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I think public places like drugstores,restaurants,hospital emergency room waiting areas,police stations,and even beauty salons shoud have play areas where kids can play and socialize with other kids and not be bored. Malls should offer a service to parents who shop there,such as a supervised storefront playroom where kids can have their own kind of fun!Shore Mall in Egg Harbor Township,New Jersey has a Children's Museum which I hear the kids LOVE!
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Our courthouse just put in a children's area where they offer babysitting for the parents while they are in court.  I don't believe there is a charge for it, and the kids don't have to deal with being in the courtroom or sitting outside whilst their parent(s) are inside.

Karen, I agree, places should offer this, and like Secret Squirrel said, some are.  A friend of mine in Houston ONLY shops at a certain grocery store because they have a play area for the kids.  Oh, and I've also gotten "the look" when dragging my kids out of play areas. ::)

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I know what you mean about "the look" Cheer.  There was a grocery store here that had a babysitting service.  I only shopped there every once in a while because their food was expensive but it was nice to shop without "can I have candy?  Can I have a toy? etc".  People do give you the look when you leave your kids there, though.  You just want to grab them by the collar and tell them "That is what the place is for, nimrod."  Some of us don't have husbands so there is no one to leave the short ones home with while we shop.

ETA:
I have never threatened to beat my child in public but I do threaten with time out when we get home.  I was at a Walmart one day with my daughter.  She had been a booger all day for the sitter then was acting up in the store.  

I had said something along the lines of "Time out when we get home if you don't knock it off".  

Some old biddy came up to her and said "You are such a good girl for helping your mommy" and turned around and looked at me and said "Reverse psychology works better than threats".  I was utterly flabergasted.  I was too shocked to tell her what I really should have which would have been "who in the heck do you think you are?  It is none of your dang business."

I mean, if I snap and start whaling on my child, go ahead and stop me but don't butt in when I threaten time out. ::)
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Maybe reverse psychology worked better for HER kids, but how dare she tell you what works better for YOURS.  I agree that people shouldn't step in unless you're hurting the child.

As far as "the look", if you keep the kids with you and they keep asking for stuff, driving you and everyone around you insane, they give you "TL" for them whining, BUT, if you drop them at the play area, they give you "TL" for doing that.  It's a no-win situation.  I thank God that my kids are relatively well behaved in public.  Sure, they get out of line from time to time, but they are good for the most part.  My neighbor's 2 year old won't sit in a cart (I think it's because she has never made him, but that's my opinion) so she lets him walk through the stores.  He's constantly grabbing stuff off shelves, running away from her, etc.  yet she goes shopping almost every single day. ::)

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Maybe reverse psychology worked better for HER kids, but how dare she tell you what works better for YOURS.  I agree that people shouldn't step in unless you're hurting the child.

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I know.  SHE wasn't there all day with my child who was having a particularly bratty day.  The babysitter had her in time out when I got there and she hardly ever has to put her in time out.  I should have yelled at the witch and told her what to do with her advice.

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Thankfully, my kids are pretty well behaved, esp. in public.  Of course, I would not be above telling someone to mind their own business (among other things) if something is said to us in the rare moment my husband or I would have to discipline them in public.

Tony S N Jr Fan, you didn't mention if you have any children.  While I can't say I agree with the verbal abuse you witnessed, I think it's very easy for people sans children to criticize parenting skills.  

I would DARE a stranger to say something to me or give me a look.  Esp. if it was a particularly trying day!
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*Note to self*  "Don't mess was cs" ;D

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*Note to self*  "Don't mess was cs" ;D
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Don't mess with her kids either!  ;)

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Thankfully, my kids are pretty well behaved, esp. in public.  Of course, I would not be above telling someone to mind their own business (among other things) if something is said to us in the rare moment my husband or I would have to discipline them in public.

Tony S N Jr Fan, you didn't mention if you have any children.  While I can't say I agree with the verbal abuse you witnessed, I think it's very easy for people sans children to criticize parenting skills.  

I would DARE a stranger to say something to me or give me a look.  Esp. if it was a particularly trying day!
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I HAVE had people say stuff to me about my kids and let me tell ya, they got an earful from me. :P  

One time, I was at Wal-Mart and the lady in front of me had 2 kids with her.  They were out of control and she was doing nothing.  The cashier asked the kids multiple times to stop playing with things (they were throwing flashlights at each other, as well as other things), but finally lost her cool and said "I told you to stop".  The mom got all huffy and threw a fit.  She asked me "Would you let someone talk to your kids like that?"  I told her flat out "MY kids wouldn't be acting like that."  The manager was called over and I told him that the kids were out of control and I didn't see a problem with the cashier telling them to stop as the mom clearly wasn't doing anything.  She just gave me a dirty look and I told her "Well, since you're not disciplining them, someone should". ;)

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I'm glad I'm on your good side ;D  ^
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Who told you that?


Tee-hee!

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Don't mess with her kids either!  ;)
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I don't have kids,but I was abused as a child by foster parents and others who claimed they "loved" me! I was called names such as STUPID and RETARD,which was totally uncalled for! I'm still in counseling for psych issues resulting from their misguided attempts to "love"me!

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I don't have kids,but I was abused as a child by foster parents and others who claimed they "loved" me! I was called names such as STUPID and RETARD,which was totally uncalled for! I'm still in counseling for psych issues resulting from their misguided attempts to "love"me!
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I was even thrown up against the kitchen wall for screwing up when I filled my foster sister's baby bottle the "wrong" way!

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I don't have kids,but I was abused as a child by foster parents and others who claimed they "loved" me! I was called names such as STUPID and RETARD,which was totally uncalled for! I'm still in counseling for psych issues resulting from their misguided attempts to "love"me!
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That is not cool.  I am sorry you had to go through that.  Adults should never call children names.  It breaks my heart to hear about things like that happening.  

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I don't have kids,but I was abused as a child by foster parents and others who claimed they "loved" me! I was called names such as STUPID and RETARD,which was totally uncalled for! I'm still in counseling for psych issues resulting from their misguided attempts to "love"me!
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I'm sorry to hear that.I can relate! :)


Howard

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I HAVE had people say stuff to me about my kids and let me tell ya, they got an earful from me. :P  

One time, I was at Wal-Mart and the lady in front of me had 2 kids with her.  They were out of control and she was doing nothing.  The cashier asked the kids multiple times to stop playing with things (they were throwing flashlights at each other, as well as other things), but finally lost her cool and said "I told you to stop".  The mom got all huffy and threw a fit.  She asked me "Would you let someone talk to your kids like that?"  I told her flat out "MY kids wouldn't be acting like that."  The manager was called over and I told him that the kids were out of control and I didn't see a problem with the cashier telling them to stop as the mom clearly wasn't doing anything.  She just gave me a dirty look and I told her "Well, since you're not disciplining them, someone should". ;)
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80's Cheerleader I am so glad you spoke up for the cashier !

I would never give "The Look" to someone disciplining their child.  As far as I am concerned I dont care if they are threatening Time Out, or giving the kid a darn good slapping - either way they are actually doing something.

But parents - dont get in my line of vision when your kids are running riot in a supermarket - annoying all in their path of destruction - and you are blissfully ignoring them. Not only can I give one of the most poisoness "Looks" at the parent/s - I have also been known to lecture them and their kids at the top of my voice !  
And when a 3 year old called me a "fat muther f***er" after I suggested what he was doing was stealing - i do not deny running up the back of his legs rather sharply with my shopping cart !!!!!!

I also say nice things tho - to balance out the anger !!  When I saw a young mum with two "under 4's" in tow - literally - with those cute kiddie leashes my mum used in the 70's - I congratulated her for not only being brave enough to use them in this day and age - but also for having two obviously well behaved toddlers.

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And when a 3 year old called me a "fat muther f***er" after I suggested what he was doing was stealing - i do not deny running up the back of his legs rather sharply with my shopping cart !!!!!!
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:o Did the parent hear this?  Did they do anything?  Man, I can't imagine sitting by while my 3 year old said something like that.  Then again, where did they 3 year old hear this....that is awful.  And I probably would have totally ran the kid over, not just hit his legs. ;)

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I took the kids to the mall today.  As we're putting our coats on to leave, my littlest one decided that he didn't want to leave and started throwing a fit.  Some lady comes up and asks if everything is okay.  Here's the following conversation:

Me:  Yes, he's just tired and doesn't want to put his coat on
Lady:  Well, maybe you should take him home so the rest of us can shop in peace
Me:  EXCUSE ME?  WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE I'M DOING? ::)
Lady:  Well, maybe you should plan your trips better
Me:  Maybe you should mind your own business.
Lady:  Well, excuse me.  It's YOUR kids who are bothering everyone else in the store.
Me:  Well, lady, if you'll leave me alone, I'll be out of here.  And, Don't you DARE say anything about my kids.  They're acting better than you right now. (which was true, they were just standing there quietly)
Lady:  I don't have to put up with this.
Me:  Excuse me, you're the one who stuck your nose in where it didn't belong.  You have a nice day.

The kids and I left the store.  Another woman, with 3 kids was walking out the same time and she said to me "Way to go.  That lady obviously has never had kids"  I just laughed and said "Yep". ;D


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That must have been the "one part wild..."   ;D ;D

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That must have been the "one part wild..."   ;D ;D
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nope, that was the "one part lady"  You should see the "one part wild" ;) :-*

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Jeesh Cheer, you are a LOT nicer than me!  That lady would have left in tears and telling herself to mind her own business from now on after I was through with her.  
Good for you though!!!!

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I held back because the kids were standing there. ;)

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Jeesh Cheer, you are a LOT nicer than me!  That lady would have left in tears and telling herself to mind her own business from now on after I was through with her.  
Good for you though!!!!

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If ever there is such a situation I hope you have a video camera so I can see true wrath in action :D

Quoting: Sorry guess I just hate children....
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Bush.....as someone who loves kids but does not have the means to have my own,I think your kid-hating attitude is sad.When I was in foster care,I got to help care for the younger kids in my family.And many of these kids were special-needs children like I was when I was their age!From those kids,I gained inspiration as well as courage and unconditional love!They also taught me to laugh a lot and have FUN.There are even some adult day care centers and nursing homes who have kids over to visit and cheer up the members/residents.If you teach kids to behave and be loving and happy,then they grow up to be decent adults.

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It may be sad but it is good he knows that he doesn't want kids.  I see too many people having kids just because they think they should then treat them badly.  

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I agree.  There are some people who should not have kids.  

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:o Did the parent hear this?  Did they do anything?  Man, I can't imagine sitting by while my 3 year old said something like that.  Then again, where did they 3 year old hear this....that is awful.  And I probably would have totally ran the kid over, not just hit his legs. ;)
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Hi Dag - the mother looked like the kind of "lady" who would have sat their teaching the child that exact language - you know the kind I mean !!!

I have heard a lot come out of childrens mouths but that by far was the worst and the youngest.

I have no issues what so ever with Bush saying he/she (hmmm now I am thinking !!) hates kids.  God how overpopulated would this planet be if we all felt the need to have them !  I made a conscious decision at the age of 13 that I would never have children and at 35 1/2 - my mind has never waivered from that decision and the body clock totally agrees with me.  And Husbands and boyfriends have all been advised of my choice well and truly before the relationship gets to that stage.

That said - I am not unexperienced with babies and kids - I was a professionally trained nanny and worked as one for a couple of years.  I have also delivered 2 babys to two different friends (who fortunately by their second pregnancys learned to get to the hospital on time) and cared for a newborn for 6 months when the single mother was too ill to leave hospital.  And this was all before I was 22 !

Actually - you know what I hate more than kids in a shopping centre ........ bored husbands !  I have run over a few of them with my cart too !!!  They just wander around aimlessly, losing track of what aisle their wife is in, parking their cart across the aisle and blocking busy traffic.  

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Hi Dag - the mother looked like the kind of "lady" who would have sat their teaching the child that exact language - you know the kind I mean !!!

I have heard a lot come out of childrens mouths but that by far was the worst and the youngest.

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I know exactly the type you mean.  They are also the parents who refuse to believe their kids could ever do something wrong.  Even when confronted with proof that their "little darling" did do it. ::)