Was I wrong to tell that lady to keep her kids on a leash?

Question

I was at the park and there was a couple walking through with their tiny little chihuahua, just walking along, and some militant mom with her 48 kids on the swings yelled at the couple and said "Your dog should be on a leash."

So I said "Your kids should be on a leash."

And she went ballistic. She grabbed two of her kids and ran towards me and told me I was a "crazy f***" to say that. She shouted it actually.

So I said "You shouldn't swear in front of your children."

And that's when she got REALLY angry.

I just walked away.

I felt kind of bad, because she took it so hard. Was I wrong to say that?

Answer 1

I think you both handled the situation badly. In most states there are leash laws....and if there is one in yours than she was within her rights to remind them of that. No matter how adorable and small a dog may be...there is still the potential for biting...especially around small children who in their excitement could test the patience of an angel! Also some children are just terrified of dogs..harmless sniffing of a tiny canine can scare the pants off them. So owner should be all the more careful around playgrounds. And why did you feel the need to make a come back to her when she wasn't speaking to you? Had her children been unruly? Were they behaving in a manner that was disruptive to other park goers other than the normal exuberance of a child? And keep in mind...playground areas are intended for children to run and be free and wear themselves out . She most certainly should not have screamed at you and swore. That was bad behavior...but did you take into consideration that not only she heard you...but so did her children...and your comment was an insult to them as well? That could explain some of her reaction. When someone hurts your child's feelings it brings out your protective instincts..when it is another adult who delivers the insult...it can bring out your rage. It seems like on of those situations where everyone just lost their head...it happens..next time...take a moment and think...is this worth it to mention? And if it is...how do I want to be heard? As a jerk? Or should I take my time and address this issue logically and rationally? I think ration will win out the lions share of the time!!

Answer 2

You shouldn't have said that. There is probably an ordinance saying dogs have to be on a leash, so she might not have even been saying that to the people to be mean, although it probably wasn't her business. I can see where she'd be offended, especially if her kids weren't being bad. You ragged on her kids. Honey, at 24, I was 9 months pregnant during my last set of finals in grad school and had to right a thesis with a newborn and a husband who worked evenings and midnights while I worked days. School was three hours away, I had to stay with friends during the week. I know grad school is hard work and all, even when you don't have the responsiblity of a family. But there is a lot more pride in raising kids, and it gives mothers a feeling that can't be described in words. Don't think your education makes you special (which, by your user name, I'm assuming you do). Don't get me wrong, you have a right to be proud of it, but don't assume people with children are just uneducated rednecks that have no concept of civility and the "rules of society". You sound like someone who thinks kids are an inconvenience and irritating. I feel sorry for you. Think about what those children felt when you said that.

Answer 3

You were wrong because by law the person's dogs should have been on a leash. The militant mom was also wrong for swearing in front of her children. Many pet owners do not realize that some children are afraid of dogs regardless of thier size. It's a matter of obeying the law and having respect for others. I think most states would call it child abuse to put children on a leash.

Answer 4

humorous, I observed an previous video from what appeared to be the 50's, and there have been mothers and fathers with little ones on a similar "leashes" as they use as we communicate! LOL so as that they have got curiously been around perpetually... I haved used one on party with my youngest daughter as she would be in a position to no longer sit down nevertheless at a sparkling church and likes to run to the front degree the place her daddy is often ultimate worship. If I try to hold her, she'll scream and squirm. yet whilst i positioned the little leash round her wrist, she is a happy camper to stroll around in the pew and wave to human beings, and climb up and down the seat. (i do no longer usually go away her in the nursery at church homes we bypass to, purely the abode church.) I see no longer something incorrect with it. Now if the "leash" replaced into around the youngsters neck, or they have been tied up and left someplace, it incredibly is erroneous!!

Answer 5

Are you the person who felt sorry for a "poor" person at the grocery store?

This situation is a big turn around for you. What happened to your empathy? Did you leave it behind at the grocery store?

If the kids were playing well on the swings, then leave well enough alone. If I had 48 kids to look after, I would be a bit touchy, too.

Sometimes, you have to know when to keep your mouth shut and move along!

Answer 6

no, because the couple with the dogs, and the dogs, seem like there were minding their own business. And I am sure that mad you mad. I would probably did the same some women with 101 dalmation kids tend to speak out of term to others because they are jelaous I said some women not putting women with more than two kids down. I have four kids.

Answer 7

Well I don't believe kids should be on leashes, they are not wild animals, they are human beings, they are their own people not someone property. Unless you are a fethish freak and think your partner should be on a leash then there is not a real reason to keep anyone on a leash.
And insulting someone else only brings you down to their level so it probably was not the best answer. It is better for ourselves in the end to turn the other cheek. If you had ignored her and kept walking she would have shut her ignorant mouth up and you wouldn't feel guily.

But I also believe children shouldn't run wild, though i'm sure they were at the park to play, thats what its for. Kids have lot s of energy and need excersize, thats what the park is for.
A leash on children is not going to solve any problems of bad children, just as blaimming the kids for being bad won't. If you don't like kids don't go to the park, and if parents can't handle children and teach them to behave they shouldn't have children..and she sounds like a real nut job.
She obviously was ignorant to make a comment like that to you, uncaring about her kids well being to curse in front of them, and very short tempered to be freakign out and yellign at you.

Plus I think its fine for good dogs to be allowed off leashes. Lots of parks and cities have laws that dogs ARE allowed off their leashes. (you should check your local laws and park regulations so you are not breaking them.) A dog likes to run and play just as any preson does but lots of people are afraid of dogs. Dogs need to be trained propperly, If your dog was not bothering them thendon't worry about it.

People are just messed up, just go on with your life and try to ignore people next time.

Answer 8

Your statement was out of line, however the woman's response was even worse. The woman may have been looking for an argument and your comment provided the perfect opportunity. To have avoided this, you should not have responded to the initial comment, therefore bypassing the entire ugly incident. :)

Answer 9

Yes. That was pretty rude. We all make jerks of ourselves once in a while. You felt bad. Now let it go. Don't beat yourself up. I always keep my dogs on a leash since the law demands that. Having witnessed what a dog can do to a child, I would never let my dogs run free in public.. It is none of your business how many kids she has. I'll bet you're very young.

Answer 10

No, not at all. In fact, there ought to be more people like you that have the courage to express your feelings. She sounds like a real winner.

You stopped at a good time though. Just walk away and take satisfaction knowing her kids will grow up to be just like her, and you will have your revenge.

Kudos to you!