This is the response of my friends husband to that link about the old man who hit the 2 year old child...
"It's not often that I get on facebook which is why I use my wife's account and don't have my own. This little tidbit caught my eye though. I find it appalling that people would not have the manners and good sense to control their own children in a public setting. For a child to be so out of control that a stranger has to intervene is an abhorrent example of parenting. This guy shouldn't get the book thrown at him or the key thrown away, he deserves a freakin' medal. If parents would discipline their children themselves they would not be out in public embarrassing themselves and their parents. I would implore all parents to have some respect for themselves and their children and not let them make a spectacle of themselves to the detriment of those around them."
First of all, I agree that parents ought to be aware of how their children are behaving in public places. My children learned that philosophy early on, especially during visits to the grocery store. No running. No disappearing into aisles where mommy didn't have a direct line of sight. No misbehavior permitted where other members of the public (who are perfectly innocent bystanders) may be adversely affected. Period.
It's a parent's responsibility to be aware of the situation, and to make the appropriate decision, according to the circumstances, at the time. It's the only way that a child can learn what's appropriate public behavior, and what isn't.
My oldest daughter (the one in North Carolina) made me laugh not too long ago when she told me about grocery shopping, and someone's child was running rampant through the store. All she could think of was what would have happened to her (or to her two siblings) if they'd even thought of such a thing in my presence! LOL...
There's also a matter of what's "age appropriate". A baby, who's been dragged on errands all afternoon, and who's reached the end of his or her rope when mommy has that one last errand to run in K-Mart (or wherever) needs to be forgiven. Same for a toddler who's tired and hungry... That's the parent's fault!
Having said all of that, I'll go on record here that any person (stranger or not) who dared to put his hands on my child, and most certainly who dared to actually smack my toddler, would be enjoying the taste of his balls in the back of his throat for days to come.
If he was lucky enough to live that long...
-- Edited by Moore ideas on Sunday 6th of September 2009 07:37:43 PM
__________________
"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"
(Dumbledore to Harry Potter)
I agree that it is the parents fault....and I also agree with what you said about someone laying a hand on my child. I get mad when other people try to tell me how to be a mom. I mean we don't know what that woman's life is like, who are we to judge.
Moore I am totally copying this for my rebuttal.
-- Edited by shellyinphx on Monday 7th of September 2009 03:33:54 AM
Anyone who dares to smack or even touch another's child in anything but a kindly caress or gentle pat is out of line on so many levels. A raised eyebrow and a frown is so much more effective to express one's disapproval of a screaming kiddie in a public place, if an expression of disapproval is called for at all. More often it would be sympathy for both parent and unhappy toddler that would compel me to remark silently, if I were to react at all.
Here's a pic of Q at yesterday's Labour Day BBQ. He likes his ice cream.
He is SO cute, KaeEll. I tried to make the picture larger, but the site wouldn't let me, for some reason. I'll try again later. I need to get a closer look at his celebratory little face!
__________________
"It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities"
(Dumbledore to Harry Potter)
I don't know what time of day that parent was shopping that had the crying baby. When my children were little I shopped in the morning and not in the afternoon when they were in need of a nap. I still tend to do my shopping in the morning when it is less crowded both in the store and in the parking lot. In any case that man was totally out of line by hitting someone's baby!
Here are a few photos from last night. We sat outside until 9:30 - gorgeous night, but a little buggy as the mosquitos liked all the pretty lady fragrances, lol.
I agree with all of you, ya know sometimes a kid just doesn't feel well, or is just grumpy and if you absolutely have to get toilet paper, pull ups, or wet wipes, you hafta do what you hafta do. Not every one is lucky enough to have someone to sit at home with a grumpy or fussy kid while mom goes shopping. That jerk had no right, and I guarantee that if anyone ever laid a finger on one of my children, the wouldn't recognize him when I was done.
AAww what a cutie!!! I spent the day officially severing ties with my father. He had the nerve to try to make me feel bad about not spending tons of time with him. It was not the day to mess with me. I let him know that I was sick of his hypocritical attitude and that it will take me a very very very long time to get past the fact that he helped Floyd keep my children away from me. I honestly feel like a huge weight has been lifted. However, he has found out about Cody and where he has been, so I had to call the hospital to make extra sure that Cody was completely safe from his influences.
I have to add some new pics that Will took of Aiden today. I went to pick Bethany up from school and while I was gone, Aiden put on Will's boots and tried to potty while wearing them.
Ugh I am so beat. We spent the whole day cleaning and doing laundry. Blah!
Well time to go upload my newest pics .. will be back ov er here soon :)
