow, try to do as much at opening as possible, you will be ok. I also second the Tour GuideMike suggestion, he will save you lots of time in line, especially if it is in a busier season. I also second the suggestion of getting lots of rest, and food and hydration, it's a vacation! Have fun!

 

[Michelle2]

Anne, I TOTALLY agree!

 

[Eeyore'sthebest]

Okay, I just wanted to comment on another form of punishment other than spanking for the pre-teen/teenage years.
I had SDDs move in with me when they were 7 and 9. Came from a bipolar mother than wouldn't stay on meds. Were taught that hitting each other was acceptable when they were angry. NOT TO ME!
So since spanking them for hitting each other seemed rather dumb - I decided to get my house cleaned.
When they hit each other they got to clean and I mean CLEAN. I got my kitchen and bathroom floor scrubbed - no chemicals because they were kids - but good old fashioned water and dish soap. Oh BTW did I mention that they needed scrub brushes and towels?! No mops for them. And did I mention that they did this a total of 1 time. They learned real fast that hitting anybody in anger was not acceptable.
When my SDD got older and mouthed off to a teacher at school and got a Saturday detention I got my shed painted, next time I got my front porch painted, when we moved into washing the windows she started watching her mouth. Need to be creative and they learn a lesson and you get to sit back and watch them work. And yes one of us stayed with any child when they were doing any form of punishment for safety purposes

Need to be creative when they are older because its harder.

 

[Mom to Will and Finn]

I remember one of the most frustrating things I saw at Disney World was when we were in Fantasmic and a father and (around age 3) daughter were sitting in front of us. She was crying about something and the father told her that if she didn't stop crying, he'd "give her something to cry about." She didn't stop, so he turned her around and hit her hard on the bottom two or three times. Of course the poor girl started wailing then. Yeah, he really accomplished what he set out to accomplish. Ignorance!

As for waiting in line, I think diversion is the best way to keep her comfortable and happy. I'd wait until after a couple of small protests by her and then, as someone suggested, play "I Spy" or "What do you think her/his name is?" or "What should we do next?" etc. The laminated cards are a great idea. Maybe you could also keep three or four small surprises (lolipop, bracelet, etc) to give to her when you notice her being especially patient in line.

 

[ucfsweetie82]

Maybe you could get those index cards that come in a book and do a list of hidden mickeys on attractions and have her help you look for them. Just search hidden mickeys and you can find them online.