Why do today's parents take their children out to Wal Mart or other public places at really late hours?

Question

...and then wonder why their children have bad grades or don't perform well the next morning.

has anyone else noticed this?

we're talking really late...not 9 pm late...

and, yes, I've seen the husband there, too. So it's not like they couldn't have had a babysitter.

Yes, a Wal-Mart trip might sometimes be an emergency...but what about the movie theater (on a weekday night!)...I've seen this countless times, too.

Answer 1

Yes, I'm horrified to see children out in stores during the wee hours of the morning. Most of them crying and their parents yelling at them. What are parents thinking? I've seen both husband and wife and three kids all in the stores in the middle of the night. Why aren't these children in bed and one of the parents with them?

I would say its none of my business and usually think that when I see this odd family behavior but then again, it is my business. I'm a teacher and I have to teach these kids the next day. Its one thing for an adult going out to get medicine or something and its another for little kids to be out. There isn't any reason for it.

Answer 2

The problem your not addressing is why its your business anyway? This is not a rude answer, its that parents when they finally geta chance to think remember that they needed to get toothpaste or something equally important and its bad parenting to leave your children home alone, so of course the little ones have to tag along. The thing is, next time you see this happen, offer the parent your phone number so they can call and ask you to help them out, now thats being a constructive neighbor.

Answer 3

Yes, i've noticed, I guess they are to busy working all day and then think a trip to Wal-Mart is "family time". I am a stay at home mom(i'm lucky to not have to work) and I do my trips to Wal-Mart etc during the day.. Can't these people go on the week-end instead?

Answer 4

Maybe because their parents have work schedules in which late hours is the only time they can shop. I'll have you know I'm going to college on a scholarship based on good grades AND my parents took me out shopping late. Hah!

Answer 5

Well if you haven't noticed half of America is divorced. Now you have 1 parent that has to cook ,clean and keep the clothes and bed linens and towels clean. Unless there is somebody trustworthy that they can leave their kids with they have to bring them on the trip to walmart. The thing about Walmart is , its open all night and sometimes projects at home run late. Consider this when you consider marriage.

Answer 6

I have and I think this too. When my son's were young I left them home with their dad to watch not babysit because they are his sons as well. Maybe some single parents can't afford a sitter. But then again you shouldn't have to pay a relative to sit.

Answer 7

Parents don't want to parent these days. Most of them are more concerned with being their kids best friend.

Well most kids already have friends, they need somebody to guide them through life.

Answer 8

The alternative???? Leave them alone so Child Protective Services can come and make someone's life miserable by charging them with neglect?

Answer 9

Maybe it's the kid's birthday so they are allowing the kid to stay up late.

Answer 10

Taking kids out late doesn't affect their grades, in my opinion. I went to bed at 3-4am when I was in high school, had to get up at 7am, and I made all A's and B's.