Pet peeves

We go through this almost every time we go out. Whether it be out to dinner or when we go to the grocery store. You almost always see people just allowing their children to run around. Then they panic when they can't find their child. What did they think was going to happen?

I've seem this from both sides. In fact, I'm about to go through it again, to some degree. My son is about to graduate from 5th grade. Down here it isn't only little ones running around that is a disruption, but the parents themselves. They just don't seem to know how to shut up. I guess everyone is so self absorbed that they are only interested in shutting up long enough to see their own child. Sometimes they probably even miss that! As far as keeping little ones under control, I agree with the person who said that part of the problem is that parents rights are being taken away to some degree. I also, don't agree with abuse, but when I am out in public with my children, I am often second guessing how to discipline or react to their behavior because of what others might think, say or do. A part of me feels that I shouldnt concern myself with others, but in reality I think one does have to watch their back in that regard. I have two children and to be honest they can be unruly at times. I actually did avoid taking them out to restaurants for a while because I did not want to subject others to little kids running around etc. But sometimes you need to get out and go places with small children. Parent's can only do so much. With some children it isn't just a matter of discipline but an inability to sit still for a long period of time. I try not to judge other parents when they are in this situation with their children because I remind myself that I've been in similar situations. There used to be a saying that "children should be seen and not heard". I was like that as a child but I really don't want that for my children. Some situations obviously require a certain type of behavior and I do teach them that, but I also try to consider their personalities and their ability or inability to be in certain situations. I hope I didn't get too far off the subject and I do like to try to offer up a contrasting point of view on occasion.

Whenever any of my kids has an event I get there early just so that I can get an upfront seat. While this doens't solve the entire problem, it is a bit less bothersome. When I was growing up you knew better than to act out in public. You knew if you did you had better watch out, you were in for it when you got home. I think a lot of has to do with disipline. Parents are becomming too afraid of discipling their kids anymore. All it takes is for a child to pick up the phone and a parent can be arrested. I don't think anyone should beat their kids but when you take away the rights of parents and give them to the kids things are going to get bad and quick. You hear people saying all the time whats wrong with kids these days doing whatever they want.Well you take away parents rights what do you expect? That's my opinion anyway. Sorry for going off on a little rant there.

That would fall under the heading of a prt peeve of mine, as well. Some parens tend to put blinders on in those situations, and refuse to see how unfair it is on the rest of the peopl ewho would like to enjoy the event. I have been dealing withthis for years, and I hate to say it, but the kids will outgrow the behavior before their parents will alter their own.

Honestly I don't remember ever having that happen to us. But I would find it very irrating. People need to take better care of their kids out in public.