Parenting
By Laura Henderson
Updated: March 24, 2021
Originally Published: July 31, 2018
Can we take a moment to discuss parents who overlook their children’s disruptive behavior?
Recently, I attended a storytime session at our local library, organized by a foreign language school. It was designed for children aged 4 to 6, with stories told in a different language each week. Intrigued, I brought my 5-year-old to experience this unique event alongside six or seven other families. The children sat on the floor in front of the storyteller while the parents observed from benches a few feet back.
The storytime began with lively greetings in Italian—“Ciao, bella!”—and soon the storyteller introduced some puppets and props to engage the kids. However, just a few minutes in, a little girl approached and began tugging at the puppet. The storyteller smiled, keeping the puppet out of her reach while continuing the narrative. Not long after, a boy joined in, reaching for other props. Despite the storyteller’s efforts to redirect them, the kids remained persistent, momentarily sitting down only to leap back up again.
This unruly behavior was, while typical for young children, incredibly disruptive. What baffled me was the parents’ reaction—or lack thereof. They watched the scene unfold with nothing but smiling faces, seemingly oblivious to the chaos.
I’ve seen similar situations before, where parents allow their children to interfere with performances, from toddlers attempting to climb on stage during concerts to fussy infants being left in movie theaters without any attempt to calm them. A notable incident involved two women filming young boys as they broke a glass sculpture in a museum, showcasing a troubling trend.
While I’m not one to judge parenting choices harshly, I find it difficult to comprehend how any parent could stand by and let their child disrupt an event or damage property without intervening. Is this a case of hands-off parenting gone too far? Are these parents under the impression that their children’s antics are charming and should be tolerated by all? Or perhaps they simply fail to recognize the impact of their children’s behavior on others?
I don’t subscribe to the belief that today’s kids are particularly entitled; rather, I think most children are just fine. However, I grow increasingly frustrated with parents who view disruptive behavior as endearing. It’s simply not.
As a non-confrontational person, I felt hesitant to step in at the storytime and tell the children to stop their antics. I shouldn’t have to intervene when their parents were present. The storyteller, clearly struggling to maintain his composure, was trying to promote his foreign language classes amid the chaos. Just as I was about to voice my concern, the story concluded, and the moment passed.
I understand that every family has a unique approach to parenting and that various styles can be effective. However, basic decency and respect for communal experiences should transcend different methods. If my child were attempting to grab props from a storyteller, I would gently pull him back and explain why that behavior is unacceptable. If he persisted, I would have him sit with me or leave entirely. This seems like a fundamental aspect of parenting, doesn’t it?
Children with special needs may experience more leeway due to genuine developmental challenges, and it’s important to be understanding in those situations. However, even in those cases, there should be limits to how disruptive behavior is tolerated. Social etiquette is learned, and it requires guidance.
Ultimately, parents need to stop allowing their children to behave poorly. If your child is being disruptive, interrupting a performance, or infringing on the enjoyment of others, please take action. If you see them disregarding established rules or being rude, it is essential to step in and address it. No child should be exempt from basic manners, regardless of how special their parents believe they are. Can we all agree on that?
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In summary, it is crucial for parents to actively engage in their children’s behavior in public spaces. Teaching children about respect and consideration for others not only benefits the community but also fosters their social development.
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