It seems like the more adults there are around to watch the kids, the more they are left to run wild. Should I have to run after people's kids when they come to visit, while the parents ignore them. Our home is not exactly "child proof" any more.
2006-09-04 01:55:07 · 19 answers · asked by Zelda Hunter 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I have encountered some problems with this myself lately! Strangely, my visitors were expecting my 8 year old daughter to watch their children all evening! My daughter was really getting worn out, and I took her aside and told her she was not responsible for our guests' toddlers, and that she should feel free to go play whatever she likes. I then steered them and directed them to their parents. If I saw them getting into something, I told the parent they were getting into things. I did not get up. It is not your responsibility to keep an eye on them, and a parent is responsible for all of their child's actions. While you are the host/hostess, you are not responsible for following around and picking up behind anyone else's children. You should be able to serve your guests and visit, not have to worry about their children. If we were going to the home of someone without children when my children were toddlers/infants, I always brought a playpen or pack and play with plenty of age-appropriate toys, in the event my children became too interested in things they shouldn't be, and they were never out of my sight. With the friends we had that weren't into children, we got a sitter when we went over to their house. Fortunately, I have trained my children very well, and friends ask us to bring the kids sometimes even when WE would rather not!!! lol
2006-09-04 03:38:03 · answer #1 · answered by alone1with3 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's absolutely not too much to ask that parents watch their child at any time! This is one of my pet peeves -- People feel they are ready for the responsibility of children, but then they seems to be always looking for ways to escape that duty.
That being said, if it is a large event and many children will be participating, sometimes it makes it difficult because if one parent goes to check on the children, they feel like they shouldn't be the one to correct or punish another child, and it can also seem rude to walk up and "tattle" on someone else's child.
If it was one person with children visiting my home, I would politely indicate that they should watch their children a little more closely, because you do not wish for them to be hurt, but you don't frequently have child visitors in your home.
For events where many children will be present, perhaps there is a teenager present who would love to make just a little extra money, or you could find a neighborhood teenager who would be willing to organize activities and help with keeping the children under control, so that the adults can enjoy themselves and one person is in charge of the children.
2006-09-04 10:24:41 · answer #2 · answered by JenV 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, its not asking too much to expect parents to keep tabs on their own children! Parents are responsible for their children, whether they 'want' that responsibility or not!
I put a stop to guests who would let their children run around like wild animals in my house. I informed the parents that I would not tolerate that behavior from my own children and certainly would not let another child get away with it in my house, so I threatened to treat a visiting child as my own....complete with disciplinary actions. Needless to say, our guests either watched their own children or the parents visited while the children were in school.
2006-09-04 09:05:48 · answer #3 · answered by geniec67 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you 150%!!! BUT, this is your home. If the children are out of hand, speak to the parents and ask them to speak to them. If the parents ignore, than you take charge. Time out for everyone for 10 minutes is usually good. Talk to them all before they are allowed up again. Let them play outside if possible. If bad behavior continues, than you have to speak to parents again and if they are offened......well, when they leave maybe they will think things over a bit....don't count on it...but maybe....don't invite them back for a long time.
2006-09-04 09:06:50 · answer #4 · answered by Nana 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is absolutely the responsibility of the parents. I've gone so far as to very pointedly ask that children not be brought to my home. At one time, I was growing many plants that were very toxic, and spiny to boot. If, after having that explained to them, the parents would not or could not control their offspring, I had no problem not inviting them over.
2006-09-04 09:05:05 · answer #5 · answered by Like An Ibis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think parents should show respect to the person they are visiting and control their own children. i do not think it is asking too much. i am not sure how can handle that situation in the future. maybe don't have those people back to visit. suggest you meet out somewhere then it won't be your responsibility to protect the children or your home.
2006-09-04 09:04:23 · answer #6 · answered by ♥dazed 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it is not too much to ask. Every parent should be responsible for thieir own child. You could always politely ask each parent to keep an eye on their child since your home is not child proof, you don't want them to get hurt.
2006-09-04 12:07:31 · answer #7 · answered by Lov'n IT! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The sad part is that the parents shouldn't have to be asked to watch their children. I experience the same thing when children visit my home. I've had collectibles and antiques broken, almost lost a Waterford vase, and had one inventive visitor mistake our very concealed cat's litter box for a sandbox. He managed to cart it into a room with carpeting to make a BIG sandbox....I had to have our carpet's professionally cleaned.
2006-09-04 10:47:47 · answer #8 · answered by jlcon 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, you shouldn't have to keep an eye on someone else's children while they are in YOUR home. Parents don't even watch their kids in restaurants or shops anymore. And of course, no one is allowed to say anything. I would say something if it were in my home though.
2006-09-04 09:52:24 · answer #9 · answered by msuzyq 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, they had better look after their own. We are not the kid's parents. If they can't keep their kid in control, it's their fault. We are not obligated to answer for every single mishap that may or may not happen in our own homes if they don't watch out for their own.
Unless, of course, you're babysitting the kid for them - which I gather you're not.
2006-09-04 12:59:19 · answer #10 · answered by optimistic_pessimist1985 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋