I am in a "community group" at my church, which is basically a Bible study held in different members' homes every week. Two of our members have 3 year olds who run amok everytime they enter someone else's household. It's not my place to say what the children are allowed to do at their own home, but other members agree with me that it's totally ridiculous that these kids are allowed to do anything they want as a guest in someone's home. I know they're young, but they seem to have no boundaries. Ex: jumping on couches, throwing things on the floor to make loud noises, running around yelling, and spilling food/drink on the floor! Is there an easy, polite way to let these people know their kids are being very rude (and in turn, so are they?!)
2007-02-01 07:37:31 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
I have run into this over and over again and all I can say is that if the parents aren't willing to set boundaries then for the sake of your home you need to! Whoever is the leader of the group needs to make it clear that people are graciously opening up their homes and the rest of the group, including the children, need to respect these homes. If the parents of these children don't set boundaries, the next time they come to your home - tell the children exactly what is expected from them ("play with these toys, watch this video" etc...) and what they are not allowed to do/touch in your home. You also need to tell them that coming to your home is a privilege and if they cannot behave themselves they cannot come. Will the parents be offended? Yeah, probably, but you have the right to protect your home. I would also say that the bad behavior is quite a distraction for the others in the group and you should not allow these children to keep people from hearing the Word of God.
2007-02-01 07:56:34 · answer #1 · answered by Aunt Bee 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is tricky; if it's your home, I could call the parents of the unruly children and ask them not to bring their children as it's distracting from the Bible study. Perhaps ask that all children be left at home or someone from the group offer to stay with all children at the church while Bible study is happening (a different person each week).Maybe have Bible study at the church, then put all the little ones in the play room.
Perhaps offer some parenting classes as part of your Bible studying...sounds like it's more needed than the Bible study. :)
2007-02-01 15:53:06 · answer #2 · answered by 49erfan 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My daughter acts the same way, she is 3. Iam constantly putting her in time out. it is not working . Her hyper active tendencies have gotten so bad that I am having her evaluated very soon for hyperactivty issues. It sounds like that woman should do the same . She may be trying really hard, and just maybe she is really worn out. Kids can drain you. Doesn't it drain you when they come to your home. Imagine having to deal with that 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Maybe your community group could offer to watch those children so that she can get a break. Please don't allow the kids to act that way in your home. That is your home. You work hard to have the things that you have. There is nothing wrong with setting boundaries in your own home. That woman probably wishes you wold tell those kids to behave. As a community church group, would it not be heavenly to help this poor ,tired woman???
2007-02-01 17:28:13 · answer #3 · answered by Lost_chic 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, if it happens ALL the time I would have a hard time biting my tongue and would probably say something. Are you saying that the "hosts" say nothing to these people about their children jumping on furniture in a house that does not belong to them?
If it is bible study, I would probably try to find passages that would get the point across. :)
2007-02-01 15:47:44 · answer #4 · answered by RoS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you and the other members need to bit the bullet and have a discussion with the other parents about the situation and see if there's some amicable approach that can be taken to address the problem.
2007-02-01 15:52:56 · answer #5 · answered by mattzcoz 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Use the Bible on them remember spare the rod spoil the child. If that doesn't work beat their as$ with it.
2007-02-01 15:56:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask them not to bring their kids because it is too distracting. Hopefully they will take the hint.
2007-02-01 16:16:45 · answer #7 · answered by luvmykids 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tell them that their children are not welcome in your home due to the wild and crazy behavior
2007-02-01 15:46:43 · answer #8 · answered by bayareart1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋