We were "that" family

[walkerag]

Oh, I have one!

May, last year. I had the temper tantrum, a grown woman

We were in Animal Kingdom, myself, DH, DD6, Dnephew 5, my best friend, her DH and thier DD13, and DD6. It was our 5th day at WDW and daily DH would suggest to the kids "hey, wanna go back to the resort and swim?" after a couple hours of touring. Let me just say that DH is not a park person. He'd rather be lounging by the pool. Of course the kids would always say, "yeah let's go swim" and I would stay behind with BFF and family. We had ressies for Tusker House that evening so I called DH and asked him if he wanted to get the kids ready and come back to AK for our ressie and he said "no, they are still swimming". So, I was like, ok, we'll cancel it and go to DTD for dinner. Well, I went back to the room around 7:00 to get everyone and we were going to go to Raglan Road and DH didn't want to go because the NBA playoffs were on (I'm a sports widow BTW), and I said come on, we're on vacation! He agreed but the entire time complained about how he was missing playoffs so I had our server box up all of our food and BFF and family stayed to eat. I stormed through DTD not saying a word to DH and when we got back to the room, we fought, very loudly, (I do apologize if you heard a couple screaming at each other at POP last week of May 2008)

I was angry because we were at WDW and all he could think of was the playoffs and there would be 500 more playoff games to watch, missing 1 or two games wouldn't kill him.

He was angry because I wouldn't let him slow down and relax.

Then I was angry because "what do you mean I won't let you slow down and relax, you've left the park to go swimming and lounge by the pool every day"!

I left and went down by the lake and cried I think I was just dissappointed that I had tried so hard to plan the "perfect vacation".

We were both over it by the next day though and had a really good last day at MK

Next time we're going for more than just 5 days (10 days actually) and are going to take days that we just go swimming or explore the resort. And if DH doesn't want to go to the park on a scheduled park day then DD and I will go without him

When we got back home DD was disappointed because she missed so many things that she wanted to do at the parks because she went swimming every day.

I'll try to relax next time

 

[pweyl36]

Spirited Children

Spirited Child is a descriptor - but not a medical diagnosis. It is (as the mother of one) - a positive spin on "your child is a pain in the butt."

I'd imagine that ADHD kids can often be described as 'spirited' - so could kids who are ODD. Or kids with a Sensory Integration Dysfunction. But a lot of kids who wouldn't qualify for any diagnosis, but just have a more intense and/or stubborn personality (in my case, its my little drama queen) get described as spirited.

http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Your-Spirited-Child-Perceptive/dp/0060923288

Thats what I thought, just another word for " what me disapline my child".
'

 

[3Minnies1Mickey]

The OPs comments on the character dining reminded me of my DD. We went to Goofys Kitchen for her 4th bday. This was day 3 of a 5 day trip. We had early dinner reservations and they sat us right next to the door where the characters walk in. She had been fine the last 2 1/2 days, but NOW is when she decides to freak over characters. With a large group of characters standing around singing her Happy Birthday, she's screaming in hysterics and DH is completely po'ed. Ah, a Kodak moment......

We will see how our trip goes in September. We will now have 4 kids and my mom in tow.

 

[AmyBWV99]

Here's a few of the lowhighlights from March we started in St. Petes and follwed that up with a week in WDW.

When we landed in St Petes the flight attendant told DS#1 (4yo) to have fun in FL with his Grandma and he looked at her like she had 3 heads and said, "OK airplane lady". He had no idea that she had been listening to our convo with the other flight attendant.


We still giggle about the lady in the Animal Kingdom that glared at me like I had 3 heads. I was trying to talk to DH across the walkway oblivious to people around me as I sun screened children. The debate we were having was if DH should have his 10 am beer there or wait till after he ran which wouldn't be for several hours. To which I reply "I've been 3 sheets to the wind the night before and still run the next day effectively one beer won't make a difference". DH toddles back in line to get his beer and I stand up to see 'horrified mom' looking at me. I bit my tongue, but I was so tempted to say 'bring it lady your stroller is dirtier than ours, if it's possible, what's that say about you?' I helped DH with his beer to help him run better, that's the kind of wife I am, always looking out for his best interest.

This was an email to a firend after returning from a full park day same trip:

So is it too white trash tacky to throw the stroller in the pool and then let it dry out on the balcony of our room?

I won't even go over the number of replacement parts we'll be
ordering when we get home, we are so country come to town........

DH decided thru beer goggles to have us all go to Artist Point one evening after a looong day of theme parking. Typically this is not really an issue we can tame the savages long enough to suffer thru the confines of a meal with random Helen Kelleric episodes (in our house this refers to the children wandering around the table eating as they circle, watch the movie you'll get it, namely Anne Sullivan's first family meal). Well everyone was ON that night. Now had we been placed in some out of the way corner table it would have been tolerable but no, not everyone would be able to witness the spectacle we were to become had we not be placed dead center of the room. DS#2 (18 mths) cleared that table in about 2 seconds throwing things hand over hand behind him on to the tile floor of the 3 story high ceilinged room. Do you have any idea how that can echo, but that was just pre-appetizers. We had to make it thru dessert which involved paintable cookies and white chocolate puzzles, sugar frosting in blue, red & yellow. I'm sure you can picture it......after I wrestled DS#2 out and into the lobby while we waited for DH and DS#1 some photographer actually asked, would you like a family picture you can get 5X7s or 8X10's oh yes, please I want to commemorate this evening in 8X10 glossy......

Well better sign off DH just brought DS#2 out of the bath and he's eating a pretzel, that went thru the bath with him. DH said he cried when he tried to take it from him. And DS#1 just announced he needs his bum wiped, there's poo in it. Let the good times roll.

We do have a lot of fun and luckily we are able to roll with humor. You see the families down there that are totally unglued, we laugh at them too. Or for them, but not with them, THEY are never laughing.

 

[LydiaAch]

clc051303, have you reading Raising your Spirited Child? My ped recommended it after I called her in tears one day!

 

[brockash]

Oh, I have one!

May, last year. I had the temper tantrum, a grown woman

We were in Animal Kingdom, myself, DH, DD6, Dnephew 5, my best friend, her DH and thier DD13, and DD6. It was our 5th day at WDW and daily DH would suggest to the kids "hey, wanna go back to the resort and swim?" after a couple hours of touring. Let me just say that DH is not a park person. He'd rather be lounging by the pool. Of course the kids would always say, "yeah let's go swim" and I would stay behind with BFF and family. We had ressies for Tusker House that evening so I called DH and asked him if he wanted to get the kids ready and come back to AK for our ressie and he said "no, they are still swimming". So, I was like, ok, we'll cancel it and go to DTD for dinner. Well, I went back to the room around 7:00 to get everyone and we were going to go to Raglan Road and DH didn't want to go because the NBA playoffs were on (I'm a sports widow BTW), and I said come on, we're on vacation! He agreed but the entire time complained about how he was missing playoffs so I had our server box up all of our food and BFF and family stayed to eat. I stormed through DTD not saying a word to DH and when we got back to the room, we fought, very loudly, (I do apologize if you heard a couple screaming at each other at POP last week of May 2008)

I was angry because we were at WDW and all he could think of was the playoffs and there would be 500 more playoff games to watch, missing 1 or two games wouldn't kill him.

He was angry because I wouldn't let him slow down and relax.

Then I was angry because "what do you mean I won't let you slow down and relax, you've left the park to go swimming and lounge by the pool every day"!

I left and went down by the lake and cried I think I was just dissappointed that I had tried so hard to plan the "perfect vacation".

We were both over it by the next day though and had a really good last day at MK

Next time we're going for more than just 5 days (10 days actually) and are going to take days that we just go swimming or explore the resort. And if DH doesn't want to go to the park on a scheduled park day then DD and I will go without him

When we got back home DD was disappointed because she missed so many things that she wanted to do at the parks because she went swimming every day.

I'll try to relax next time

I've gotta say, it sounds like you were a lot more patient than I would/could have been. I'm pretty sure I would have had 10X the meltdown. Sounds like a good plan for next time though.

 

[walkerag]

I've gotta say, it sounds like you were a lot more patient than I would/could have been. I'm pretty sure I would have had 10X the meltdown. Sounds like a good plan for next time though.

Ugh, I knew what I was getting into before I married him
I don't mind the football b/c I like that. It's just the endless NBA playoff games and our anniversary is May 11th too, during playoffs every year

 

[crisi]

Thats what I thought, just another word for " what me disapline my child".
'

Oh, no. This is a word for "it really doesn't matter if I put him in the timeout chair. He gets out. I'd have to tie him down. It doesn't matter if I tell her she will loose TV if she doesn't get ready on time - she still daydreams through the morning. It doesn't matter if I tell him he has to eat what is put in front of him at dinner or go to bed hungry - he will only eat certain things." Parents of spirited children often DO discipline their children, but their children often respond very differently to the same sort of stimulus than other children. That is why the book sells, because these parents have TRIED to discipline their kids and still have kids who are sensitive, emotional, difficult - and don't respond to traditional methods.

If you don't understand what we are talking about - just be thankful you don't have one so people who have 'normal' kids can accuse you of not disciplining your kids.

 

[MinnieTink]

This thread is strangely comforting, isn't it?

It is so good to know that many people have experiences with their families, and can have a sense of humor about it later.

My DDs are big on the competition. Everything from who is going to sit next to who (You sat next to mom last time! It's not fair!) to the 50 yard dash/dive through the lobby to the stinkin' elevator button. Then there's the last donut fight. The last cookie fight. The fight-just-to-fight fight. Ahh...sisters.... too bad I was an only child... NOT.

Then there is DH. Ahh, DDDH. He gets in line while I'm parking the stroller and getting DS out. Every time. Just gets in line with DDs. Then I have to do the walk of shame, going, 'sorry, so sorry' to the people behind him in line, as I try and make my way to my family. Yes, I make sure to pack my angry eyes. And usually I glare until he slinks back to my spot in line.

 

[walkerag]

If you don't understand what we are talking about - just be thankful you don't have one so people who have 'normal' kids can accuse you of not disciplining your kids.

You're not kidding, my DD has been diagnosed with ADD (inattentive) and is extremely emotional, sensitive, and many times completely irrational. Like when we go to the Dr. or dentist or if she falls and scrapes her knee, cries forever, kicks, screams, and she's nearly 8. She's a great kid. She's kind to others and has a huge heart but when she cries or get's hurt family thinks we "baby" her too much and "she wouldn't be like that if you had another child". It's so frustrating. We try so hard to be patient with her (and them) but sometimes it makes you a little crazy

 

[robinb]

Oh, no. This is a word for "it really doesn't matter if I put him in the timeout chair. He gets out. I'd have to tie him down. It doesn't matter if I tell her she will loose TV if she doesn't get ready on time - she still daydreams through the morning. It doesn't matter if I tell him he has to eat what is put in front of him at dinner or go to bed hungry - he will only eat certain things." Parents of spirited children often DO discipline their children, but their children often respond very differently to the same sort of stimulus than other children. That is why the book sells, because these parents have TRIED to discipline their kids and still have kids who are sensitive, emotional, difficult - and don't respond to traditional methods.

If you don't understand what we are talking about - just be thankful you don't have one so people who have 'normal' kids can accuse you of not disciplining your kids.

Thank you .

 

[2shortpeopleruleme]

I'm am laughing out loud at some of these posts!

Seems as if quite a few of us will be there in October - if I see a child in the midst of a tantrum or a husband in the mist of a mantrum maybe I'll go up and ask if they are "that family from the Dis"!!!!!

This is the BEST thread EVER! I love knowing that we won't be the first or last That Family!!

I am soooo stealing "Mantrum" that is the best thing I have ever heard!! Can't wait to try it out on DH!!

 

[geogirl0626]

Once DD6 had new clothes on, DD3 asks if she wets her pants will she get new clothes too?

OMG that is priceless!!! I love 3 year olds

 

[LydiaAch]

Spirited Children

Spirited Child is a descriptor - but not a medical diagnosis. It is (as the mother of one) - a positive spin on "your child is a pain in the butt."

I'd imagine that ADHD kids can often be described as 'spirited' - so could kids who are ODD. Or kids with a Sensory Integration Dysfunction. But a lot of kids who wouldn't qualify for any diagnosis, but just have a more intense and/or stubborn personality (in my case, its my little drama queen) get described as spirited.

http://www.amazon.com/Raising-Your-Spirited-Child-Perceptive/dp/0060923288

You are so right-for a long time I thought about SID for DD4. I have to meet with her ped again sometime soon. Do you know of any online message boards that deal with this?

 

[pweyl36]

Oh, no. This is a word for "it really doesn't matter if I put him in the timeout chair. He gets out. I'd have to tie him down. It doesn't matter if I tell her she will loose TV if she doesn't get ready on time - she still daydreams through the morning. It doesn't matter if I tell him he has to eat what is put in front of him at dinner or go to bed hungry - he will only eat certain things." Parents of spirited children often DO discipline their children, but their children often respond very differently to the same sort of stimulus than other children. That is why the book sells, because these parents have TRIED to discipline their kids and still have kids who are sensitive, emotional, difficult - and don't respond to traditional methods.

If you don't understand what we are talking about - just be thankful you don't have one so people who have 'normal' kids can accuse you of not disciplining your kids.

I do have a child that has ADHD, and didnt listen either. Just because he has
ADHD did not mean he was not disciplined. I never used that as an excuse, I just had to work harder to make sure he under stood I would not tolerate bad behavior. He just had to work harder at it. Now he is 21yrs old and has a nice steady job with no disciplinary problems.

 

[rottiemom]

"we did not come all the way to Disney World to bring back a rollerskating waitress...now knock this business off!"

Oh this SO needs to be on a T shirt!

Sunday at the MK, the day before we fly home & our first real day at the MK (we had been to MNSSHP 2 days earlier & really didn't appreciate just how small the crowds were then and how easygoing the crowd was). My son decides to go hide in Pooh's treehouse to sulk & try not to let any other children in. We promptly remove him which then results in a meltdown of volcano like proportions. My better half scoops him up, puts him on his shoulders & we proceed to walk through the entire park and down main st past the throngs of people lining up for whatever parade happens at 3PM or so with the wailing, shrieking, crying banshee sirening from my husband's shoulders. They call it the happiest place on earth for a reason!

The kicker is that my husband & I cannot even think about the MK without remembering that incident. Pity there wasn't a photopass photographer around .

 

[crisi]

I do have a child that has ADHD, and didnt listen either. Just because he has
ADHD did not mean he was not disciplined. I never used that as an excuse, I just had to work harder to make sure he under stood I would not tolerate bad behavior. He just had to work harder at it. Now he is 21yrs old and has a nice steady job with no disciplinary problems.

Then you probably do understand - because your son would have very likely been difficult - and its likely you had to be creative in your discipline, since kids with ADHD often need different discipline than other kids. And it probably took a lot longer to get results than your well meaning relatives and neighbors would have liked. No one is using 'spirited' as an excuse - at least I'll give others the benefit of the doubt that they do discipline their children. They are using 'spirited' as a positive spin on 'my child is extra challenging.'

 

[crisi]

You are so right-for a long time I thought about SID for DD4. I have to meet with her ped again sometime soon. Do you know of any online message boards that deal with this?

Sorry, I don't.

 

[dogodisney]

This will be us next month! We are heading to the World with inlaws. My first trip as well as DS10 & DD6. My MIL stated, "You are the oldest person I know that has not been to Disney!" That tells you what my trip will be like. My family is "that" family on its own withOUT the help of the inlaws. We should be quite a show for everyone else. It is always funnier when it's not you and yours.

I was 44 my DH was 49 when we went to DW for the first time.

 

[roscoepc1]

I'm embarrassed to admit that I was the one who lost it in Goofy's Candy Store at DTD last Friday night.

I went to use dh's debit card, she asks for photo ID. It's my dh's card, you twit, why would I have photo ID? So I had to call him (thank God we both had our cell phones with us that night!), and have him come running over to show his ID.

THEN, she swipes our Canadian debit card....it won't work. Why not? B/c our CANADIAN debit card doesn't have your AMERICAN Visa code thingy! Gee, I thought Disney WANTED tourists?????

I had to call dh back AGAIN, to raid his pockets for cash...we were running low on cash b/c we were leaving the next day...I finally managed to scrounge up the correct amount (ending up counting pennies) while she huffed and puffed about how long it was taking me to check out.....

I ended up loudly saying "I thought Disney catered to mother******* tourists! This is the stupidest f-ing policy I've ever heard of! How the f*** would my CANADIAN debit card have a f-ing AMERICAN Visa code?????????Pass on my disgust to your manager!: slammed the money on the counter in front of her and walked out!



NOT my finest moment!

Then I realized both my girls were standing there with their mouths hanging open! Mommy doesn't usually talk like that!

The girls managed to argue over elevator buttons, who liked the characters the most, and whether they really ahd to pee or not!