WDW a "family Place"....HA!!!!

[MarriedToAPrince]

This is exactly why we aren't going to go with an itinerary when we take DD for her first trip. We are just going to go with the flow and make sure she gets rest time and if she is in need of some hotel swim time we will take it. DH and I have been several times for "Us Time". This coming trip is all about DD. I would rather make a few special memories and enjoy my vacation then rush and push kids beyond their breaking point just to see it all, KWIM?

 

[Lisa0620]

I understand what people are saying re: not knowing the whole story, but I have to agree with the OP a little bit. DH and I remarked to eachother that we saw a LOT of miserable looking little princesses in Fantasyland wearing shoes unsuitable for walking, big polyester dresses in 98 degree heat and not a single one smiling. Made me really glad we have boys! The other thing we witnessed which I still hate remembering was a man standing over a little boy - only 3 or 4 - SCREAMING at the top of his lungs "what is the matter with you? You've been a jerk all day!" It was downright scary, our kids were really freaked out by it. I read somewhere that if you see a parent out of control you should approach them and say, I know kids can be trying sometimes, can I help you with something? Basically, we were too wussy and just hustled our kids away and I still feel kind of guilty about that. It was 11:15 a.m. on Father's Day at MK

 

[KelleyGirl]

I think I've been "that" parent before..

My daugther was almost 5 and she had this habit of just wandering away from us. I have 4 kids, so I'm constantly turning around watching for someone to make sure they are all catching up. She would be the one that would just go into a store, run ahead of us and keep going, wander away while we were waiting for others.

In the words of Supernanny, I needed to get to her level to make eye contact with her and tell her that she needs to stay with the group. There I was in Epcot, crouched over to see her eyes, trying to tell her she needs to stop wandering, and she's running away from me and I'm chasing after her all crunched over!!! Seriously, all I wanted to do was look her in the eye and in a sturn motherly voice, tell her that she cannot take off from us like that again.

I'm pretty sure I heard someone across the way call me a b****.

 

[crisi]

I understand what people are saying re: not knowing the whole story, but I have to agree with the OP a little bit. DH and I remarked to eachother that we saw a LOT of miserable looking little princesses in Fantasyland wearing shoes unsuitable for walking, big polyester dresses in 98 degree heat and not a single one smiling. Made me really glad we have boys!

Yes, because with little girls like that you don't win. Its either a tantrum when they can't wear the shoes and the itchy dress, or its a tantrum when the shoes hurt and the dress itches at 11:00. Experienced Moms sometimes figure this out and pack sandals and a sundress to be pulled from the backpack (and then haul around that princess dress, those things do NOT pack up small) - but even that doesn't always work because child logic wants both - to look like a princess AND be comfortable in those itchy and uncomfortable dresses. And it usually takes a little experience - few of us figure out to have the extra outfit stashed on day one.

Boys do similar at times - but they don't have the high fashion uncomfortableness of a princess dress and shoes. With my son its shorts. It will be freezing out and he will be in shorts. Then he whines because he is cold.

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Yes, because with little girls like that you don't win. Its either a tantrum when they can't wear the shoes and the itchy dress, or its a tantrum when the shoes hurt and the dress itches at 11:00. Experienced Moms sometimes figure this out and pack sandals and a sundress to be pulled from the backpack (and then haul around that princess dress, those things do NOT pack up small) - but even that doesn't always work because child logic wants both - to look like a princess AND be comfortable in those itchy and uncomfortable dresses. And it usually takes a little experience - few of us figure out to have the extra outfit stashed on day one.

Yep! My daughter is one of those in the hot, itchy princess dresses. But it's because she insists on wearing it, even in 95 degree heat. She will agree to comfortable shoes though. I carry a change of clothes in the backpack, but she'll refuse to change. I'll give her credit though, she doesn't complain about being uncomfortable and she will be smiling because she loves being a princess.

 

[lathamary]

I don't know why parents think it's okay to yell at their children. Discipline is about teaching, not about yelling.

Be kind and respectful to your kids, and they will be kind and respectful to you and to others. It is that simple, people. Discipline and kindness should go hand in hand. People mix punishment with discipline, and that's the problem. Many parents can't figure that out, and they wonder why their kids are brats. The kids are just doing what they see their parents doing; using yelling and hitting to get a desired behavior, action, or object. It's that simple.

Kids are people, too. Treat them with dignity and respect and you'll be fine.

 

[Zeebs]

I don't know why parents think it's okay to yell at their children. Discipline is about teaching, not about yelling.

Be kind and respectful to your kids, and they will be kind and respectful to you and to others. It is that simple, people. Discipline and kindness should go hand in hand. People mix punishment with discipline, and that's the problem. Many parents can't figure that out, and they wonder why their kids are brats. The kids are just doing what they see their parents doing; using yelling and hitting to get a desired behavior, action, or object. It's that simple.

Kids are people, too. Treat them with dignity and respect and you'll be fine.

You know what it isn't that simple..... parents are people too, ok yes we know we aren't suppose to yell or smack etc etc but sometimes it happens, it doesn't mean our kids are unloved, or that they will grow up needing therapy or ending up in jail.

My kids aren't brats, they a basically good kids, they have their moments like most other kids I know but they are respectful the majority of the time, they are polite, say thank you, eat their dinner what ever is put in front of them and apart from my youngest snatching things which we are working don't seem to have any ill effects of me yelling.

Great that you can do your parenting in a manner that doesn't require any yelling etc but I refuse to be made to feel like a failure for losing the plot ocassionally. My kids are loved, the love me but hey my name is Kirsten and I sometimes yell at my kids.

Kirsten

 

[kidd_freeper]

WDW is fine.

Some people just need a nap.

 

[badblackpug]

I don't know why parents think it's okay to yell at their children. Discipline is about teaching, not about yelling.

Be kind and respectful to your kids, and they will be kind and respectful to you and to others. It is that simple, people. Discipline and kindness should go hand in hand. People mix punishment with discipline, and that's the problem. Many parents can't figure that out, and they wonder why their kids are brats. The kids are just doing what they see their parents doing; using yelling and hitting to get a desired behavior, action, or object. It's that simple.

Kids are people, too. Treat them with dignity and respect and you'll be fine.

OMG! Please I have 4 kids. I will have 5 in DW. Just like my kids are people, so are we. ...and like real people we sometimes lose our temper. It's nice that you can, at all times remain perfect, I can't. None of my kids has robbed a liquor store, and no one is in therapy, so things are working. Of course, it appears that you have only one child, so I imagine it's easier. No one touching anyone else, taking anyone else's toys, invading anyone elses space, getting more doritos than the other...etc. ....oh and I have a 2 year old in that mix......How bout I send you my 4 and you straighten them out?

 

[Britgirlus]

I have just the one child, who is on the whole very well behaved - but I also run a daycare, so know what it's like to have kids of all ages running around. I also know how different kids are - what works for one, doesn't work for another. What I LOVE about Disney is that I am totally able to tune out all the kids, whether they are screaming with joy or anger - I walk blissfully along, knowing that they are not my responsibilty. Our first trip last year, I promised my dh and ds5 that I would be nice for the whole vacation - yes, I slipped up a few times, but I tried !! I've made the same promise this year - I can't wait to see how I do ! Ds did great - we did have to give him a time out once - he stood on one side of a walkway by the fence, and we went to the other side of the walkway - directly across from him - and told him he could come back to us when he had calmed down. He'd been there maybe a minute when a CM on a Segway went up to him and asked if he was lost !! My little angel said yes, and was prepared to let the CM help him - until we ran up to claim him ! Of course, ds thought he was hysterically funny, and the timeout was over, and all was well

 

[princessmom29]

I have been "that" mom a couple of times myself. I really have to watch myself sometimes becuase I tend to overcorrect DD. I think because she is an only and there is no one to divide my attention I catch every little thing she does, and I have to tell myself to just let some things go, she really is a good kid, but she is still a kid! I try in Disney to take the standpoint that if it is not a threat to anyone's safety, being downright rude or ugly, or intrusive to other parties, then it is not worth the lecture. When in Disney we go with the flow and don't get uptight about eating late or missing a nap. We do what we want when we want, and when someone is tired we rest. Iti s simply not worth ruining our vaction with a big argument.

 

[lpereira]

We are planning our first trip this August with our 3 yr old, turns 4 at WDW. My husband and I have had what could only be called a "communication problem." It's gotten much better the longer we have been married. We love each other and our daughter but it would be a lie to say we always like each other. I'm a stubborn, opinionated Southerner and he is a stubborn opinionated Brazilian. It's difficult to be in a mixed marriage- I'm female; he's male- throw in the cultural differences and it's on. I'm hoping we only have 1 meltdown at WDW. Though I remember once asking him (sarcastically) if he had ever had a girlfriend before we married because he couldn't be that stupid about women. He replied yes, "1 week sometimes 1 month; but no women has ever had patience for me." Our daughter is a firecracker mix of the two of us and firmly believes the word please automatically means whatever please is attached to will be happening. Rest assured you will only see us upset at WDW- we tend to switch into Portuguese when "communicating"- it cuts down on strangers getting an earful.

 

[wolf29]

This type of behavior happens everywhere, everyday. Humans just don't always get along, they get frustrated, they lose their tempers. It doesn't make them bad people or bad parents, it makes them human. It certainly doesn't mean they don't love their kids, or partners, it is simply the few seconds of their lives that you notice. In a day at WDW maybe you see a few arguing, yelling, but how many thousands of people do you not take notice of that are getting along the way we wish all families would? Like anything else, you notice the exception, not the rule, the louder minority as opposed to the quiet majority.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

We are just wrapping up our first ever visit to WDW, and I have to admit the place is incredible.

Maybe the best marketing that Disney does is to convince you of what a great "family environment" it is. In the last 4 days I have seen more families that were:
a) Screaming at their kids.
b) Parents yelling at each other.
c) Parents refusing to talk to each other on the bus.
d) Adults being rude to each other....
(I ran into one at the pool, but that is another story....a lovely lady)
e) Kids crying
f) you get the idea

Now we have also met A TON of friendly people, but until you have been here I don't think your realize how stressful this "vacation" can be.

It's been very memorable both good and "interesting", but I do look forward to coming back someday.

Guy

DW can be very stressful with wrangling kids, so I understand it. The whole time we were there and my mom would see people doing the stuff you said above she would say "But it's the happiest place on earth!!"(sarcastically). I still loved it and DH and I got along fine and my kids were angels the whole time

 

[PrincessMom4]

I discipline my kids in a positive manner while at Disney. My oldest (10) is autistic and can throw a temper tantrum when she doesn't get what she wants.We basically let her cool off and then re-try or talk about what is bothering us. She has a hard time expressing herself. I don't think someone is being "abused" because a parent talks harshly to them. I have a terrible (ugly) voice I think and even when I am happy and calm I sound not so good. People judge us all the time and are very ignorant to the fact that my child has a disablilty. One example that stands out in my mind, we were leaving the Disney Studios after a nice family mean. My oldest was carrying her leftovers back to our room and decided (out of the bllue-that's normal for an autistic person) to throw the food container. We asked her nicely to clean it up but we were firm that she was going to pick it up. This older couple were there staring at us and shaking their heads because how dare we ask our child to clean up her food she threw (she is 10-if I had not of mentioned it). We just waited patiently (embarrased that she had a meltdown) until she cleaned it up. I have seen parents take it too far. From our first trip to our current trip we always always have a plan/schedule to follow. This schedule gets better with every trip. We have always allotted time for "breaks/rests" so that way the kids don't get more overloaded.We have a nice breakfast together and when the kids look and feel ready (which surprisingly is early-I wish we could sleep in) we head to the park.We talk about what we want to see or do at whatever park we go to that day.

 

[polineedyan]

We are planning our first trip this August with our 3 yr old, turns 4 at WDW. My husband and I have had what could only be called a "communication problem." It's gotten much better the longer we have been married. We love each other and our daughter but it would be a lie to say we always like each other. I'm a stubborn, opinionated Southerner and he is a stubborn opinionated Brazilian. It's difficult to be in a mixed marriage- I'm female; he's male- throw in the cultural differences and it's on. I'm hoping we only have 1 meltdown at WDW. Though I remember once asking him (sarcastically) if he had ever had a girlfriend before we married because he couldn't be that stupid about women. He replied yes, "1 week sometimes 1 month; but no women has ever had patience for me." Our daughter is a firecracker mix of the two of us and firmly believes the word please automatically means whatever please is attached to will be happening. Rest assured you will only see us upset at WDW- we tend to switch into Portuguese when "communicating"- it cuts down on strangers getting an earful.

This is a funny post because I just watched a tv show where a high schooler blamed his temper (to his principal) on being Irish. So, if Irish people have tempers, Brazilians have tempers, southerners are oppositional, italians are boisterous, and blacks are angry..who does that leave? I think its a weak argument to blame abuse of another person on ethnicity..

 

[Liam]

Just ignore those around you who are stressed and remember why you are there. Crowds and heat will always cause some to have a meltdown

 

[crisi]

This is a funny post because I just watched a tv show where a high schooler blamed his temper (to his principal) on being Irish. So, if Irish people have tempers, Brazilians have tempers, southerners are oppositional, italians are boisterous, and blacks are angry..who does that leave? I think its a weak argument to blame abuse of another person on ethnicity..

Midwestern Scandinavians. Just want to get along. Don't try and make dinner plans with them either...."Where do you want to eat?" "Wherever." Not that they don't have strong feelings, just don't need to share them.

 

[lpereira]

Oh I wasn't blaming our tempers on our respective cultural backgrounds. It just adds to the complexity and we don't abuse each other. We spent forever in premarital counseling and we follow the love is something you do philosophy of marriage.
I will blame his cultural background for his complete lack of understanding of the concept of time or adherence of time. However I lost the right to ever be angry about it because I still married him despite the fact he was 4 hours late for our wedding.
In fact our friends have a pool riding on our trip. I have the whole thing scheduled down to the 5 minute increment. The pool is how soon after we arrive will my carefully laid plans be trashed. I have half a mind to put down for before we leave our house- it could pay for some of our souvenirs
Speaking as a Southerner we have been known to have a determined streak in us. It can be a positive trait but sometimes it can be a very negative trait- depends on how it is applied.

 

[badblackpug]

Oh I wasn't blaming our tempers on our respective cultural backgrounds. It just adds to the complexity and we don't abuse each other. We spent forever in premarital counseling and we follow the love is something you do philosophy of marriage.
I will blame his cultural background for his complete lack of understanding of the concept of time or adherence of time. However I lost the right to ever be angry about it because I still married him despite the fact he was 4 hours late for our wedding.
In fact our friends have a pool riding on our trip. I have the whole thing scheduled down to the 5 minute increment. The pool is how soon after we arrive will my carefully laid plans be trashed. I have half a mind to put down for before we leave our house- it could pay for some of our souvenirs
Speaking as a Southerner we have been known to have a determined streak in us. It can be a positive trait but sometimes it can be a very negative trait- depends on how it is applied.

Can I join the pool? If you have it planned down to the 5 minute, I will bet you are arguing before you even get to the airport!