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Thread: Correcting your friends kids ?

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  1. #1
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    Correcting your friends kids ?

    Growing up if we were corrected or gotten in trouble by family friends it was because we deserved it and our parents didn't mind. The way I am, if my boys did something and I wasn't there I would want my friends to put them in there place the same I would. If I saw them say something to my kids and I know they boys needed it, I would correct them too, especially if they knew better. Make sense? Anyhow, we have friends that have a boy, almost 9 and a girl, age 5. These kids are pretty good but don't have manners. I am always shocked at how they will be here and say something like "I feel like having a glass of water". So I will say, "oh ya, I feel that way sometimes too". Meaning, kid, you better ask better than that if you want something. I have told them that if that is what they are trying to do, ask me for something, the word to use is please. I swear, the boy laughed one day and waited and didn't get one. Finally a half hour later he came and asked properly. The parents don't correct them. And they don't say thank you, so I tell them to say it. They do but OMG! Last night they were here and we were all eating outside on the patio. Well, the foot warts of one kid comes up by the kid (the cousin of these two) and I stop them right away. Please, not a conversation to have while my dinner is in front of me. Well, these 3 kids wouldn't shut up. And I kept repeating for them to stop. The parents/aunt/uncle of these three are right there not stopping them. I got ticked off and told them that if they were my kids, boy they would be in for it. Meanwhile, my own are sitting there waiting to see if I was going to walk away from the table in disgust because I was close. The dad said, what? my kids? I said yes, the three of them. If it were mine, they would have noses in corners and not able to finish eating until a time out was over. They didn't say a thing to the kids. She just said, oh ya!. He sat there in silence. It was my kids who changed the subject.
    I have had it with the terrible manners on these kids. We are supposed to go camping with them this weekend for one night and I don't know how far I should take correcting or giving &*!# to these kids. I don't want to offend my friends but at the same time they don't seem to be worried about their children offending us. Please tell me some advice! lol I would appreciate any. Thanks.

  2. #2
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    It doesn't sound like you are going to instill manners into these kids and it's obvious the parents aren't going to try.
    "A mother understands what a child does not say."
    --Jewish proverb

  3. #3
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    I agree with Bev, Mel. Sounds like you're fighting a battle you can't possibly win.

    I'm wondering what you have in common with the parents. I'm curious because I have had life-long friends, with whom I've gone to concerts, out dancing, camping, boating, etc. in our single and childless days and when the kids came along, I could no longer hang out with them because we parent too differently. I chose to move on.

  4. #4
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    I agree with Bev... these parents don't seem to be on the same page as you are when it comes to what is considered good manners/behavior. It's hard to say anything when you know the parents aren't going to back you up or support what you're trying to tell their kids. (or get an attitude towards you)

    When/if this has ever happened to me... I simply looked at my own kids (making sure the parents can hear what you're saying) and said, "Don't you even think about talking like that, because YOU know better." Then I look at the parents as if I'm expecting them to say/do something about their child/ren's bad behavior. If they don't, I might try to redirect my own children to another part of the room/house to do something by themselves. If the obnoxious ones try to follow along... I'd tell them that if they're are planning on doing something with MY kids... I'd better hear/see better behavior than what I've been seeing. After all... you don't want your children thinking they can get away with it just because company is over.
    If it becomes too big of a problem... I'd probably pass doing anything with them in the future.

    Good luck... I hope you all have a great weekend! Let us know how it went...

    Diane...
    Last edited by Diane; 06-28-2005 at 02:42 PM.

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by Diane P.
    I agree with Bev... these parents don't seem to be on the same page as you are when it comes to what is considered good manners/behavior. It's hard to say anything when you know the parents aren't going to back you up or support what you're trying to tell their kids. (or get an attitude towards you)

    When/if this has ever happened to me... I simply looked at my own kids (making sure the parents can hear what you're saying) and said, "Don't you even think about talking like that, because YOU know better." Then I look at the parents as if I'm expecting them to say/do something about their child/ren's bad behavior. If they don't, I might try to redirect my own children to another part of the room/house to do something by themselves. If the obnoxious ones try to follow along... I'd tell them that if they're are planning on doing something with MY kids... I'd better hear/see better behavior than what I've been seeing. After all... you don't want your children thinking they can get away with it just because company is over.
    If it becomes too big of a problem... I'd probably pass doing anything with them in the future.

    Good luck... I hope you all have a great weekend! Let us know how it went...

    Diane...
    Awesome advice there Diane! I really like your no-nonsense approach to things.
    a friend is more valuable than a fortune

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Diane P.

    When/if this has ever happened to me... I simply looked at my own kids (making sure the parents can hear what you're saying) and said, "Don't you even think about talking like that, because YOU know better." Then I look at the parents as if I'm expecting them to say/do something about their child/ren's bad behavior.
    Diane...
    Oh that's good Diane. Even though I know I wouldn't have to say that to my kids, I will try something along those lines next time and see what happens.
    I do get along with these people but to be honest the manners thing has been getting to me lately. I have even started to notice it in the parents on certain things but think it's just me getting picky because of the kids.

  7. #7
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    Thanks for the replys. I can see your probably right and I won't be able to instill manners in them. I am just floored how some kids act and get away with it. I am always told what little gentlmen the boys are and how polite they are.
    It wouldn't cause a major problem for my kids because this behaviour hasn't rubbed on them and I can't see that happening. Ds2 and their little boy are good friends. The daughter plays very well with ds3. It just drives me nuts when a parent won't correct the kids when it's even brought to their attention. It'll be an interesting weekend anyhow. I will let you know how it goes.

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by Melody
    Oh that's good Diane. Even though I know I wouldn't have to say that to my kids, I will try something along those lines next time and see what happens.
    I do get along with these people but to be honest the manners thing has been getting to me lately. I have even started to notice it in the parents on certain things but think it's just me getting picky because of the kids.
    I know I wouldn't have to say that to my kids either... and they know my reason's for saying it. LOL

    My sister and her 3 kids are going to be visiting my mom in a few weeks and were pretty nervous as to how they are going to behave while they are here. One is just turning 17, the other is 14 and the youngest is 3. The 14 year old nags the heck out of the 17 and 3 year old. He's NEVER content with anything... gotta be up on the run all the time. The last time he was here he pestered the dog so much that the dog resorted to growling and biting him... and I know Bruno would never EVER do something like that unless someone did something just awful to him. He of course claimed he was just petting the dog. He also tore my mom's front door off the hinges when he stomped out of the house in a rage because he wasn't getting his own way about something. They're staying for TWO weeks!!! LOL I know my mom loves the boys and is really looking forward to seeing my sister, but my sister allows those kids to do a lot more than any of us probably would. I'm looking forward to it... but not really when it comes to her son's.

    Anyway... hope everything works out for you.

    Diane...
    Last edited by Diane; 06-29-2005 at 11:28 AM.

  9. #9
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    OMG Diane. I feel for your poor mom. lol
    I remember years ago my cousin brought his then girlfriend and her 3 boys to a family gathering. One of her kids actually bit a chunk out of a glass! Can you imagine? And that was just temper. My poor aunt nearly fainted. lol I have a lot of cousins, 32, and they were all brats. I'm glad I didn't grow up near them.
    At least you're lucky enough to live in the same town so you don't have to stay when the kids are around. Do you have an extra bed ready for your mom when she's ready to bail? lol

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