We normally try to visit the library on Thursday mornings. Today dentist appointments meant we were not able to get there until later than usual. Typically we arrive before the toddler/preschool storytime starts and once it lets out, we are ready to head home away from the chaos. Today we arrived shortly after storytime let out. Mass chaos. Enough to make me rethink visiting the library on Thursday mornings at all.
Truly, if you gather large groups of preschoolers/toddlers and their parents in a semi-enclose public place, you get a unique chance to study modern parenting behavior. These parents seem totally focused on making sure their parenting and their children are viewed as perfect. Let's not even imagine disciplining said children because you might damage a child's growing ego. Who came up with this rule? Seriously, why are adults afraid to say no and even worse, afraid to say no in front of other people. These perfect parents must watch any other child who steps near their offspring like a hawk but remains oblivious to the fact that their child is running amok, wreaking havoc, threatening other children and being destructive with others' property.
No, my kids aren't perfect. Every single child is going to be a monster and a moron at times. So I don't really take issue with the children. They'd been taught it is ok to behave this way. I take issue with the parents. Get off your butt, go get your child and make a few corrections. Heck, maybe even make them apologize to the proprietor for destroying their property and not respecting their space. Today I had to intervene while a little girl had a large plastic container hefted over her head and was prepared to toss it at a little boy. At first I thought perhaps she was the bully. Watching the children for several more minutes, it became apparent that the little girl was simply defending herself from a child who was sorely lacking parenting. It also became apparent that neither child had a parent who was aware of what their child was doing. I never saw the boy's mom until it was time to go at which time she picked up two babies off the floor and strapped them into a stroller while begging and pleading with her older child to come with her. Pretty please. Meanwhile the boy was jumping on the furniture, throwing toys, chasing people and being obnoxious. I do understand it is hard to wrangle several young children at once but this was beyond out of control. Mom had plenty of time to have a 10 minute conversation with a librarian on the way out about her older daughter while the boy continued his antics in the adult section of the library but never once attempted to correct his behavior. Seriously lady. Give the rest of us a break. It was one of those days where I understood why folks get that sudden look of panic in their eyes when they see our family walk in places. Unless you know us, you expect our kids to be just as bratty.
I think we may start going to the library on Wednesday mornings when they don't have any activities scheduled. I have a feeling it will be a tad emptier then.
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