Mrs M
yoda76WHY ARE PEOPLE SO UNKIND?
March 12th 2007 00:17
Or it could have been titled “The Kindness of Strangers”.
Let me set the scene. It is 6.30pm, Friday at the local leagues club bistro. 3 mothers take their children (7 in all) out to dinner. 3 six year olds; 2 four year olds; 1 three year old and a 22 month old toddler.
So during the thick of it, serving up dinner to the hungry children, the toddler decides to have a tantrum. Toddlers have good timing don’t they? The toddler’s mother tries in vain to calm him down and assert some authority at the same time. You see the toddler wanted to feed himself…spaghetti…..need I say no more.
When up from behind the plants a man stands up and demands that the mother keeps the toddler quiet. You see he didn’t come here to listen to her child wail. The mother defends herself as best she can when up pops the man’s wife echoing her husband’s demands.
The mother almost bursts into tears but to her credit she keeps her composure and her conviction that this is public space and she has just as much right to be there with her children.
This mother happens to be a friend of mine and I was one of the mothers there with my children having dinner.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I was dumbfounded.
“Take him to the nappy room” demanded the wife.
“What do I do with my other children?” challenged my friend.
“I’ve got a baby here and I manage to keep my baby quiet”, said the husband
“And your baby has never cried in public?” questioned my friend
I thought about stepping in and defending my friend but she defended herself beautifully under the onslaught she was receiving.
And then it occurred to me, why does she have to defend her position? Because she had children with her?
Let me reiterate, we were at a leagues club bistro, 6.30 on a Friday night – otherwise known as happy hour for families. If you are after a nice quiet meal, this isn’t the time or place to come. Consider your surroundings.
The man and his wife didn’t consider that yelling was hardly going to calm the toddler down. They were too selfish. They had no consideration for the other children whom they managed to frighten. They were too selfish. They didn’t consider that the rest of the patrons didn’t want to hear them scream at a mother across a bistro room. They were too selfish. They didn’t consider that I didn’t want to go out to dinner and have someone yell at my friend – it almost ruined my night. They were too selfish. They didn’t consider that yelling at an already stressed out mother might upset her. They were too selfish.
I didn’t step in because I didn’t want the children to be anymore frightened than they already were, and I didn’t want to undermine my friend’s authority and conviction standing up for herself.
What baffled me was that she was trying to placate her toddler. She wasn’t ignoring him and carrying on a conversation with me as if nothing was going on. She was doing her best to calm him down.
Finally the man and his wife sat down and wouldn’t you know it, the toddler calmed down less than a minute after this exchange.
It saddens me to know that his man and his wife are themselves parents and they had no empathy for my friend, a fellow parent. And there were people who couldn’t be seen but were clapping. Cowards.
One of the children finally spoke and said, “That man spoke very rudely to us”. Even the six year old got it. Is it too much to ask that if you feel the need to speak to someone, stand up, go over to the table and speak in a calm voice. Really, is that so difficult?
Just then, an elderly lady came over to our table and gave my friend her support. “Don’t listen to them. Wait until their baby becomes a toddler”.
Another elderly lady also came over to our table. “Just wanted you know that of course you and your children are welcome here any time. We used to bring our grandchildren here all the time. How else are they going to learn how to behave in public if they are never given the chance?”
And the best part of all was when an elderly gentleman came over with a bowl of ice cream to help calm the toddler down. Now that’s doing something useful and trying to help the situation.
My friend didn’t want to come to dinner and have her toddler scream and carry on. I’m sure this isn’t what she calls a fun night out. Her intention on Friday was not to inconvenience other patrons in the bistro. But sometimes things are beyond our control – even momentarily.
What I witnessed here in five minutes was the result of where society once was and sadly where it is heading.
Should we never take our children out until they are 18 for fear that they might raise their voice and inconvenience a stranger? Should families put the needs of strangers ahead of their own? What kind of message are we sending our children when all they see around them is disdain for their very existence? That last question may seem a little extreme, but consider it from their point of view.
Let me set the scene. It is 6.30pm, Friday at the local leagues club bistro. 3 mothers take their children (7 in all) out to dinner. 3 six year olds; 2 four year olds; 1 three year old and a 22 month old toddler.
So during the thick of it, serving up dinner to the hungry children, the toddler decides to have a tantrum. Toddlers have good timing don’t they? The toddler’s mother tries in vain to calm him down and assert some authority at the same time. You see the toddler wanted to feed himself…spaghetti…..need I say no more.
When up from behind the plants a man stands up and demands that the mother keeps the toddler quiet. You see he didn’t come here to listen to her child wail. The mother defends herself as best she can when up pops the man’s wife echoing her husband’s demands.
The mother almost bursts into tears but to her credit she keeps her composure and her conviction that this is public space and she has just as much right to be there with her children.
This mother happens to be a friend of mine and I was one of the mothers there with my children having dinner.
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. I was dumbfounded.
“Take him to the nappy room” demanded the wife.
“What do I do with my other children?” challenged my friend.
“I’ve got a baby here and I manage to keep my baby quiet”, said the husband
“And your baby has never cried in public?” questioned my friend
I thought about stepping in and defending my friend but she defended herself beautifully under the onslaught she was receiving.
And then it occurred to me, why does she have to defend her position? Because she had children with her?
Let me reiterate, we were at a leagues club bistro, 6.30 on a Friday night – otherwise known as happy hour for families. If you are after a nice quiet meal, this isn’t the time or place to come. Consider your surroundings.
The man and his wife didn’t consider that yelling was hardly going to calm the toddler down. They were too selfish. They had no consideration for the other children whom they managed to frighten. They were too selfish. They didn’t consider that the rest of the patrons didn’t want to hear them scream at a mother across a bistro room. They were too selfish. They didn’t consider that I didn’t want to go out to dinner and have someone yell at my friend – it almost ruined my night. They were too selfish. They didn’t consider that yelling at an already stressed out mother might upset her. They were too selfish.
I didn’t step in because I didn’t want the children to be anymore frightened than they already were, and I didn’t want to undermine my friend’s authority and conviction standing up for herself.
What baffled me was that she was trying to placate her toddler. She wasn’t ignoring him and carrying on a conversation with me as if nothing was going on. She was doing her best to calm him down.
Finally the man and his wife sat down and wouldn’t you know it, the toddler calmed down less than a minute after this exchange.
It saddens me to know that his man and his wife are themselves parents and they had no empathy for my friend, a fellow parent. And there were people who couldn’t be seen but were clapping. Cowards.
One of the children finally spoke and said, “That man spoke very rudely to us”. Even the six year old got it. Is it too much to ask that if you feel the need to speak to someone, stand up, go over to the table and speak in a calm voice. Really, is that so difficult?
Just then, an elderly lady came over to our table and gave my friend her support. “Don’t listen to them. Wait until their baby becomes a toddler”.
Another elderly lady also came over to our table. “Just wanted you know that of course you and your children are welcome here any time. We used to bring our grandchildren here all the time. How else are they going to learn how to behave in public if they are never given the chance?”
And the best part of all was when an elderly gentleman came over with a bowl of ice cream to help calm the toddler down. Now that’s doing something useful and trying to help the situation.
My friend didn’t want to come to dinner and have her toddler scream and carry on. I’m sure this isn’t what she calls a fun night out. Her intention on Friday was not to inconvenience other patrons in the bistro. But sometimes things are beyond our control – even momentarily.
What I witnessed here in five minutes was the result of where society once was and sadly where it is heading.
Should we never take our children out until they are 18 for fear that they might raise their voice and inconvenience a stranger? Should families put the needs of strangers ahead of their own? What kind of message are we sending our children when all they see around them is disdain for their very existence? That last question may seem a little extreme, but consider it from their point of view.
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Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
Lock 'em up and never let them out until they are 21 - even 18 is being a little lenient.
Although I don`t have kids I have looked after enough of them to know what it is like to try and calm them down in public...all those glares and growls from other parents and if you raise your voice it further encourages the childs wails. As you say it was family time...these things happen and in that sort of environment is to be expected.
Hypocrites are lurking around every corner unfortunately. Obviously their child would never do anything like that....
Good on your friend for standing up for herself there... should have just handed her the fork so she could poke him in the eye...then he would really have had something to complain about!
love the banner...good work
ash
Comment by Wendi
I must say, I have been in some places with some bratty, loud, rude little kids... so when I first started reading this, I did so with a wince. The difference is that in the situations I refer to, the parents didn't care and didn't try to hush, pacify, or discipline the little ones. If your friend was tending to the child and trying to resolve the situation, then most certainly, the couple was out of line.
Well, the couple was out of line anyway, for reasons you've already outlined... they shouldn't have caused a scene by yelling across the restaraunt and baiting others around them into applause.
If it was a family-style restaraunt advertising happy hour for families, then this guy should have chosen to eat elsewhere if he didn't feel like hearing children.
More than the incident itself, though, I commend your ability to be a genuine friend, and to allow your friend to hold her own without undermining her in front of the other children, parents, and patrons.
Comment by David
David ...
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Its no secret I dont want kids. I cant take it when theres a screaming kid on the train or at a cafe or something - even worse is a mother with ten rug rats who are running riot screaming and causing destruction while she does absolutely nothing. I have sympathy, particularly for the mother on the train trying desperately to calm her baby down, but I had no sympathy for the woman on the 7am CROWDED train who was shooting filthy looks at the workers for being there!
Uneasy in crowds and clenching teeth anyway, I usually just start grinding and turn up my walkman. Im fantastic at ignoring things. No, you shouldnt lock your kids up for fear of reactions, but be smart about it! Obviously you were in a 'family' place, so if they didnt want to deal with kids, they shouldnt have gone there! One of my friends brings her 2 yr old around, who has never had an ounce of discipline. She goes through handbags, tears things off shelves - I literally cringe when I see her coming - Half the time the baby doesnt even have a nappy on! Another friend of mine, with TWINS who are now 3, is welcome anytime. Her kids are respectful and even at their young age ask nicely to play with things or for a drink. I suppose Im happy if theyre well behaved, but I cant take kids running wild.
More and more I appreciate the freedom from animals, and after hours of hearing about nappies, silent reflux, burping dramas and toilet training I came in to my boyfriend and said "I want to tear out my uterus with both hands!!!"
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
I've more tolerance for a screaming kid than a bitchy adult - the kids don't know any better.
I am constantly mindful of what my kids are doing when in public - but those fools had no right to abuse that poor mother in a public place. She's trying, and she's also raising the nation's future.
You don't want to have kids - great. I respect that, but noone has the right to openly judge and harass someone who has taken that responsibility upon themselves.
The fact that this mother was being harassed by another parent is absurd and intolerable. They're the ones who should be ejected - is there a 'nappy room' where we can send idiotic adults who are spoiling your evening??
Comment by AnthonyB
Admittedly, I'm disgusted by terrible parenting. My uncle ( god bless him ) married a terrible woman and her children ( he works full time ) are growing up selfish, concieted and spoiled. It's insanity. Her sister's child is worse, she runs around and strangles cats. What the hell is going on?
Then again, if these bad parents were without children; they'd be the arseholes shouting at people to keep their kids quiet. And in this case, they did. Unfortunately the world is full of wankers and I think capital punishment is the only sure-fire method of rectifying it.
Sorry to hear about that poor lady. I truly feel for her.\
- Anthony
Comment by Damo
Have a million kids
Take them out
Have a good time.
One hundred screaming kid is better than one screaming adult.
Comment by Sandi
I once took my daughter out to get her pictures taken, she wouldnt stop crying and an old woman came up to me and said "Cant you get her to shut up?" I was so hurt.
Comment by Wendi
I began doing this out of respect because I know I can't stand it when kids are out of control in public places. This is not the same as a baby crying or a kid being hurt, but I mean bratty. It worked out incredibly well because my kids learned very quickly that they'd lose out if they'd act out. But to balance that, I'd make sure they were able to visit and explore places where it was okay to be loud and/or expressive, where they could touch and climb and run, unlike at the "grown up" places.
Again, it's different if the place is designed for families and promoting family night... and I think it's absolutely true that our children are our most precious treasures. I'd much rather hear a child cry than to be without children.
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
I wouldn't have argued.
I would have asked him to step outside.
I would have decked him.
Yes, yes, I know...bad example, blah, blah...what am I conveying to my children by this behaviour, violence begets violence but sometimes...just sometimes....the ensuing peace is worth it.
Besides, I only pick on people bigger than me.
This makes me wonder;
I am fairly blessed in that I haven't had to endure nor placate this kind of behaviour....and I'm not talking about my children (although I am very blessed with them)...no one likes to hear a screaming child but my God...to bully someone like this...woah...
I truly sympathise with your friend and all of you and I even feel sorry for this man.
Was he not a child once?
Bet you he was a total pain in the ass!
Maybe he was having a bad day....he realised he was who he was and he didn't like it.
What really gets me is that these people are most likely to be the kind of parents to laugh and say "Oh isn't he great?" when junior whacks the glass cabinets with a golf club...
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Actually the other mother that was with us joked that we should walk past their baby and pinch so it would start crying. It's mean to the baby I know but it would have been nice to see the high and mighty couple brought down a peg or two.
Hi Wendi,
I agree there are bratty kids out there and parents don't do anything about it. But this was a toddler. It is very difficult to reason with a toddler sometimes.
And what started the tantrum was that he wanted to feed himself spaghetti which meant he would have flung it around and probably hit someone with it. The irony she was trying to stop him from annoying the other patrons.
I too have gone home in the middle of a shopping expedition, or eating out if my kids were playing up. But they were 3-5 years old where they understand a little more. A toddler isn't going to make the connection unfortunately.
Thank you for your kind comments about being a genuine friend. You know when you have those moments where a million thoughts run through your head. I had one of those moments. I really struggled with it - whether I should butt in or not. Trying to do what's best for my friend.
David....
Thank you
Hi Kleonaptra,
I'm all for discipline and not letting my kids run riot. I'm with you - I don't like it when kids are given free reign. I often hear the argument "they're just kids". Yes, but these kids aren't just going to wake up one day and now how to behave accordingly - they need to be taught. This is your job as a parent. No-one said you have to be mean but some guidelines are a good thing.
We thought we were LOL. We even went to the trouble to sit in the corner so we could keep out of people's way.
I think that is what hurts the most. We did consider other patrons and being accused of lazy parenting is an insult.
yoda76,
I like it
Hi Anthony,
I can't stand people that do nothing to help a situation and stand around complaining about it. That is such a bad example for kids.
You're right. There are wankers everywhere and no matter how hard I try to steer clear I seem to bump into them.
Maybe I've got bad karma - bloody hell, I try to be good.
Hi Damo,
You would hope the adult would know better.
Hi Sandi,
That's funny - not for the child though - but the thought is.
That's so mean. If you could have calmed her down in an instant doesn't she think you would have. People are stupid sometimes.
Thanks everyone for your visit and your comments. Great response.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Ash
Flashes of memories
LMAO
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
If this happened before I had kids I would have been up at his table like a shot all guns blazing giving him a piece of my mind. Not yelling, but certainly talking loud enough for people to hear what kind of a moron he is.
I must be growing up and maturing because the kiddies didn't like what they were seeing.
At one stage when I could hear my friend starting to cry a part of me hoped that she would burst into tears (not that she would have wanted that) but it certainly would have made him feel like a heel.
They were just so combative.
The group of elderly people were so lovely. One of them says "we've been coming here every Friday for 25 years to have dinner together" So I'm figuring if anyone "owns" the joint - it's them.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Lily
Ars Poetica
selfish indeed, and tolerance is dead...
~Lily
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
You got it in one Lily.
Such a sad state of affairs.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Hope
Gifted Parenting
Freelance For Life
Comment by DuskDevi
Rugby World Cup 2007
Now that I am 2nd shortest in the family, 4 of the children being 6' and up...I've regressed!....and gone into combative mode myself when I see 'injustice' like this.
Just as well I am fairly tall too because well... I may have the costume but I'm more player than Leia.
Hmm....that sounds weird. Anywayyyy.
I have no light sabre nor Jedi mind tricks but I am propelled by a Force and I can be impetuous.
I sometimes leap into situations like this without regard to my safety. (So height helps)...faster than a speeding ticket, able to leap frog parking meters...it's Dusk to the rescue....sheesh...there are times when I have thought...oh God....please rewind, let me just keep walking...
I'm not sure if your friend crying would have made this guy feel bad. I think, with some people, they don't and won't stop 'til they see tears. It's their reward. Sure this guy may have had a bad day but he may just be cruel.
...because he could have offered to help....or he could have moved tables...or he could have just said, poor woman...children are such tyrants sometimes, commiserated...carried on...gone home...but no....he is a bully.
Sometimes, the only thing to do...is fight fire with fire...but then...you've got to know when and where to backburn.
It's funny how adults forget they were kids once.
Comment by yoda76
The Tube Blog
Ah, the irony. He was likely exactly the kind of kid he can't stand.
It's the circle of life, Simba...
Comment by KylieW
Celebrity Obsession
However, I am one of those people who have absolutely no tolerance for people who bring their kids to places that are obviously not child-friendly and let them run rampant. If it had been a quiet restaurant at 9:00pm then I might possibly have agreed with the other people (though the fact that they were doing it so publicly to your friend is disgraceful. There are far better ways to handle it if they genuinely had a problem).
One of my friends has a child that they let do as he pleases when he comes to my house. The other night they were over and the parents just stood and watched as their 1 yr old picked up my dvds and threw them on the floor and then the child started playing with my dvd player. I had to be the one to take the dvd's off their kid. Now THAT I have a real problem with. A toddler having a tantrum at the leagues club. Well that's just to be expected.
I'm glad that there were other people who were there and were nice to your friend.
Comment by Ahmed
Video Gamer Kids
Little Green Foosballs
PolyKicks
Theres kind and unkind people.
btw, I hate bad kids, just send them to the naughty room and let them cool off, crying or otherwise.
Comment by Jessicca
Learning Something Everyday
I hope that there are more good people than ill-manner people. I guess people these days are so engrossed with their "self-pity-issues" that they have forgotten that many out there suffer more than themselves yet they manage to survive.
I have just wrote a post about Skip a meal campaign hosted by World Vision Malaysia. Perhaps you guys want to go and have a look.
Have a blessed day
Jessicca
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
What a sad occurrence! The worst part is that the rude, selfish, and uncompassionate couple were so bent on defending their position and their 'right' to a quiet meal, that they didn't even recognize the fact that they--though they were adults who should have known better--were doing the very same thing that the tantrum-throwing toddler was doing--and that their tirade was every bit as bothersome as the child's. Too bad!
But I'm a firm believer that people reap what they sow! The day will come, sooner or later, when they will find themselves in a similar situation. And once that happens, they will certainly see the other side! And if they are faced with an irate individual or couple at that time, it will only be justice! As they say, 'experience is the best teacher'!
Tell your friend to hang in there and stick to her guns! Her children have as much right to be there as anyone else!
Your Orble friend,
Jeanne
Comment by Francis
Passionate Apathy
But what really blew me away was the nutter who brought over the ice cream to calm the child down- didn't this cretin realize he was lowering the noise level when it was his duty to keep things as loud and combatative as possible?
Comment by Cibbuano
Hunt Famous
Orble Post of the Day
Fat Cult
Techbreak
That's what the RSL is for, no? To eat with your family without the pressure and cost of eating in a fancy restaurant?
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
..it's like getting upset becuase you bought a cheap movie ticket on Mum's Tuesday at the Cinema, the day mum's and babies, mums and toddlers are encouraged to come out of their burrows...*chuckle*
...having said that, this is exactly the behaviour that led me to become a radical. I would've packed a change (or the big plastic bib) for my child and allowed them to 'eat' (play) for two hours. Buggar the looks and the mess... Ooh and I would also have jumped the plant with Dusk and flattened Mr Hyde, too! Just for entertainment for my toddler whilst he was eating ... as he would have probably snidley remarked about my grubby little kid too...*lol*
Whatever stopped your friend from letting her toddler enjoy himself and learn new eating-in-public skills?
Lilla~
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I agree with this. Children are individuals with their own thoughts - if we could control their every move every single time then they wouldn't be children.
Hi Dusk,
I suppose there is something to be said for standing up for yourself and showing your kids how to not be "victims".
Hi Kylie,
I agree with that. And I also agree with you when kids have no respect for other people's property. I can't stand that either. Especially if they are older to know better and if the parents don't do anything. That is lazy parenting.
Hi Ahmed,
The first line of the post does read Or it could have been titled “The Kindness of Strangers”.
That was exactly the point I was trying to make when I wrote What I witnessed here in five minutes was the result of where society once was and sadly where it is heading.
Hi Jessicca,
Totally agree with this. My mother always taught us to always try and help if you can.
I'll read your post shortly. Sounds like a great idea.
Hi Jeanne,
So am I. And in this case you know it is inevitable. Not that someone will yell at them to keep their child quiet but that baby will become a toddler and the tantrums will come.
Hi Francis,
The elderly have no idea do they?
Hi Cibby,
It's so obvious it baffles me that they missed it.
Hi Lilla,
Alright, I'm going out on the town with you and Dusk for a bit of biff.
That's what one of the elderly ladies said. Obviously speaking from experience. The empathy from them was really really nice. And they weren't even condescending - they didn't offer advice on how to calm the toddler - just unconditional support.
Thank you everyone for the visit and the comments. Very very much appreciated.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Im so glad you see my point on kids not disciplined, and yes, my friend says that all the time "oh, shes just a baby" that baby is now two and already bites and punches her mother! I keep saying "what about when shes 14? How are you going to handle this?" Living in complete denial, she gets a dreamy look on her face and says "oh, it'll be great! We'll go horse riding and motorbike riding - she wont want boys at all..." OOOOKAAAY......
Whereas my friend with the twins has managed to have beautiful little mini adults, and when I mention teenage hood just goes "oh, I dont want to know!" I cant believe at 3 years old they ASK if they can play with the toy box(the cats!) they are so polite and respectful, Ive NEVER seen anything like it.
But I still dont want any....Chasing my new bird around the house is hard enough, plus I need a new horse, and Id love another cat.....
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Nope I didn't get that impression at all.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Candice
Must be something in the air - I just posted about my own frustrations on the subject of young children / babies in public.
People are so quick to judge, yes? I think being a parent has taught me a lot about not making assumptions.
Though have to agree with Lilla that I would have let my daughter have a go at the spaghetti if that's what I ordered for her - she's been eating her own food quite well since 14 months and loves that sense of independence. Not that it means she doesn't have tantrums - It's a shame parents dread the 'tantrum in public' because people react in this way. Especially since it's such a normal part of child development and doesn't everyone know that???? I'm sure that man's baby will throw a few ripper tantrums in public and he'll get his karma.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
It is a fine line though isn't it? The mum did try and stop the toddler from feeding himself because she knows that when he uses a fork he tends to flings his food everywhere.
He calmed down when his mum let him feed himself with his hands. Messy yes, but only for the toddler - not the patrons. Which is what she was trying to avoid.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Anonymous
I don't have children but I feel you. Some people out there just don't realise how hard it is to be a disciplinarian. If you think about it, it's a catch 22 situation. If you scream at a child for whining, you're a "bad" parent. If you sit there and take it, you're a "bad" parent. What are you supposed to do? People who don't have children shouldn't judge people who do until they know what it feels like to be in their shoes. Those who do have children of their own, should have compassion and empathy for parents who are trying to be disciplinarians and trying to raise their children because it's not an easy job. I know because I come from an extended family and I understand it to be a constant struggle.
In my personal opinion, I think the couple who verbally berated your party define "bad" parenting. My heart goes to their child who looks as if its future is now set in environment of stern discipline of "shut up, listen, don't talk". Who wants that?
Mrs. M, thank you for your insight. To answer your question, yes, some people are unkind because they are unhappy in life. Simple as that. There are a many ways of resolving issues in this world without resorting to harsh confrontations and anger. My hats goes off to you and your friends. It takes guts to stand up to people like that.
Yours truly,
Snoopy
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Thank you for your kind words.
It amazing how one act can say so much about a person. The man and his wife and dreadful. My friend is courageous under fire. The elderly are wonderful.
Thank you for your visit.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Jeanne Dininni
Writer's Notes
Forgot to mention last time I visited that I love your new title banner!
Comment by Bhumika
Political Minds
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Thanks for the compliment. Mr M actually did it for me - under my guidance of course.
Hi Bhumika.
It's just bad manners I think to yell at a complete stranger especially over something like this.
Thanks for the visit and the comments.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
What? No ipod? No mp3 player?
Now you're showing your age Kleonaptra
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Which is crap, cos Ive got so many tapes I want to play..
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
Comment by Sarah White
coolgirlsar to the rescue
One Too Many Chocolate Bars
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
What goes around comes around - they'll learn soon enough.
Thanks for the visit and the comment.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Louie
randomthoughts
Phil's Wellness Tips
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Congratulations!
In my view, the best post won.
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
I actually had no idea what you two were talking about until I went searching.
I've had a bit of a crappy day so it was nice to read this.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Theresa
Today's World
Honestly, your post is generational (is that a word?). The nonsense/lack of thought of some folks just goes on & on.
I went through it with my kids when we went out; now, my daughter goes through it with hers....
Families have to be able to go out together, and how are the little ones ever going to learn without going out?
I don't even hear kids in restaurants anymore
Theresa
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Yes, generational is a word
It is a shame to hear that it is generational.
My mother always taught me that if someone looks like they need help, then I should help.
Everywhere I go these days I see examples of people thinking of only themselves, and that's not a good thing.
We all live together in this society....anyways I could go on a write another post.
Background music is very soothing
Thanks for the visit Theresa.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Just wanted to let you know how the world changes....
I now have an ipod, and I dont really care if I get pregnant anymore....But Id like to have the wedding first!
Comment by Anonymous
A Day in LA - Things to do in Los Angeles County
The Friendly Vegetarian
breeze
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Glad to hear you liked the post. I wrote this post 3 years ago so that baby is well and truly a toddler now. I wonder if they've been caught out themselves by now.
It is a shame the 'old guard' won't be around for too much longer. They're the sort of people that can remind us of what kindness is.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Comment by True1
A Day in LA - Things to do in Los Angeles County
The Friendly Vegetarian
breeze
Oh my, I didn't realize how long ago this was! I'm sure those parents have had some comeuppence by now.
Hopefully, as the next generation ages, they will gain wisdom and patience and will show the kindness that elderly folk showed your friend.
Oops, I am new to Orble and didn't notice that I posted my previous comment, anonymously. Your story had inspired me to post my first comment on someone elses blog!
Have a lovely day
True1
Comment by Mrs M
Mum's Word
Welcome to Orble.
Your comment actually made me re-read the post again. I've never been in, nor witnessed, a situation like that one since.
But what I have learned in the past 3 years is, sometimes a mother could be trying to placate a toddler with not much success but all it takes is for a stranger, a kind one, to simply say "what wrong?" to the toddler and that usually quietens them down. It's just a nice distraction.
Thanks again for the comment
Love & stuff
Mrs M