Rude Kids

[Anonymous]

I was at a 4 year old's birthday party this weekend and noticed a girl (the latter of *not* age four, perhaps age six) repeatedly cutting in front of the line (when the birthday girl was called to the front, since it was her birthday, after all) and saying "this is boring" and generally being ill mannered. Turns out she had a younger brother (probably age 4) who was at the party, but she was also invited as a courtesy. From what I gather about the mom (and watching her), the girl is as self centered as the mom. There was a recent article (cite to follow) about Generation X'ers (essentially) overcompensating for being latch key kids. I suppose we could cite a million excuses, but do we find parents being less and less responsible (as in the aforementioned example)? In other words, "my kid first, at any cost"? Has anyone else seen this behavior toward the birthday girl or boy at their own parties? Does this behavior seem absurd to anyone else? Does anyone know anything about what causes such entitlement?

As an afterthought, I have another example of how a kid at a major (huge) NVA playground was assaulted, unprovoked, by another kid - who was doing it to quite a few kids! The kids' parents did nothing. Does this strike anyone as unusual?

[Anonymous]

Were the parents prosecuted for the assault? Hear of that happening sometimes but that may be with older kids.

[Anonymous]

OP here - my bad. Have to repost in pertinent area.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps the six year old wasn't thrilled to be at a 4 year old party, and doesn't yet have the grace of an adult? The party was boring for her.

[Anonymous]

There have always been rude kids just as there have always been rude adults. Its no worse nor better than a generation ago. Self-centered people usually breed self-centered people. If you read OP's post, and you think its ridiculous, and you never talk to your child about manners, kindness to others, or being gracious even if one is unhappy or "bored" then OP and I are probably talking about you. However, you probably don't care, that is why you and your kids are the way they are.

[Anonymous]

Sorry OP, your post is the usual blah blah blah about how you're a great parent and somebody else is falling down on the job. Yawn and double yawn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sorry OP, your post is the usual blah blah blah about how you're a great parent and somebody else is falling down on the job. Yawn and double yawn.

I disagree. About 6 months ago, our son's teacher had a sit down with us about our son's classroom behavior. We realized through talking with her that we'd been too indulgent, and had taken the easy way out in some cases, weren't consistent, etc. We made significant changes and continue to see improvements, as do the classroom teachers. Parents are the most significant influence on their kids behavior. Why should we pretend otherwise? More parents need to step up to the plate and take responsibility for their kids' behavior.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps the six year old wasn't thrilled to be at a 4 year old party, and doesn't yet have the grace of an adult? The party was boring for her.

Bingo

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps the six year old wasn't thrilled to be at a 4 year old party, and doesn't yet have the grace of an adult? The party was boring for her.

Bingo

Doesn't excuse cutting in line or the obliviousness of her parent to her bad bahavior. Furthermore, 6 year olds are absolutely old enough to behave properly for the two hours of another (younger) child's birthday (I have a 6 and 8 year old of each gender, so I know). You who think this is excused by her being "bored" REALLY don't get it. You and your children are the ones that have the rest of us cringing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sorry OP, your post is the usual blah blah blah about how you're a great parent and somebody else is falling down on the job. Yawn and double yawn.

I disagree. About 6 months ago, our son's teacher had a sit down with us about our son's classroom behavior. We realized through talking with her that we'd been too indulgent, and had taken the easy way out in some cases, weren't consistent, etc. We made significant changes and continue to see improvements, as do the classroom teachers. Parents are the most significant influence on their kids behavior. Why should we pretend otherwise? More parents need to step up to the plate and take responsibility for their kids' behavior.

Now THIS is the BINGO!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There have always been rude kids just as there have always been rude adults. Its no worse nor better than a generation ago. Self-centered people usually breed self-centered people. If you read OP's post, and you think its ridiculous, and you never talk to your child about manners, kindness to others, or being gracious even if one is unhappy or "bored" then OP and I are probably talking about you. However, you probably don't care, that is why you and your kids are the way they are.

So true. We've been doing all that with our one child since he was about a year old. Constant reminders.

I suppose the girl at the party could have been having an off day, though. I honestly don't know how parents handle that when they've got more than one child at an event. With one, it's easy, if he doesn't respond to verbal correction, I take him out of there. But what do you do with two?

[Anonymous]

Mind your own focking business.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't blame Generation X. I'm a baby boomer and I see it among baby boomer parents as well.

[Anonymous]

Ahhh...today at the playground a little boy - older than my 2.5 year old - kept constantly stealing toys from my son - while the mom chatted away on her cell phone. She was close enough to see him and cleary did not care. The first few times, I thought mabye it was a toy he brought. Then it became clear, he just wanted to take anything my son had, to get MY attention. Because he basically took them, walked away, and put them down and then didn't play with them. Then more kids came and he moved on to them.

I think the saddest part was that he was clearly the oldest of the kids there. I understand when the really small ones steal toys and the mom doesn't say much, as they don't really know better. But come one, even my 2.5 year old knows not to take toys from other kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ahhh...today at the playground a little boy - older than my 2.5 year old - kept constantly stealing toys from my son - while the mom chatted away on her cell phone. She was close enough to see him and cleary did not care. The first few times, I thought mabye it was a toy he brought. Then it became clear, he just wanted to take anything my son had, to get MY attention. Because he basically took them, walked away, and put them down and then didn't play with them. Then more kids came and he moved on to them.

I think the saddest part was that he was clearly the oldest of the kids there. I understand when the really small ones steal toys and the mom doesn't say much, as they don't really know better. But come one, even my 2.5 year old knows not to take toys from other kids.

Doubtful. You probably just intervene and helicopter parent so that he never has an opportunity not to "steal" or "share."

I think it would have perfectly fine for you to get down on one knee with your kid and the older kid and say "I see two kids and one bucket. Since you are SO much bigger, please find another bucket and we can all dig together! Thank you!"

It would be nice if the other parent would do this, but this is WHY we take kids to the park. Life ain't fair and stuff gets taken away. They live on to see another day and actually grow from it!