Store policy vs. parental responsibility?

Question

I was in a LARGE super-grocery-store on a day they were having an in-store promotion. There were tastings, treats, in-store games, etc. Right upon entering the store, a table was spread with balloon animals and a man was making them for all the kids, balloon hats etc. My 18 month old loves "boons", so I waited in line and got him an untwisted, straight one. He had a great time waving it and bonking me and my stepmom. Then, as we were checking out, the balloon guy ran over and asked me how old my son was. I told him 18 months. Without a word he YANKED the balloon out of my son's hand!! When I asked him what was going on, he said over his shoulder(while twisting that same balloon for a DIFFERENT KID), "Kids under 2 aren't allowed to have these." Luckily we were leaving, but my little boy kept pointing and saying "Boon, boon, help". Isn't it up to the parents to decide what is safe for their kids and what isn't? When did strangers get the right to tell me what I can't give my son?

Answer 1

Your poor son! He had no right in doing that, if there was a minimum age requirement he was supposed to be following, that was something he should have asked about before giving him the balloon.
I'd make a complaint the next time you go there, especially if you're a repeat customer. He might just be a jerk needing to be put in his place; or he might need training on how to properly do his job.

Answer 2

WOAH! He *took* it???

If they didn't ask his age when they handed him the balloon, then the balloon is his. Just because they have some liability clause and I'm sure the balloon guy was covering his own butt does NOT mean that he has the right to take the balloon from your son, after your son has been playing with it!!

Did they have a sign notifying parents that the balloons for only for kids older than two years of age?

I would phone that store manager and complain bitterly. How DARE that man swipe your son's balloon! And if the store is going to set up all sorts of fun and exciting things, they had better be prepared to have someone for the young toddlers too!

Answer 3

well to be honest a child that young shouldnt be playing with balloons they pose a choking hazard. yes they should have had a sign stating not for children under 4 i think. he also should have been asking the kids age before giving the balloon to them. you could have sued the store if any thing happened to your child and he knew that he was just protecting himself and the store. he was in the right to take the balloon

Answer 4

He could have handled his mistake differently. However, his company is liable if your son is injured by that balloon. You have the right to PURCHASE a balloon, then the responsibility is on you.

Parents are both stupid and greedy. Lots of stores have been sued by parents when their child falls out of the shopping cart despite the fact that only an idiot leaves their child in a shopping cart and WALKS AWAY. By providing seatbelts and/or signs about keeping children out of shopping carts, they lessen their liability. But let's see how stupid parents still are. Even with seatbelts, only 1 out of 10 parents use them. SO, even with something as inconsequential as a balloon, there are too many stupid people out there.

Answer 5

I Agree that was terrible. If he was told he wasnt allowed to give them out to children under 2 then he should have had a sign up and made it clear to the parents. But to take it away from a child like that is appaling!! I would have complained. That's terrible! Yes I think it should be up to the parents I see no reason why your son couldnt have the balloon. This jsut makes me mad people are so ignorant sometimes I'm sorry he4 took your son's "boon" away I know my daughter would have thrown a fit if someone did that to her.

Answer 6

I'd call a general manager & complain. If they didn't want your son to have one, they shouldn't have given him one. Taking it from the child was uncalled for. Worse came to worse he could have asked to have it back. At the end of the day, if you're comfortable with your child having it, it should be allowed if you accept any risk. I've been places where they tie ballons onto the arms of babies around 3 or 4 months old.

Answer 7

Once the balloon was in your baby's hands, it was his, and you could have the guy fired for a) not checking the age before handing him the balloon, and b) taking something from your son the way he did. I would definately have the ******** fired! He was being way beyond disrespectful!

Answer 8

I am sure he could have handled it much better , for ex.. Ma am I am sorry but the policy is that I was not supposed to give this to your son because of his age.. I am sorry etc etc.. He did not handle it well at all, that was harsh to do to a small child!

But I can see why he would.. he may have got in trouble for giving them to a small child who choked on it or was reprimanded by the boss. Although you were obviously paying your child attention, there are many parents who do not and a child that age could could choke on it if it popped.

Answer 9

Unreal! You are better than me! I would have gone right back and yanked it from the man and called for a manager.
Balloons can be dangerous for children under three years of age but you were obviously right there and supervising your child.
If I were you I would still call the store and lodge a formal complaint.

Answer 10

first and foremost , really that is REALLY messed up, i would dare anyone to come up to one of my kids and yank anything out of thier hands, it would be a wrap for that person..and his bad anyway, if that was the policy then he should have been on his beans and asked how old your son was before even giving him the "boon" HIS BAD!!!! i would have reported his actions to the store manager (after he heard what i had to say to him) just on the strenght that he was that close to your son thats not cool and why would you act like that anyway, your was leaving out!!!!!!!!! your the mother and if you say its ok then thats, that!!!!