Why do some adults do that? (small vent)

[Chattyaholic]

If the museum didn't have a sign saying something like "Children Under 12 Only, Please" then you should "wait your turn" like everyone else. Some parents like to participate in activities with their children. Some adults are "little kids at heart" as well.

At the Seney Wildlife Refuge there is a "Touch Table" inside the Visitor's Center. There are several animal pelts to feel, an area of sand with large blocks of wood that have animal feet so you can put them in the sand to see what the animal foot prints look like, etc. I LOVE that table! Just because I'm "not a child" doesn't mean I don't enjoy what the table has to offer. Sometimes the table is very busy, sometimes only 1-2 people. I "wait my turn" just like everyone else does.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

at one of the ones we go to, the parents are encouraged to "do" a project as well. Maybe that's how it is at this place. If not, I'm sure the staff would have mentioned to the adults to move along as other smaller guests are waiting.

 

[disykat]

I'm thinking many here still don't understand the kind of children's museum we're discussing. There is a huge difference between waiting your turn to see an interactive exhibit vs. taking up a spot at a table where you practice tying shoes, waiting in line for a turn to pretend to drive the bus, wanting to use the play cash register, etc. The children's museums I've been in, it's fun to watch the kids, and while you may say "I wish I'd gone to one of these as a child" - there's really nothing there for adults. In my experience, adults only participate as needed to help their child. On busy days, the kids interact with each other - that's kind of the point.

 

[Marseeya]

I'm thinking many here still don't understand the kind of children's museum we're discussing. There is a huge difference between waiting your turn to see an interactive exhibit vs. taking up a spot at a table where you practice tying shoes, waiting in line for a turn to pretend to drive the bus, wanting to use the play cash register, etc. The children's museums I've been in, it's fun to watch the kids, and while you may say "I wish I'd gone to one of these as a child" - there's really nothing there for adults. In my experience, adults only participate as needed to help their child. On busy days, the kids interact with each other - that's kind of the point.

I agree. Also, I think kids need their own space once in a while, just as adults need theirs. I love interacting with my kids as much as the next parent, but I don't need to be attached at the hip in every single situation.

I do know how to "wait my turn," but I also know how to step aside as the circumstances demand.

 

[noodleknitter]

Adults need to allow the children in a children's museum to participate in the activities. If they want to make a collage, or play with pipe cleaners, they can go out and buy them. Some people just need to grow up and realize they are not the center of the universe!