Dear Parents: Let’s Talk About Boundaries

home insemination Kit

Hey there, fellow parents! So, picture this: I’m at the local park, watching my four-year-old try to float in the pond. As I soak in the sun, I notice a familiar scene unfold. At swim class, the area is clearly marked for lessons—no swimming allowed outside the designated zone. Yet, almost every day, I see parents who think their kids deserve an exception.

Today, it was a mom who, when told by the lifeguard that they needed to stay outside the buoys, replied, “We have to leave town in 30 minutes, and they want to play on the dock—they’re not bothering anyone.” Well, they actually were, running around among toddlers and disrupting the class. Rules are rules, people!

It seems like more and more parents feel entitled to overlook guidelines that are there for everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Here’s the truth: having kids doesn’t give you or them a VIP pass to the world. Acting like your child is the center of the universe? That’s just not cool. Here are a few places where I’ve noticed this entitlement creeping in:

1. Movies: Bringing your newborn to a late-night horror flick is not the best idea. I promise, your little one will wake up and disturb everyone around you. If you want to see that movie, hire a babysitter. It’s not a right to enjoy a film in peace while others are trying to do the same.
2. Bars: It baffles me that some parents feel comfortable bringing their young children into adult-only spaces. Why would you want your child in that environment? Let’s keep those venues for adults to unwind, shall we? Leave the kiddos at home, unless the bar is family-friendly.
3. Inappropriate Restaurants: There are tons of family-friendly dining options out there. Stick to those instead of trying to force your little ones into upscale places.
4. Age/Height Restrictions: When a venue has specific rules for age or height, it’s for safety—arguing about it won’t change that. It just makes you look entitled. If you push for your child to go on a ride they’re not tall enough for, you might be the one who ends up in trouble!
5. Adult-Only Events: Nothing is more frustrating than hosting an event labeled “adults only” only to have someone show up with their kids. If you can’t find a sitter, it’s best to skip the event. Respect the host’s wishes!
6. Public Transportation: While it’s totally fine to bring your child on planes or trains, how you manage that matters. Be prepared to keep them entertained and calm. No one likes dealing with a high-maintenance toddler kicking seats or blasting their movie without headphones.

The bottom line here is that you and your kids aren’t any more special than anyone else. Be a considerate parent, and do the right thing. Your kids will appreciate it, and you won’t be known as “that mom” or “that dad” who everyone tries to avoid.

If you’re interested in more about parenting and family life, check out this post on home insemination kits. And for those looking into options for starting a family, Make a Mom is a great authority on at-home insemination. Additionally, UCSF’s IVF resources can provide valuable information for your journey.

In short, let’s be mindful of our surroundings and the people around us. Teaching our kids about respect and boundaries will benefit everyone in the long run.