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January 2015 Moms
Toddler/restaurant rant
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Toddler/restaurant rant
Um...No.
Just no.
We even do it on shopping trips. We do out shopping trips that he doesn't like before we go to a play date so if we are running late, it's his event that we are late to, but we stand outside in whatever weather until he is under control. He now realizes that we will still have to go shopping and the length of the tantrums has decreased significantly.
We plan where we will go out to eat based on his mood if possible. Buffet if super hungry, drive through if a terror, family style if in reasonable mood, etc. I keep a few toys in my purse, order his food when we order drinks or very shortly after, and ask that they bring it as soon as it is ready. If he starts acting up, we deal with it. Whether it's a discussion at the table, in the restroom, or even outside. We try several avenues to entertain him (based on how unruly he is), and a game on the phone is toward the bottom of the list. If he won't calm down, we request a box and check.
My husband and I go to family style restaurants for date night. We like their food and the general atmosphere. We don't have many options for 'fine dining' less than an hour away, and most of them don't serve any food my husband enjoys. Plus, they are much more budget friendly.
I understand when parents are trying to teach their kids and when they are trying to reign them in. I hate when parents do not make any effort to fix the problem and have no consideration for those around them. Family style does not mean temper tantrum city.
Maybe it's because I have been in the most boring professional development class on the planet today, but I found those pictures hysterical.
I have chased my kid around target way to many times to care if others put theirs on a leash.
I don't have time to care about leashes.
A kiss he will never forget- Disney World 2014
Eta: more power to you if you use it. I just could never keep a straight face. I feel like it is equating your child with a dog.
A kiss he will never forget- Disney World 2014
This is one I can definitely say never. My son is nearly three. I can guarantee we will not use one for him. I hold my son's hand in public. Carry him if need be. Put him I. The shopping cart. Leave. Plenty if options which don't include dehumanizing my child.
QUOTE FAIL
When oh when will the judgey Mc judgersons and the crazies GBCB?
<p align="center"that's great. I am glad it worked for you. For some it doesn't. Doesn't mean they are dehumanizing them. If it keeps a child safe, why do you care? I held my kid's hand one day becasue it was a busy day and there were no more carts. I had a basket in one hand and him in the other. And guess what, he wiggled his hand out of mine, dodged around some displays, and was faster then I was, I lost him down an aisle and couldn't find him for 10 minutes. Want to know where I found him? The parking lot. So what is worse, a kid with a monkey on his back or a kid being hit by a car?
I don't really care if you answer this- I never had to use a leash because that day he got a giant swat on the ass and he never did that again (you can go ahead and judge for spanking too- that was something I swore I would NEVER do, but whatever) but after that day I considered it.
So good for you for never using a leash or even considering it. I'm glad you never had to go through the absolute terror of losing your son and finding him 3 steps away from being hit by a car.
A kiss he will never forget- Disney World 2014
I dont like them. If they work for you, use them.
using the term "dehumanizing" is judging.
Saying, "Well I could never do that, but you do it if you need to" is judging.
I am glad you never had to use a leash- good for you- there is no medal at the end of the parenting road, So once again, good for you.
A kiss he will never forget- Disney World 2014
A kiss he will never forget- Disney World 2014
I thought before I had DS, "I will discipline my child, and he will be civilized and respectful in restaurants," and I realized that sometimes that is not a realistic expectation of a baby/toddler. I try, and I do take him outside sometimes, but that doesn't always work. Giving him snacks or other quiet activities isn't always effective either. We do our best, and we don't eat out often, but hopefully people can have a little grace if DS acts like a normal 18 month old.
I also didn't think I'd use a baby leash, but when DS doesn't want to be held, hold my hand, or be in the stroller or sit down (like at DH's flag football games) a baby leash is a good alternative. If it keeps him from running onto the field or into the street and getting trampled, I see that as a good thing. LOL to it being dehumanizing.
If you don't like them, don't use them. But using the term dehumanizing is too far.
Most people who use leashes are doing to to keep their child safe. I will do whatever it takes to keep my child alive and safe. I think I'm being a good parent by doing that?
If you want to get your panties in a bunch over something, go judge the horrible people who actually do dehumanize their children by starving them or physically or sexually abusing them.
Using a leash that looks like a stuffed monkey is not going to damage my child for the rest of her life, I promise.
Oh the fun times of toddlerhood.
DSS: 15 DS: 7
DD born 1/3/15
If admitting that I said something emotionally is backpedalling, then yes, I backpedalled. It does remind me of a dog to see a child on a leash. I find it more humorous than dehumanizing.
I hate when people say never say never to people, especially when it comes to parenting. There are some things in life to which we can say never and be accurate.