What makes you angry?

[ulthar]

In closing, I respect your opinions and they are well formed.  However, I can see where the others are coming from in this situation. 

The thing I really bristle against is the overgeneralization. As Odinn said, seeing a kid misbehaving does not automatically equate with bad parent.  That's a kneejerk response.

The examples you presented are good ones.  Those situations would bug me, also.  (On the other child opening the presents, I'd have to wear the d!ck label...I'd definately say something).

I will say I'm a little sensitive to the issue of children in restaurants.  I agree 100% that some children grossly misbehave and some parents fuel the problem.  But, I cannot help getting rather PO'd when we are at a restaurant with our children and people act indignant when seated next to us by the hostess.  I've seen several request to move.  I think that is extremely rude, selfish and uncouth, but hey, to each their own.

As it has been said, they are paying their money to be there.  But then again, so are we, and so long as my children are NOT being disruptive, I resent the assumption that they will be.  In a sense, it's a negative reinforcement of proper behavior.

What has boggled my mind is the number of times (and it has happened quite frequently) that folks at restaurants approach us to comment on it.  Some have even apologized for making that assumption!

Is it indeed THAT rare for children to behave in restaurants?

(Lest I sound like I am falsely building my children up, hehe, I really don't know WHY they tend to behave when we are out.  Here at home, they can bounce off the walls with the best of 'em).   

[odinn7]

I know what you're saying Darksider and I've had my share of those moments too...I guess all I'm trying to say is there may be underlying things causing the situation you are witnessing and just that maybe people should stop and think before staring, glaring, or making rude comments. I know my GF has been hurt many times by having nasty comments directed at her and her son...yeah, she could easily tell these people that her boy is autistic but is she obligated to? Not at all...and it shouldn't have to be explained to anyone.

[Patient7]

Excellent replies, i hope this thread has been giving people a good chance to vent their rage, and give parents a chance to explain why their kids act up or at the very least, say that it is a rarity.  Keep it up!  And remember don't get mad get 

[Shadow]

As someone who voiced anger at wild kids and parents who refuse to control them, I understand that not every child or situation can be held to the same standard. My point is more when a child is obviously out of control and the parent does nothing. Like when a kid is up and walking around a restaurant while their parents continue to eat and not bother to go get them. Or kids running up and down the aisle at the movies and the parents just watch them, not making a move to stop the behaviour. That is what I meant. I know all kids will act up on occasion, and truth told, when a kid is crying or having a tantrum, most times I ignore it, as I know that is normal with children. It's the times when the parents are obviously doing nothing to correct the situation that bugs me.

Many folks that complain about unruly children don't have children; there is some saying I seem to remember about walking a mile in someone's shoes before setting them up for judgement.

Not to argumentative, but by that same logic, people who have never held public office should not comment on politics, people who have never played sports have no business talking about it and those who have never left the country should be quiet on things outside of America's borders. Just because I don't have first hand knowledge of something, does not mean I cannot comment on it in an informed manner.

[ulthar]

Not to argumentative, but by that same logic, people who have never held public office should not comment on politics, people who have never played sports have no business talking about it and those who have never left the country should be quiet on things outside of America's borders. Just because I don't have first hand knowledge of something, does not mean I cannot comment on it in an informed manner.

Not what I'm saying...I'm just saying be a little sympathetic - try to see from their perspective.

[Shadow]

Ok, got ya!

[odinn7]

To be clear on something...my comments weren't directed at anyone in particular here...it was just reading about the complaints of unruly kids that made me think about that.

I also know very well about the kids running around free in a restaurant. My brother in law allows his children to do that because it's easier than telling them to sit down. I can't stand that.

[Mr. DS]

Ulthar, I've had people compliment my son also and it feels great.  I've already decided that the next time I see a well behaved kid I'm going to return the favor to those parents.  Perhaps I go out at the wrong time but I always get seated next to the whiny kids.  My son will actually shoot them a dirty look which amuses me.

None the less, as always I'm glad we can discuss things as gentlemen.      

[ulthar]

None the less, as always I'm glad we can discuss things as gentlemen.      

Darn tootin.' It's part of what makes this one of the best sites on the 'Net.  Karrrrma to you for puttin' up with someone's kid openin' those presents.

[clockworkcanary]

I disdain searching for a clip of a show on youtube only to find some asses who make silly montages with their incredibly bad selection of music lol.  If I wanted to hear someone elses' s**tty music I'd take a ride through a trailer court.  I was just searching clips of Justice League/Justice League Unlimited and it seems every one of the clips is overdubbed with some stupid song that does't fit the clip at all.

[Ash]

I disdain searching for a clip of a show on youtube only to find some asses who make silly montages with their incredibly bad selection of music lol. 

No doubt!
I was just complaining about this the other day to a friend.
I'll go to look for a film clip of a specific scene and instead, they're all set to music.
It wouldn't be so bad if the music actually went with the scene.
I read somewhere that for certain material, Youtube won't yank the clip if it's set to music.
If it's not set to music, Youtube considers that copyright violation. (not 100% on that)
If I remember correctly, that info can be found on Youtube somewhere.  (I'm pretty sure that's where I read it)

------------------------------------

And speaking of unruly kids...
Did any of you hear about the teen who got into it with a bus driver recently?
Read the article first to understand what's going on in the video below.
Click here to read the full article

Watch the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NvWukOvZs0
(NOT SAFE FOR WORK due to bad language)

If you go to the ABC news message board for this story, people overwhelmingly support the bus driver.
What's your take on this?

[trekgeezer]

I'm going to put a twist on the unruly kids.  What p**ses me off is unruly parents.  It really irritates me when I see a family in a restaurant talking and when one of the kids opines about something they're told to shut up or they get smacked for daring to speak.  My opinion has always been that kids should be talked to like people. They deserve the same courtesy as anyone else. Shut up was one of those we don't say that phrases around our house.

I also hate it when parents take their small children toy shopping around the holidays and then get upset because the little tykes want everything they see.  Toys R Us is full of screaming kids right before Christmas.

Don't feel bad Ulthar, my kids were always well behaved when we ate out too.   

[clockworkcanary]

I agree Trekgeezer: I try to talk to my little one like an adult (at least attempt it) and couldn't imagine needing to ever say "shuddup" - I mean, kids are people too (isn't that an old 70s show name?! lol).  It's amazing how kids try to act grown up if they're given a chance.  Still, kids are kids and all, but I try to get my little one to speak her opinion as far as a 2 year old is capable of doing ...and it really helps her vocabulary at the same time.

[Patient7]

You know Trekgeezer, when I was young(er) there were times when I was treated like a small child by people I didn't really know, (I have actually been considered quite intelligent most of my life)  even the other week, I bought a magazine (MAD if you're wondering) and I noticed that the cashier's name was Opal (or something like that) and I looked at her like, "Who names their kid Opal?"  and she asked "Did you want to hold the magazine?" like I was a (*&$#!@ six year old!!!!

As for Ash, that girl was quite a b^)*&.  You can tell she knew she had no reason to be yelling about anything though because her mood went from mad to sad to mad to sad to mad to haha to CRAYAYAYAYAYZY, not a fan of those kinds of people.

Karma for the both of you.

[clockworkcanary]

Something else I'm starting to disdain...this never-ending Winter!  C'mon Springtime! The gray skies are getting a little old; can't wait to see Mr. Sol again!  C'mon sunshine!