Breaking Point?

[MattC]

So let me start by saying that my wife and I do not have children. So we don't know what it is like to do Disney with kids in tow. But, this doesn't stop us from saying, "If that were my kid..." one hundred times a day when we see tantrums, whining, etc... However, today we saw the worst thing we've seen at Disney yet. Getting off the ferry from TTC to MK a boy around 13 was walking behind his sister, 7-8 years old, shoving her to go faster. The mom pulled him back and told him to "stop it!." The boy responded by hitting, hard, his mother's arm and yelling at her. The dad walked silently saying nothing. Shameful if you ask me. So, this got me thinking: Is there a breaking point at which a child or your child loses the privilege of Disney for the day? Even part of the day?

 

[Frank Rizzo]

It would definitely have to be something quite drastic to be big enough to waste an already paid for day. That being said I am sure there will be some good examples provided.

 

[Nemo14]

If my any child of mine even pondered for a moment hitting me, losing Disney privaleges would be the least of his worries.

 

[Victor Kelly]

I don't have kids yet. But, little boy would be getting my hand upside his head. But obviously that behavior is normal for that family. It will not be tolerated in mine. That sort of behavior is learned, and when nothing is done by the parents it gets worse.

As far as losing Disney privileges, too much money is being spent to leave for the day. Now next time, you could leave the little at home with family.

 

[SarahMouse]

I have a 14 year old son and if he ever put a hand on me in an aggressive manner he would be losing everything fun for a long time. I think parents these days just have no control over their kids. I often find myself saying "if that were my kid!". I have 3 kids and they know how to act because I have taught them to respect themselves and others. And they know if they screw up I have no problem enforcing rules and consequences.

 

[acishere]

I do not have any children either, but I would magically turn into Red Foreman if I was that kid's father.

 

[I_heart_Tigger]

When I was 7, my sister was 9 and my uncle was 13 my parents took us all to Disney World. I was too scared to do the Haunted Mansion so my mom stayed outside with me. When my dad, sister and uncle got off the ride they all said it wasn't as scary as I was thinking and that I could totally do it.

I wanted to do it right now but my parents said that we would do a few rides that we hadn't done yet - Peter Pan and IASW and then come back and all to HM together. I said, NO and started walking towards the mansion. My sister came and took my hand and said, "we'll go on it later, come on Peter Pan now." I had a little tantrum and smacked my sister.

I immediately was escorted from the park by my father. My mother took my sister and uncle on the rides. I had to eat supper in the hotel room with my Dad while they stayed and watched the fireworks. I had to apologize to the whole family and especially to my sister and was told if I raise my voice again that the same thing would happen. There were no further incidents.

There were consequences to my actions when I was a child. I dont understand why that isn't the way in all families.

 

[yankspy]

Thirteen is too old to be pulling stuff like that. My Son was hitting for a while but he is three. I managed to get him to stop so now he points when he gets mad and throws his fists down. (I guess that is progress for a three year old). I have found that a child's bad behavior gets amplified when at Disney. Kids are used to routine and there is nothing routine about Disney. Kids are tired (even with naps) they are probably eating more sugar than normal, and their senses are being assaulted with everything that they want. It is natural to see more tantrums than normal. The impoortant thing is to deal with them and not ignore them. However, a boy of that age should not be doing that.

Hopefully my trip, which starts in a day, with a three year old and a two month old goes a lot smoother with only minor incidents.

 

[luv]

Hitting me was NOT an option.

Kids who hit another kid or my belongings would have hell to pay. A kid who hit me...even as tots, no kids are dumb enough to hit me, lol.

Kids know what they can and cannot get away with. That kind of behavior is not something I allow. They know it.

 

[AgentB911]

As for me, I only have 1 DD. And I am thankful that she is very well behaved. She is such a little lady. We just got back from our last trip, and there were no incidents at all. She was even more well behaved at Disney than at home, I think. Please and thank-you's all around and what not. When I read stories like this, I realize how blessed I am that my child is so well mannered, and why I spoil her so much!

Now, if this were my family, I would have escorted the houligan back to our room, and send wife and daughter in to the park to enjoy their day. Even though I'd be punishing myself as well, this kid would have been taught a lesson and earned himself a day from the parks. Irregardless of the money wasted, this type of behavior is unacceptable in my book.

 

[fireman17]

We have four chhildren 14, 11, 8 and 3 our daughter is the 11 year old and the rest are boys. Our 14 year old will test our daughter at home and will always lose the battle with her. Now, when we go to WDW they all seem to change and get along well with each other. We just returned from WDW eariler in November our youngest was a little tougher this time as he was aleays asking for ice cream and of course the answer was no instead of yes all the time and the screaming began. The night of the MVMCP he asked again and was told no but this time he began screaming at the top of his lungs and kicking and of course others began to look on. I simply removed him to the side in his stroller let him continue for a few minutes more then took him from his stroller held him in my arms until he settled which he did and explained why he couldn't have ice cream. He then asked to go back in his stroller with his blanket and we then met back up with our family. He was good the rest of the evening and when he was acting like the little boy he was we took him for an ice cream and lo and behold he picks out the fruit bar instead of ice cream and when he gets it he gives out the biggest thank you mommy and daddy.
It does take a lot of patience with the little ones as well as the big ones too and it is how you handle the fits which will make you or break you. Lots of learning from lots of trips....

 

[WED Purist]

The problem is that the parents of these children don't care/notice, because it's normal to them. In your story, the dad kept walking because he's learned to tune it out. We were eating dinner next to a table like this the other night, kids screaming while the parents just talked amongst themselves, hardly noticing. This irks me to no end; just because you're a bad parent doesn't give you the right to ruin my evening.
To the original post: most parents who would discipline their children for something like this incident don't have to becuase their kids don't act like this. The parents of kids who act like this allow it, therefore don't discipline their children.

 

[jlevis]

Our sons are in their 40's now but that would never of happened. If it had I would have taken the boy and returned to the hotel where we would have spent the day contemplating why what he did was wrong. Yes, Disney tickets are expensive but preventing a lifetime of abusive behavior is worth the price.

 

[Dad 2 M & M]

The problem is that the parents of these children don't care/notice, because it's normal to them. In your story, the dad kept walking because he's learned to tune it out. We were eating dinner next to a table like this the other night, kids screaming while the parents just talked amongst themselves, hardly noticing. This irks me to no end; just because you're a bad parent doesn't give you the right to ruin my evening.
To the original post: most parents who would discipline their children for something like this incident don't have to becuase their kids don't act like this. The parents of kids who act like this allow it, therefore don't discipline their children.

One step further. My guess would be when the kids misbehaved when they were younger, the parents probably argued about what the appropriate punishment should be. During those arguments, it probably became more important to win the argument than to actually decide adequate discipline for the children. Over the years, the arguments ended, the dad checked out, and the kids realized there would be no consequence to their actions…..

 

[copcarguyp71]

Let me say that just because you did not see the parents go ballistic at "ground zero" does not mean that repercussions were not forthcoming. Although I would have not allowed that to happen every parent does things differently and perhaps they did not wish to escalate an already public spectacle and make it worse. Also "dad" could have easily been "boyfriend" and it is entirely possible that the kids are going off of the rails due to a messy home situation. All of this is pure conjecture of course but all I am saying is that there are other explanations (not excuses) or scenarios than what you perceived on the outside.

When we are at Disney I tend not to be bothered by other people and their actions as long as they do not directly effect me as I am there solely to enjoy myself and my family. Although I am sure it was one of those things you don't want to watch but can't look away I would not let it effect me beyond the moment.

 

[dave&di]

My OH and myself don't have children, when we visit WDW we feel like we have the advantage! We can do what we want when we want! Taking kids to WDW ruins it!

Btw, I NEVER hit either of my parents when I was a child, I would never dare, I would have got it back 10x harder!

 

[Dad 2 M & M]

Let me say that just because you did not see the parents go ballistic at "ground zero" does not mean that repercussions were not forthcoming. Although I would have not allowed that to happen every parent does things differently and perhaps they did not wish to escalate an already public spectacle and make it worse. Also "dad" could have easily been "boyfriend" and it is entirely possible that the kids are going off of the rails due to a messy home situation. All of this is pure conjecture of course but all I am saying is that there are other explanations (not excuses) or scenarios than what you perceived on the outside.

When we are at Disney I tend not to be bothered by other people and their actions as long as they do not directly effect me as I am there solely to enjoy myself and my family. Although I am sure it was one of those things you don't want to watch but can't look away I would not let it effect me beyond the moment.

Well said.

 

[zefroim]

Let me say that just because you did not see the parents go ballistic at "ground zero" does not mean that repercussions were not forthcoming. Although I would have not allowed that to happen every parent does things differently and perhaps they did not wish to escalate an already public spectacle and make it worse. Also "dad" could have easily been "boyfriend" and it is entirely possible that the kids are going off of the rails due to a messy home situation. All of this is pure conjecture of course but all I am saying is that there are other explanations (not excuses) or scenarios than what you perceived on the outside.

When we are at Disney I tend not to be bothered by other people and their actions as long as they do not directly effect me as I am there solely to enjoy myself and my family. Although I am sure it was one of those things you don't want to watch but can't look away I would not let it effect me beyond the moment.

Thank you. I think we should be more careful about judging others, especially when we've only caught a fleeting glimpse of their family dynamic.

 

[cba]

Hitting is not an option. I don't have kids, but I know that there are much better ways to handel problems then to hit and punch. Fortunately, most kids know how to act in situations.

 

[John]

Here is the problem...by the time they azre 13 its to late. IMO you start teaching children the day they come home from the hospital.....yes even as an infant they quickly learn how to play the parents. The mistake parents make is that they are not consistant. There is a line, if the child crosses the line there will be dire consequences to pay. My son leraned to not even approach the line.

Family dynamic.....shmamic. hitting is unacceptable behavior...PERIOD! The trip cost to much? Give me a break. The child learns that he can get a way with it in certian circumstances. Kids are very intuitive, they learn when to push the buttons....like being in public. So his behavior was not corrected but rewarded with a day at disney. Cost ? How much is it going to cost this kid later in life because he dosnt respect authority? IMO thats why we as a culture has slipped so far....no one is held to a standard of responsibility! I would have grabbed that kid by the hand and did an about face.....he would have sat in the hotel room the rest of the day. If behavior continued...he would have got to know the hotel room intimately. Family dynamic......sheeeesh......liberal hogwash