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frankx · 07-17-2003, 05:57 AM

Many parents today try to be a friend to their kids, instead of a parent because they are afraid of being rejected by their kids. I adore and get along very well with my parents, but when I was younger and in dire need of guidance they did not hesitate to put a board or belt to my ass if I needed it - and I love them for it. The blame for badly behaved children can be laid squarely at the feet of touchy-feely parents who fail to properly discipline.

Now as an adult, I find myself usually curtailing my activities to times when I know that bad parents with unruly children are less likely to be present. I do like children, but I cannot be around them for long periods of time because I am very outspoken on this matter and will usually say something and I just don't need the drama. I also work hard for and value my peace and quiet, and it disturbs me greatly when I see examples of otherwise responsible adults whose existences are totally controlled by their three-year-old.

Here's what I have been relegated to doing:

I see movies either very late at night or during the day when kids are in school or otherwise occupied. In the event of unruly children being present, I voice my objections - strongly and loudly - to the parents and to theater management when these inconsiderate cretins can't keep their kids quiet during the movie. Try it. It usually works.

I frequent restaurants where unruly children are not likely to be welcome, and I avoid the "family-friendly" places (Chuck-e-cheeses, Looney Birds, McDonalds, etc.). I have not been to a McDonalds in about ten years and probably will never go to one again. They're not meant for me anyway, and I can keep my cholesterol down.

I also stay out of stores that cater almost exclusively to that lifestyle (I avoid Wal-Mart and K-mart like the plague as a rule) and I tend to let corporate management know why.

I usually plan my vacations around times when kids are in school.

Although I remain very friendly with all members of my family, I do not usually attend large family functions, because my family is rife with examples of poor parenting. My family is well aware of my feelings about poor parenting, and are gracious enough not to push the point. They are also welcome anytime to come to my large, well-kept house - Which I easily afford by NOT having children.

Some of these may seem extreme steps, but they are necessary to maintain a quiet and peaceful balance in my life - One that some people made the choice to give up by having children and disciplining them poorly.

07-17-2003, 05:57 AM	#46 (permalink)
frankx Psycho Location: The Tip of the Boot	Many parents today try to be a friend to their kids, instead of a parent because they are afraid of being rejected by their kids. I adore and get along very well with my parents, but when I was younger and in dire need of guidance they did not hesitate to put a board or belt to my ass if I needed it - and I love them for it. The blame for badly behaved children can be laid squarely at the feet of touchy-feely parents who fail to properly discipline. Now as an adult, I find myself usually curtailing my activities to times when I know that bad parents with unruly children are less likely to be present. I do like children, but I cannot be around them for long periods of time because I am very outspoken on this matter and will usually say something and I just don't need the drama. I also work hard for and value my peace and quiet, and it disturbs me greatly when I see examples of otherwise responsible adults whose existences are totally controlled by their three-year-old. Here's what I have been relegated to doing: I see movies either very late at night or during the day when kids are in school or otherwise occupied. In the event of unruly children being present, I voice my objections - strongly and loudly - to the parents and to theater management when these inconsiderate cretins can't keep their kids quiet during the movie. Try it. It usually works. I frequent restaurants where unruly children are not likely to be welcome, and I avoid the "family-friendly" places (Chuck-e-cheeses, Looney Birds, McDonalds, etc.). I have not been to a McDonalds in about ten years and probably will never go to one again. They're not meant for me anyway, and I can keep my cholesterol down. I also stay out of stores that cater almost exclusively to that lifestyle (I avoid Wal-Mart and K-mart like the plague as a rule) and I tend to let corporate management know why. I usually plan my vacations around times when kids are in school. Although I remain very friendly with all members of my family, I do not usually attend large family functions, because my family is rife with examples of poor parenting. My family is well aware of my feelings about poor parenting, and are gracious enough not to push the point. They are also welcome anytime to come to my large, well-kept house - Which I easily afford by NOT having children. Some of these may seem extreme steps, but they are necessary to maintain a quiet and peaceful balance in my life - One that some people made the choice to give up by having children and disciplining them poorly. __________________ Louisiana: We're Not ALL Drunken Cajun Wackos, But That's Our Tourism Campaign