The flight post below got me to thinking.... There are so many things that are free to kids 2 and under. My daughter, who is just over two, in my opinion falls into the 2 and under category, since she's still 2 years old. Now, some places say children under 2 are free, which would mean to me, that children who are 2 years and even 1 day old are not free, correct?
Anyway, my question here is this: If you have a three year old who could easily pass for 2 or a 2 year old who could easily pass for one, are you honest and still pay for them or do you try to fib and get them in for or allow them to eat for, etc. free? Let's just keep this to situations where they wouldn't be asking for proof of a child's age.
Re: Lying about LO's age...
When we went to the zoo for his birthday we had to go a week late and so he was already 2. My husband told the truth. I was planning to say that we were there celebrating his 2nd birthday and see what the clerk did with that info. So, in that case I wasn't lying, but I'll take free if I can get it.
I would consider lying in a situation where the event/activity etc has either an adult price or free, I'm not interested in paying the same amount for my child as for me in certain situations. Places we are going FOR him I'll pay for, but something like a baseball game where he's not going to watch at all but just wander around I might lie about since it's the same price for everyone. If it was a crowded, sold out baseball game I'd pay because I don't want to be too squished, but around here they usually aren't, so the extra body isn't hurting anyone.
If it's something that I know isn't for her, yes I would.
If it's something for her and I know she can get a lot of out it, no.
I've had to lie about my age growing up, mainly out of my stupidity like forgetting my ID somewhere. It didn't scar me, as far as I know.
This. I get nervous and stressed out. I won't even use the bathroom at, say, Starbucks unless I'm planning to buy something! DH, on the other hand, would milk our children's youthful looks for as long as he could. So I just step into my embarassed shadow and let him do the deceiving.
Pretty much this. DS is quite tall and only just turned 2 the end of December. People are always giving me the side eye when we say he's 2 because they all think he's at least 3. Recently, someone even thought he was 5! We said we're going to start carrying around a copy of his birth certificate for proof.
Ds is 2 until his 3rd birthday and in my mind, if the sign states 2 and under, it includes ds. I do get him own seat for plane flights and the train. He's too squirrely to be a lap baby.
OK, I'll admit it, if it's going to save me a few bucks, then I will lie. I will not make my LO lie (coach them to say the wrong age) and I would never lie when it comes to something like a plane ticket.
For example, for DS's 2nd b-day, we took him to Sesame Place. If they are 23 months and under, they are free. Over 23 months and it's $57.99. He is a little guy and could only ride a few of the rides. There was no way we were going to spend almost $60 for him to ride the 3 or 4 rides he could.
Go Phils!!
My mother did this to me and it was embarrassing but I was older. I had a tennis pass that said my date of birth was 2 years later than my actual date of birth. So for tournaments my mom took advantage of that and made me play in the 12 and under when I was supposed to be playing 14 and under (can't remember the exact age group). This is all good and well if you are small for your age but I was taller than most of the kids that were my age so I felt like a fool trying to pass for a 10 y/o when I was 12 (just to give you an idea, I was 5'7" when I was 10 and stopped growing at 13 when I was (and still am ) 5'11").
As far as little kids, I sort of agree with everyone else. If it is something specifically for the child I more than likely would be honest. If it is something that isn't for her I might try to get away with it unless it is cheap....
This, I also agree with pp that I don't want little ears to hear Mum lying, especially over something so petty.
I am however, happy to haggle, or negotiate a "child's" fee at a place that only has an "under 2" or adult price.
Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old
~Benjamin Franklin
DS dx with celiac disease 5/28/10
This.
To me until their birthday when they turn 3, they qualify as 2 and under. Once my daughter turned 3, I pay for her since she is not 2 and under. She was small enough to still pass for 2.