As I sat at the pond, watching my four-year-old try to figure out flotation, I witnessed a familiar scene unfold. During swim class, where certain areas are designated for lessons (including the dock), there are always parents who think their little ones should be exempt from these rules. Today, it was a mother who, after being told by a lifeguard to stay outside the buoys, replied, “We have to leave town in 30 minutes, and they just want to play on the dock — they’re not bothering anyone.” Except they actually were, as they ran through a class filled with toddlers. And, let’s not forget, rules are set for a reason.
It appears that more and more individuals feel entitled to disregard rules, whether spoken or implied, when it comes to their children. The truth is, having a child doesn’t elevate you or your kid above others; acting as if your little one is the center of the universe only makes you come off as inconsiderate. Here are some situations I’ve observed where parents seem to think their world revolves around their kids:
1. The Movies
Please don’t bring your adorable three-month-old to a 10 PM horror movie. Your baby will undoubtedly wake up and disturb others. If you want to enjoy the film, consider hiring a babysitter instead. Watching a movie in a theater is a privilege, not a right, and disrupting others is simply rude. The same goes for bringing young kids to late-night shows where they could be frightened or disruptive—just avoid it.
2. Bars
It’s shocking that I even need to mention this, but I’ve seen many parents (especially in urban areas) who feel comfortable bringing their children into establishments that should clearly be for adults only. Why would you want your child in such an environment, and why do you think it’s okay to bring them where adults come to socialize? Leave your precious little ones at home. (Of course, some bars are family-friendly, especially early in the evening—I’m not referring to those).
3. Inappropriate Restaurants
There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants out there. Choose those.
4. Age/Height Restrictions at Venues
Rules exist for safety reasons. Arguing loudly about why your child, who clearly doesn’t meet the height requirement for a ride, should be allowed is just a display of entitlement. Nobody is trying to inconvenience you by enforcing these rules. If you’re willing to confront staff over them, you’re likely the same person who would sue if something happened to your child after you pushed the issue.
5. Adult-Only Events
It’s incredibly frustrating to throw a gathering labeled “adult-only” only to have a friend or family member ignore that rule. Couldn’t find a babysitter? Wanted your kids to meet relatives? It doesn’t matter. The host has the final say, and imposing your uninvited children on the event is downright rude. If you can’t leave your kids behind, perhaps you should skip the event altogether and accept that not every occasion is suitable for them.
6. Public Transportation
While you can absolutely bring your child on planes, trains, and other public transport, how you manage the situation matters. Don’t be that parent who brings a high-maintenance toddler onto a long flight without any preparation. Generally, fellow passengers are more understanding if they see parents actively trying to keep their little ones entertained and calm. It’s the parents who seem indifferent to their children’s disruptive behavior that tend to irk everyone else. Just because you’re on a plane doesn’t mean you can forget about being a responsible parent.
The bottom line is that you and your children aren’t inherently more special than others. Strive to be a considerate parent—and a decent person—and do what’s right. Your kids will benefit from it, and you’ll avoid being “that mom” or “that dad” everyone can’t stand. Doesn’t that sound appealing?
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In summary, being a good parent means recognizing that your child is not an exception to the rules that govern public spaces. By practicing consideration and respect, both you and your children can enjoy various experiences without disrupting others.