Teenagers cursing at swimming pool around small children

[Anonymous]

Gangs of teenagers can be scary. I wouldn't have talked directly to them but talked to the manager or director.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Should I call DC parks and rec and tell them"


LOL!

Tee hee...

[Anonymous]

The Banneker pool is usually pretty tame...lots of college kids and U street hipsters. I never had issues finding parking out front on Georgia Ave weekends. So you might try that instead.

That said, you can use this as a learning opportunity for your kids. 'That big kid is saying a bad word. We don't use that word.' Of course mentioning something to them would be good, but your kids might not even notice that much. I wouldn't say anything unless your kids seemed to be paying attention or you were really feeling threatened by their behavior (i.e. purposely hanging out near you, looking at you before/after swearing, etc.) Kids are pretty good about tuning things out. DH and I swear a lot (oops!) and the kids learned early on what words are bad and for grown-ups only.

[Anonymous]

Gangs of teenagers can be scary. I wouldn't have talked directly to them but talked to the manager or director.

A group of kids is not a "gang" of teenagers, and usually these tough talking kids are not "scary" unless you are scared of black people in general.

Learn to be a part of the village.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm...I probably would have left and said something to the pool manager and then if I encountered the same situation again, I would make an official complaint. But, honestly...you need to grab the bull by the horns and in say something if at all possible. And if you are just too scared, then don't go back there. Generally, I am not afraid of retaliation from teenagers...most kids will conform if you tell them to (don't ask them, tell them; it seems that with teens, you get the respect you command from them) but only YOU know what you are comfortable with.

[Anonymous]

I would contact:
Sean Link
Aquatic Program Manager
Government of the District of Columbia
Department of Parks and Recreation
3149 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20010
202-538-1503

My understanding is that he is responsive to people's concerns.

[Anonymous]

OMG! Just tell your kids that they should not use language like that and move on. Or move away from the surly pack of teens. Don't give words more power than they already have. My 4.5 yo blurted out sh*t the other day. I just told him that is an adult word and it is wildly inappropriate for him to use. Kids using bad language is, hopefully, the worst problem I ever have with my kids!

[Anonymous]

Seriously? You can't control the whole world. Your kids will survive hearing some bad words.

[Anonymous]

I am usually one to ask teens to curb the language, but a group of 20 is a management issue. You don't want to police the world, but when things get as out of hand as you have made them sound, it is time for someone to step in.

I had this issue with a teenage girl at Stead Park. She was cussing at her little brother and I tried the nice request, she responded by mocking me. Then I used the voice that my black mother used, and that I had to use as a highs school teacher. The "hey, you will NOT speak to me that way, do you understand? I am an adult and have asked you very respectfully to quit, I expect the same respect from you."

She stopped and even gave a yes ma'am. Sometimes teens just need to be reminded that adults, who are not their teachers or parents will still call them out and remind them of appropriate behavior.

But again, 20 kids would only try to intimidate you.

[Anonymous]

I think OP and the "people drinking outside in DC" OP need to be friends.

Dont venture outside in public areas if you cannot stand the fact that you cannot control the actions, good or bad, of those around you. It sucks but its life.

Join a country club or pivate pool if you have an issue. I am not advocating for the teens but really...get over it.

[Anonymous]

You might try the Upshur pool on Arkansas, there's a new playground there too.

[Anonymous]

There was just a discussion on curbing your brats where oh so many parents jumped in about not letting your infant scream. Why should we let adults or teenagers be rude and obnoxious? It is one thing if the teenagers were having a conversation in a regular voice by themselves, but 20 kids screaming the language is unacceptable and reason to have management step in. Yes my kids will hear things and see things but there is a line where it is okay to say this is not appropriate behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There was just a discussion on curbing your brats where oh so many parents jumped in about not letting your infant scream. Why should we let adults or teenagers be rude and obnoxious? It is one thing if the teenagers were having a conversation in a regular voice by themselves, but 20 kids screaming the language is unacceptable and reason to have management step in. Yes my kids will hear things and see things but there is a line where it is okay to say this is not appropriate behavior.

Okay, so say that to your kids and leave the teenagers alone. It's one thing to let your own child scream and be disruptive and it's another thing entirely to try to control a bunch of strangers' kids. They weren't breaking any laws were they? We have free speech in this country so leave them alone. If you don't want your kids to hear or see bad things, then don't take them out in public.

[Anonymous]

I hear adults yelling and cursing just walking down the street with my baby and toddler in Columbia Heights. Nothing you can do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There was just a discussion on curbing your brats where oh so many parents jumped in about not letting your infant scream. Why should we let adults or teenagers be rude and obnoxious? It is one thing if the teenagers were having a conversation in a regular voice by themselves, but 20 kids screaming the language is unacceptable and reason to have management step in. Yes my kids will hear things and see things but there is a line where it is okay to say this is not appropriate behavior.

See what happens when you don't curb your brats when they are younger.