OK, so I had a very frustrating day today and need to vent a little. Before I start this story I will admit that when it comes to manners and such I know I am definitely on the more side rather than the less. I had very proper parents and grandparents who expected pleases, and thank yous and ma'am and sirs and that is how I am bringing up my children. I know the world is not going to be as zealous as I am but I think that children (and their parents) have to have SOME manners.
I took Quinn to the local library for storytime this morning. With the exception of Greyson she doesn't get a lot of interaction with other children so I thought this might be a nice experience for her. I was wrong. I have never been in a room with so many rude people. We sat down and started playing with some toys that were set out before the program began. This one little boy just came over and grabbed Quinn's toys right out of her hand - his mother did nothing. Then when they were sitting around the storylady this other little boy started shoving all the children out of his way which lead to this domino effect of children falling over. Again Mom nowhere in sight. Some little girl knocked Quinn down to run up and get some bells to sing jingle bells with.
Part of the storytime they have a little puppet show where the kids crowd around this plastic fence and behind the fence is a little stage and a little puppet comes out to talk to the children. First of all all the children were hanging on the fence and one of the kids broke it. Second, apparently all the Moms know each other because they were all sitting down and jabbering behind the children so much that I couldn't even hear what the puppet was saying - neither could Quinn because she kept asking me what the little pig was saying. Finally at the end Quinn was the only one who said Thank You. I was apalled.
Do I expect two year olds to act perfectly all the time? Absolutely not - I know mine doesn't. But I expect their parents to act with manners and teach their children the same. If Quinn had stolen a toy or shoved another kid I would have been there in a second to let her know that isn't OK and have her apologize.
So am I asking too much? Am I too old fashioned? I am debating on whether to go back again because those children were so horrid but I know the interaction would in theory be good for Quinn. Argh.
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5 comments:
You are not asking too much! I am a stickler for good manners too. Although right now Sam has "forgotten" every nice word he knew before and has to be reminded. Drives me crazy. Anyway, I've found lots of kids' events to be the same way; the Moms are all chatty b/c they know each other. It can be frustrating . However your storytime sounds way better than ours!
Stick to your principles - you will raise children who you will want to hang out with as adults.
Perhaps Quinn should just play with her furry brother and sister - they have better manners than most little ones!
Try a storytime at Barnes & Noble, Pottery Barn Kids (you can get a drink and cookies together afterward and that would be a fun treat each time), or somewhere else - I wouldn't go back to the library unless you're willing to speak up and loudly ask some of the troublemakers if they act that way at home too. The kids couldn't care less usually, but the mom's are usually mortified. And if they aren't - you are not in the right place! Try going around town till you find one you're happy with. And if you can't, I'm sure we can help you find ideas for other regular group events for Quinn to meet and interact with other kids her own age.
(Sorry about the other blogger id - can never remember which account to use and I guess I got lucky all the other times I posted.)
welcome to my world.
You are absolutely right and this won't be the first time it happens.
Here's my soap box. She doesn't need to go there or ANYWHERE for the socialization. "Socialization" for little one is a big fat myth for parent who try to alleviate the guilt of sending their kids off to full time day care. She will fulfill every social need she has with you, Raif, Greyson, and carefully selected buddies that you pick because you like their families.
Don't get me started girl.
None of this would matter if y'all lived close by. ;)
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