Generation Outta-My-Way!
If Ian’s generation turns into the most selfish, pushy, and inconsiderate the United States has ever seen, it will not be their fault. I took Ian to a local mall’s playground on Saturday night. I wish I hadn’t, despite the weekend’s lack of exercise. A mob of children ruled the jungle-gym, with disinterested and distracted parents not paying attention.
We’ve worked very hard to teach Ian about respect and politeness. About sharing and waiting his turn. Sometimes it feels as though we’re the only ones.
The slide is always a problem. The line is long, and kids shove until it’s their turn. Ian stands and waits, but because he doesn’t push, the other kids assume he’s not standing in line. It took him five minutes to use the slide, and that was only because I finally forced the issue.
Unfortunately, that’s nothing new. Neither is kids trying to climb the slide as others come down. What made me furious were the parents who were helping their kids climb. Not just pushing them, but yelling at other kids to get out of their child’s way. And doing nothing about the inevitable collisions and squashed fingers.
Need I mention the boy who hit the back of his head on the slide, with nary a parent in sight? I waited fifteen seconds before I rushed forward, which is an eternity when a child is lying motionless on the floor, clutching the back of his head.
Or the toddlers, earlier at Burger King, who left food and trash thrown on the floor as their mother sat talking with her friends?
I don’t think I’m the perfect father. But come on, people! If you have kids, that means you’re a parent. Act like it!
October 30th, 2006 at 11:43 pm
Try co-parenting stepchildren with those parents! It’s an experience…
Great blog…look forward to reading more!