What is people's problem with kids?

[Mkrop]

I keep reading that only childless people have people cut in front of them or push in front at parades, in happens to us even with kids. It is about RUDE people with or without kids.

My family of 4 got our spot for Illuminations, there really was no room next to us. We were standing right next to the boat docks in Future World and there was a family on one side and then everything on the other side was obstructed by the canopy of the boat dock. Well just before it starts a family with about 4 little kids shoves there kids in front of us (mind you we were leaning on the fence but that didnt stop them) so now my child who was sitting nicely and patiently in his stroller could not see, and even my 9 yr old was very squished. And the children were waving those masks they made in WS so now I cant see. I turned towards the parents and said "do you mind", they were Indian so either they could not undersatnd me or chose to ignore me, I think the latter but they conviently started speaking in another language.

I guess my point is this type of rude beahvior can happen to us all!

 

[TDC Nala]

So let me get this right you modeled unacceptable behavior in front of a child. Wow you sure accomplished something that day . First off I absolutely think a parent should do something when a child misbehaves but your behavior was totally unacceptable. Grow up you are a perfect example of a grown adult acting liking a child who isn't getting their way.

The kid started it. I'd assume the child doesn't understand that such behavior is unacceptable and her mother was not willing to teach her that lesson, and was more interested in letting the child do whatever the heck she wanted, even if it interfered with another person's enjoyment of the show.

If the poster had kicked the child's chair I'd agree with the above post. But kicking the mother's chair was inspired.

 

[TDC Nala]

I keep reading that only childless people have people cut in front of them or push in front at parades, in happens to us even with kids. It is about RUDE people with or without kids.

My family of 4 got our spot for Illuminations, there really was no room next to us. We were standing right next to the boat docks in Future World and there was a family on one side and then everything on the other side was obstructed by the canopy of the boat dock. Well just before it starts a family with about 4 little kids shoves there kids in front of us (mind you we were leaning on the fence but that didnt stop them) so now my child who was sitting nicely and patiently in his stroller could not see, and even my 9 yr old was very squished. And the children were waving those masks they made in WS so now I cant see. I turned towards the parents and said "do you mind", they were Indian so either they could not undersatnd me or chose to ignore me, I think the latter but they conviently started speaking in another language.

I guess my point is this type of rude beahvior can happen to us all!

Yes, but to you, if you complain they don't act like you don't belong there, or use the phrase "This parade/show/ride/whatever is for kids" and its unspoken meaning "We're far more entitled to this space than you are." That's extra rude.

I don't know why some folks just don't ask "Can my kids please stand in front?" That'd probably work with me.

I put up a video of a show on Star Wars weekend. There is a child directly in front of me on a man's shoulders. This entire video was shot around the child. A staff member came up during the show and asked the man to put the child down because he was blocking everybody behind him; he refused. The kid stayed up there until nearly the end of the show.

 

[Mkrop]

Yes, but to you, if you complain they don't act like you don't belong there, or use the phrase "This parade/show/ride/whatever is for kids" and its unspoken meaning "We're far more entitled to this space than you are." That's extra rude.

I don't know why some folks just don't ask "Can my kids please stand in front?" That'd probably work with me.

I put up a video of a show on Star Wars weekend. There is a child directly in front of me on a man's shoulders. This entire video was shot around the child. A staff member came up during the show and asked the man to put the child down because he was blocking everybody behind him; he refused. The kid stayed up there until nearly the end of the show.

I guess because I dont feel like certain people dont "belong" there maybe is why I cant full grasp it. I see Disney for everyone but I do think it is weird that people would not expeet children to be there. (another thread)

My point was that some parents feel their children are entitled no matter who they inconvience or annoy. Some are equal opportunity annoyers!

As to the poster that kicked the mom's chair, brilliant move. You were modeling bad behavior for the parent not the child so maybe next time the parent would have a clue about improper behavior and be able to recognize even in their own child!

 

[Mariposa]

I just had to step in and give my 2 cents, and no, it will be done politely. For starters, I can see how so many parents, myself included, have become sensitive to the "child free". I was pointed to a message board of people who had chosen to not have children and these people were terrible. Commenting about abused, abducted and murdered children in the news, saying children are worthless and deserved what they got. Bragging about tripping, or shoving small children down in public places when they knew no one was looking. One woman even claimed to have hit a child in a parking lot on purpose because she "was sick of all the kids running loose". These types of "child free" couples and singles are the ones who have given the rest of you the bad rep. So it because of those that you should blame for your "child hater" brand.

Okay, and by that turn, it's the parents who ignore Junior while he spits on the feet of the people around him in line, the ones who think it's adorable when their child tries to sit at someone else's table in a restaurant, parents who do nothing when their child is trying to climb over people sitting and watching Philharmagic that give all parents and children a bad name.

Point being, if you can judge one group only based on the morons that proclaim affiliation, then all groups can be judged on the same basis. (Easier put, there are rotten apples in all bushels.)

For the record, I've got kids- and I generally don't like dealing with anyone elses. Weird, I know.

 

[bytheblood]

So let me get this right you modeled unacceptable behavior in front of a child. Wow you sure accomplished something that day . First off I absolutely think a parent should do something when a child misbehaves but your behavior was totally unacceptable. Grow up you are a perfect example of a grown adult acting liking a child who isn't getting their way.

I really do not want to be a part of this heated debate, but I will add....I understand all of this. The mother should have told her kid to stop kicking the lady's chair because it was bothering her. End of story!!


I had a mother with a child in her lap sitting behind me while waiting for Spectro and he repeatedly kicked me IN THE KIDNEY. I turned and faced the mother with a smile and very politely asked her, "ma'am, I would scoot up more, but I am at the rope & pole (which was on my left) and there is nowhere to go. Can you please either scoot back just a tad or please stop your baby from kicking me in my kidney, it is a bit uncomfortable and it does hurt.

She had a little fit. You would have thought I called her son the devil and spit in his face. She went off on how 'there is no way a 2-year-old could hurt a grown up' and 'that he only kicked me once', blah blah blah. I faced her again and said, I will kick you in your kidney and then if you do not feel any pain or discomfort, I won't say another word. She moved back about a foot.

These people are teaching their kids to be "me-centric" and that it is okay to have no manners, not to be polite and it is okay to have no respect for other people....as long as they are content.

 

[bytheblood]

For the record, I've got kids- and I generally don't like dealing with anyone elses. Weird, I know.

I can somewhat relate to that. I love my daughter and I love being a mom. I don't mind her friends coming over at all....but I am not always fond of other people's kids. I certainly don't hate any of them though.

 

[LorieR]

So let me get this right you modeled unacceptable behavior in front of a child. Wow you sure accomplished something that day . First off I absolutely think a parent should do something when a child misbehaves but your behavior was totally unacceptable. Grow up you are a perfect example of a grown adult acting liking a child who isn't getting their way.

I would like to see what you would do in a situation like this....or perhaps you were the mother who did nothing about your child kicking the seat??????

 

[disneynutz]

My point was that some parents feel their children are entitled no matter who they inconvience or annoy.

And some people feel that they are entitled parents.

 

[cinmell]

For the record, I've got kids- and I generally don't like dealing with anyone elses. Weird, I know.

Me too.

 

[Kath2003]

I don't mind kids. I mind it when they are misbehaving and their parents either know about it and ignore it, or ENCOURAGE it. The ONE meal that we had at WDW that was ruined was because a mother was encouraging her children to run up to the characters at Crystal Palace when they were at other tables. The waitress had clearly explained that the characters visit ALL tables, but no, the enjoyment of her three little ones was more important than the other 100+ people at the restaurant.

Most kids we saw were adorable, well behaved and had excellent parents who stamped down on bad behaviour immediately. No one expects kids to be perfect - but I expect their behaviour to be controlled if it's disrupting other guests, INCLUDING other children. Remove your child from the line/shop/restaurant, let them have their melt down and then start again. Job done

 

[dbmarie]

I would like to see what you would do in a situation like this....or perhaps you were the mother who did nothing about your child kicking the seat??????

Did you read my other post I am the one who said I correct my children's behavior firmly. However countless times I have had strangers interject with "It's Disney World let them have fun.". I would have spoken firmly to my dd's and if that had not worked I or my dh would have taken her outside for a well deserved time-out. I fail to see what that lady taught the child watching her act like a child. If I was in that situation I would have spoken to the mother and if that didn't work find a CM and ask them to discuss it with the mother. I am not defending the mother's behavior I wouldn't in any situation allow my dd's to act like that but neither would I ever act so inappropriate as kicking another person's chair. That's inexuseable behavior on anyone's behalf please remember that your actions are models for children's behavior. Afterall how else do they learn how to behave.

 

[dbmarie]

The ONE meal that we had at WDW that was ruined was because a mother was encouraging her children to run up to the characters at Crystal Palace when they were at other tables.

I hate that especially when I am telling my dd's that they have to wait there turn. I usually say a little loud to my dd's "You are supposed to wait at the table to see the characters to make sure every gets there turn." Hoping the parent will fell some sense of shame but they rarely do.

 

[Mkrop]

And some people feel that they are entitled parents.

I agree with this. Am I missing something. I think there are a lot of people who feel they are entitled no matter who they are!

 

[disneyfreakmike]

I agree with most of those above. It's the parents most time that are idiots and let there kids do whatever they want. That is annoying as heck.
I'm one of those who have no intention of having kids. That said, I know Disney is a kid place. Yes, kids should be allowed to have a good time. But these goofy parents need to realize that the experience is supposed to be for more than THEIR kids.
Unfortunately, it's the KIDS behavior we see, not the parent's behavior. It's unfair I know. I see it all the time. I'm a teacher, and 99% of the time if you have a lousy kid, it all seems to click when you meet their parents!

 

[madcoco]

I don't mind kids. I mind it when they are misbehaving and their parents either know about it and ignore it, or ENCOURAGE it.

Ditto.

We love children and love being in Disney with children. Some people just don't like kids and they should find somewhere else to visit. Kids can be kids but parents have no excuse for ignoring or encouraging misbehavior that ruins other guest's experiences.

In Epcot Monday night I was with DD waiting to catch the last British Invasion Show at 8PM in the UK Garden. There was a good crowd waiting for them to take the gazebo and acting "normal". We were seated on the steps and on the bench next to us was a family from h*** with children that was beating each other with their flip-flops and wooden sticks. The kids were inside the little square fenced garden areas which is supposed to be off limits. Running around Jumping in and out and trampling the grass and flowers. Not once did we hear the parents say calm down. People were walking by to find a spot just shaking their heads and dodging flip flops. No exaggeration. You had to be there.

Continuing to whack each other with their flip flops and sticks they were irritating more than a few people around them. A CM came out and asked them politely to get out of the fenced off areas and 5 minutes later they were back at it. The Dad was back at it again laughing like it was a big joke. The Mom did seem to be getting a bit embarassed but not so much so as to tell them to stop it. The final straw was one of the kids throwing their flip flops and hitting a family to the left of them. Unbelievable. A CM appears again. The family gets up and leaves a few minutes before showtime as one boy is still hitting his brother with a stick on the way out.

 

[marivaid]

I wouldn't in any situation allow my dd's to act like that but neither would I ever act so inappropriate as kicking another person's chair. That's inexuseable behavior on anyone's behalf please remember that your actions are models for children's behavior. Afterall how else do they learn how to behave.

Apparently that child had already learned that it was OK for him to kick somebody's chair since his mom not only didn't tell him to stop, she actually got mad at the person whose chair was being kicked.

I love kids and love seeing them react to characters and shows at WDW. But adults (with or without children) deserve to have a good time too. The problem is that SOME parents think their children should be allowed to do everything they want, anywhere they want, as long as they want.

But this kind of parents & kids will be a problem in any setting, not just WDW. Last summer at the motel I always stay at in St Pete's, the owners had to make up a new rule for the pool and make it adult-only for a few hours each day. The reason ? There was a family with 3 kids who were in that pool ALL DAY, splashing diving jumping and making it impossible for anyone else to enjoy it. The parents didn't care if they were ruining everyone else's vacation. Their kids loved the pool therefore they should be allowed to invade it and who cares about the 20 other families staying there!

IMO the reason why there are more & more "child haters" these days is because there are so many parents who let their kids do anything.
When we were kids my folks took us to concerts in Salzburg (Mozart's town) all the time.Certainely not a place you'd expect to see little kids especially in the 80's.We'd bring comics or a coloring book and keep ourselves occupied.No one ever acted nasty to my parents. A few months ago they were there again and a mom was having a fit because they'd been told to leave during an earlier show. Her 10-12 year old kid had been using his DVD Player and Wii during the concert. He didn't even have headphones!!

So, were the persons who complained "child haters" or did they just want to be able to enjoy their concert ?

 

[tony609]

I have read here numerous times that people who are being annoyed by a child..wether it be their feet being stepped on, their chair being kicked,having their meal interupted by a screaming child or what have you. That I should say something to the parent(s).

THAT IS NOT MY JOB! If a parent is doing their job this wouldn't be happening in the first place.

I work in a mall,retail enviroment, and i cannot tell you how many lost kids there are DAILY because parents aren't watching their kids. Why isn't the child in the stroller your pushing? Because its full of shopping bags. Yes I have a problem with ppl who don't watch their kids. If I didn't do my job I would be fired! Watching your own children IS your job not mine! I know I will get the flames for that statement BUT it is 100% true. You are responsible, bottom line for your own child.

 

[Kdog]

I had read through these posts and decided to comment as well. My DH and I do not have kids, but we plan to in the future. When we go to WDW, DH and I expect to see lots of kids at all ends of the emotional spectrum at any given moment. WDW is a highly stimulating place, and, while it is a wonderful and magical experience, it can be absolutely strenuous and exhausting for parents and children alike. Factor in the cost of the vacation, the crowds, and the heat, and some families experience the pressure of making the vacation as fun-filled as possible. Because of this, DH and I are way more accepting of negative behavior from children (and frazzled parents) at WDW than anywhere else. A parent who may ordinarily and consistently remove a crying child from a mall, playground, etc., might be less likely to do so at the MK because it is ruining/wasting valuable time from a precious vacation. I am not saying that this is right or that I plan to do that, but I feel sympathy. I've had moments when I felt absolutely outraged by a disrespectful moment by a parent or child, but I remind myself that this incident is just one moment in a very atypical environment. WDW is magical, but not every moment brings out best in children and adults alike. I say, Go with the flow. If an issue is just annoying, ignore it, and as a previous poster mentioned, move on. If a situation is dangerous or reckless, get a CM involved. I am not about to give parenting advice to a stranger of whose background, experiences, and previous moments I know nothing about.
Edited post to correct spelling.

 

[Kath2003]

I work in a mall,retail enviroment, and i cannot tell you how many lost kids there are DAILY because parents aren't watching their kids. Why isn't the child in the stroller your pushing? Because its full of shopping bags. Yes I have a problem with ppl who don't watch their kids. If I didn't do my job I would be fired! Watching your own children IS your job not mine! I know I will get the flames for that statement BUT it is 100% true. You are responsible, bottom line for your own child.

Ditto. I also hate it when parents say "Stop that or "that lady" will tell you off!" and then look at me expectantly. Discipline your own kids!

I think 99.9% of people who go to WDW are realistic. Of course kids are going to be hot, tired, overstimulated and generally kids (who are inherently selfish through no fault of their own, especially around the age of 2 ) but as a parent its your job to make sure they don't inconvenience anyone else. Kid having a meltdown at a park bench doesn't inconvenience anyone, kid having a meltdown in a line for an attraction does. I don't mind kids crying in restaurants - I mind kids CONSTANTLY crying in restaurants and the parents carrying on like nothing's happening, whilst ruining everyone else's meal. I don't mind kids kicking the back of my chair in a theatre, I mind when the parents are aware of it and don't ask their child to stop.

I had 10 hours of a little brat who was about 8 kicking the back of my chair on a flight from London to Miami. I asked the child to stop. I asked his mother to ask him to stop (she rolled her eyes and gave him "the look" - he stopped for 5 minutes). The air hostessed asked him to stop 10-15 times throughout the flight. The mother left her three kids -the 8 year old was the oldest, the others were 5-6 - to themselves and took a seat across the aisle from them, and ignored them the entire flight. One of the younger ones threw up during take-off AND landing, the other children sorted her out. They constantly tried to get her Mum's attention but she was having none of it