Maybe spring break is not the best for everyone
Yesterday I witnessed one of the worst parenting episodes I have ever seen. I am not sitting in judgment, just an observer.
I left work for a few minutes yesterday to get a taco for lunch. After I ordered I heard a mother with her husband and three children. The children were probably 10, 8 and 2 years of age. I was floored at the language this mother used with her children. Cursing loudly when they would not obey. Being extremely sarcastic and hurtful in her words to her children. The husband was there as well. The children reacted like this was a normal day for them. Realizing that made me sad. I also thought that maybe spring break is not the best for everybody. These children would have been better off with no vacation from school.
I sat close to this family on purpose. I wanted to observe what was happening. If needed, I think I would have stepped in for help. Trying to decide where or when to help is difficult. I wanted them to see that I was watching and maybe that would help them realize their communication was inappropriate. That did not work.
What would it take for me to get involved in that situation? Do I call the police? Do I call CPS? I want to take that mom and dad and teach them a lesson? How do approach someone in love and offer help? It was frustrating and my heart hurt for those children.
None of us are perfect parents. I have my moments where I overreact to something one of my boys has done. I pray that I continually find ways to improve my parenting so that Riley and Owen have positive experiences for their entire lives.
On another note, my parents celebrated their 42nd anniversary yesterday. What an awesome legacy. We had dinner with them last night. My hope is that Riley, Owen and their familes will "hang out" with us on our 42nd anniversary. I am thankful for the example my parents set for us.
I left work for a few minutes yesterday to get a taco for lunch. After I ordered I heard a mother with her husband and three children. The children were probably 10, 8 and 2 years of age. I was floored at the language this mother used with her children. Cursing loudly when they would not obey. Being extremely sarcastic and hurtful in her words to her children. The husband was there as well. The children reacted like this was a normal day for them. Realizing that made me sad. I also thought that maybe spring break is not the best for everybody. These children would have been better off with no vacation from school.
I sat close to this family on purpose. I wanted to observe what was happening. If needed, I think I would have stepped in for help. Trying to decide where or when to help is difficult. I wanted them to see that I was watching and maybe that would help them realize their communication was inappropriate. That did not work.
What would it take for me to get involved in that situation? Do I call the police? Do I call CPS? I want to take that mom and dad and teach them a lesson? How do approach someone in love and offer help? It was frustrating and my heart hurt for those children.
None of us are perfect parents. I have my moments where I overreact to something one of my boys has done. I pray that I continually find ways to improve my parenting so that Riley and Owen have positive experiences for their entire lives.
On another note, my parents celebrated their 42nd anniversary yesterday. What an awesome legacy. We had dinner with them last night. My hope is that Riley, Owen and their familes will "hang out" with us on our 42nd anniversary. I am thankful for the example my parents set for us.
posted by Craig @ 5:46 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home