We went to The Shops at Willow Bend mall this morning in order for G to get out of the house and be able to run. We usually go outside first thing in the morning to play, before it gets too hot, but everything was still wet this morning because of last nights much needed rain. I needed to pick up a few things at Origins, so I figured why not pick up my makeup and then let G have some time to play. G had so much fun running, climbing, and jumping. She was not timid at all today!
2nd part of my post. Why do some parents not parent? G was enjoying her climb up the chili pepper when a boy around the age of 4 jumped beside her on the pepper. Then, the little boy's sister (about the same age as G) came running up and jumped ON TOP of Gabby. Then the brother rolled over on top of both of them. By this time, M in my arms, I go over and rescue G. While trying to get her out the bottom of the dog pile, with my one free arm, I was telling the other two children that we don't jump on top of others. G starting saying, "I'm sorry Mommy." I tried to explain to her that she did not do anything wrong, but of course she did not really understand that. I felt terrible that because of what other children did she felt like she was in trouble and needed to apologize. Oh yeah, and the other kids mom didn't even get up from her seat where she was sitting or say one thing to her children. She was looking directly at us when I went over to get G, so I know she at least saw the end of the pile up. When did some parents even begin to think that not disciplining or talking to them about their behavior was okay? As a teacher I can tell immediately when children have parents that actually set boundaries and then those that let their child do whatever they want without consequence. Hello - when you let young children do what they want and don't teach them how to behave they can't possibly learn what is acceptable and what is not. Then, when they become teenagers - look out.
On the other hand, a little boy about age 3 pushed G. His mother went over to him immediately and had him apologize to G. Then, he had to go sit by his mom for a time out. Thank you to that parent and to all parents who actually parent!
Sorry for the venting, but I just had to get that off my chest.
5 comments:
First, love the play are and hopefully we can join y'all soon!
Second, we are obviously both magnets for children who have parents that do not discipline their children! What is the deal with that this week. Everything you said is exactly how I felt at Stride Rite the other day. Poor Gabby thinking it was her fault.
Okay, so after reading my comment I realized I mispelled area and put a period instead of a ?. Sorry!
Amen!
Poor Gabby...I am glad you said something to those kids!
Puhhhllleaaaze! Come on over and teach in suburbia, the land of NON-parenting. It's the culture right now and I don't understand it either. The kids run the roost and have no consequences. The parent blames everyone else but the instigator. Its not every single family but it sure is the majority!
SOAP BOX!!!
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