OMG I finally get it about entitled parents and monster kids

[Anonymous]

We live in an expensive suburb and I honestly didn't get the stereotypes. Sure I encountered an outlier obnoxious parent now and then, but you can find that anywhere. Now that my older child is in upper elementary, I so get it. A few pleasant parents have gone to the dark side-obsessed with grades (which are still just numbers 1-4 mind you), obsessing over TJ and pushing to get their kid into the advanced groups. You can see it taking it's toll on their kids. Yes, this is an age where kids can get beastly, but I don't think it helps to have parents so hyperfocused on being the best student and athlete without much focus on things like kindness, manners, integrity and good character. Yes, these things are not mutually exclusive and many many parents do care about raising good and kind humans, but OMG I have had some conversations within the past few weeks which made me want to run for the hills.

#kindnessmatters #charactercounts

[Anonymous]

The monster kids I know in upper elementary have parents who are too busy with their phone to look up at their kid. They are either "doing something important" or posting more pics of parties. Their kids notice that mom & dad don't pay attention.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PP. No child of Tiger parents I know has ever been unpleasant to me or my kids. Actually they're the better-behaved ones, because their parents make sure they are.

The bratty kids that I know are the ones running around with no supervision, or the singletons whose parents give in to their every whim.

Of course, I can only tell of my own experience (in Bethesda, MD), so it's all anecdotal!

[Anonymous]

I spoke with a mom up in arms over her snowflake being in a class with some kids with ADHD and ASD. I understand that a teacher needs to have good classroom management to make it work, but OMG calm down. They don't have kooties and your kid might actually learn some empathy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I spoke with a mom up in arms over her snowflake being in a class with some kids with ADHD and ASD. I understand that a teacher needs to have good classroom management to make it work, but OMG calm down. They don't have kooties and your kid might actually learn some empathy.

If she wants her kid to be in the higher level classes, she better get usd to it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
I agree with PP. No child of Tiger parents I know has ever been unpleasant to me or my kids. Actually they're the better-behaved ones, because their parents make sure they are.

The bratty kids that I know are the ones running around with no supervision, or the singletons whose parents give in to their every whim.

Of course, I can only tell of my own experience (in Bethesda, MD), so it's all anecdotal!

I totally disagree with this. The tiger parents I know--affluent suburb as well--are concerned with success in school/music/sports and that's it--not character. In other ways, they seem to totally spoil their kids, baby them, let them run totally wild, and treat them like their opinions and whims are of more value than those of adults. I have seen these parents applaud disrespectful behavior as "independent." Like when the kids talk back to adults, they are praised for making themselves heard and for voicing strong opinions. I agree with OP and cannot stand it.

I will admit that I am surprised that these same parents, who let shocking things go behavior-wise, are extremely tough when it comes to academics. I suppose it's better to be strict about something than nothing. But I am very turned off by this trend.

[Anonymous]

Maybe the lot of you should give these overbearing parents some pointers?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe the lot of you should give these overbearing parents some pointers?

Great idea! When I've had to deal with these parents, they have been totally receptive to the possibility that things beside school matter, too. Or just other opinions generally.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
I agree with PP. No child of Tiger parents I know has ever been unpleasant to me or my kids. Actually they're the better-behaved ones, because their parents make sure they are.

The bratty kids that I know are the ones running around with no supervision, or the singletons whose parents give in to their every whim.

Of course, I can only tell of my own experience (in Bethesda, MD), so it's all anecdotal!

I totally disagree with this. The tiger parents I know--affluent suburb as well--are concerned with success in school/music/sports and that's it--not character. In other ways, they seem to totally spoil their kids, baby them, let them run totally wild, and treat them like their opinions and whims are of more value than those of adults. I have seen these parents applaud disrespectful behavior as "independent." Like when the kids talk back to adults, they are praised for making themselves heard and for voicing strong opinions. I agree with OP and cannot stand it.

I will admit that I am surprised that these same parents, who let shocking things go behavior-wise, are extremely tough when it comes to academics. I suppose it's better to be strict about something than nothing. But I am very turned off by this trend.

+1 This has been my experience as well. It's all about academics and being the best and justifying poor behavior as being independent and confident. The basics of respect and manners have gone out the window.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe the lot of you should give these overbearing parents some pointers?

How about respect, humility, and empathy will take you far in life and social skills matter.

[Anonymous]

That’s N Arlington for you! The only thing you can do is treach your children right from wrong and maybe get out of your neighborhood more!

[Anonymous]

Jerk parents=jerk kids.

[Anonymous]

Why is everyone being so coy about living in an "affluent" suburb and not just mentioning where they live? You're posting in VA Public schools, that really only leaves you with North Arlington and McLean. Might as well write it out.

[Anonymous]

OP here. It helps to know I am not the only one turned off. Wanted to make clear, I think "tiger parent" describes it without any racial undertones implied. As long as people understand this applies to any background I am all for the term.

[Anonymous]

And of course, all of you have kind, empathic kids. Especially since you are sweet and judgement free.