My husband is away on business this week. I have a million things I want to get done. I like to work on home projects while he's out of town. I know I can get things done without him showing up out of the blue and ruining the surprise.
Friday night my teen daughter's band held their end of the year concert. It was very nice and they played well. I videotaped it and if I can figure out how to transfer the footage to the computer I'll put it up here.
Like I said, I recorded it. I brought my camera and tripod and hunkered down to record the event. Sitting a row in front of me was a huge family. There were 3 boys, one about 10 and a pair of twins, about 5. There was an infant also. I'm assuming one of the students belonged to them, so all together this family has 5 kids--I could not imagine how they manage.
The twin boys were the most unruly children I have ever seen. One had gum in his mouth. He kept stringing it in his fingers, pulling on it, and shoving it back in his mouth. The other kept pulling his flip-flops off and smacking his brother with them. Then they'd look at me.
The worst was the bouncing of the auditorium seats. They would push the seat down, let it go, and watch it spring back up, Doooiiinnngg, Thumpity-thump-thump-thump.
I began to wonder if they were trying to get a rise out of me. Perhaps they thought I was recording them. Whatever the case, I finally took matters into my own hands. I put my finger to my mouth and said, "Shhhh!" Then I pointed to the camera.
This made their parents take note. They started minding their kids.
My husband and I play tag team for concerts. I avoid bringing little one, I know she will cause a ruckus, because she has in the past. Football games, parades, and other noisy events are okay because it's all about the noise.
I know It's hard for little kids to sit for so long. Considering the event is not just the concert, they throw in the band booster meeting too. By the time it's all over my own butt is numb, or a leg has fallen asleep, causing me to squirm.
Next year we may try a concert with the little one, again. Every year we try at least once.
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What always bothers me is that the parents of such offending creatures don't do something prior to someone else taking action.
ReplyDeleteWhen my wife's brother got married and our youngest was only three, I had control of the wee devil. I warned her that one sound and she would be out of there.
She tested me at the rehearsal...she lost. At the actual wedding she was a darling, since she knew without a doubt what would happen if she peeped.
You're right. It isn't fair to the wee ones to expect that they sit still and silent for prolonged periods. So it is up to the parents to have a plan for immediate action...or just don't take them.
Hey J.L., it is so hard for the little ones to maintain. I understand that. If we never teach them there will be consequences to their actions, they will never learn. Perhaps that's where it all begins?
ReplyDeleteKids taught to mind are more respectful as they grow.
I may be wrong not bringing my little one to certain events. I may regret it later. However, I do not have to worry about another person disciplining my child where I fall short.
When I was little, my parents kept me in line. All I needed was one "look" to get back to acting right.
Have a great day!
Hi Muse:
ReplyDeleteI so relate. My little guy can't hack the band concerts either.
I generally remove him when need be. And I do expect certain behavior. But there's also a reality of 3-year-olds.
E
Hi Erica! The littler they are the harder it is. I'm hoping by next year mine will be able to make it through. It's not fair to my husband or I when one of us can't be there, or has to make a quick exit.
ReplyDeleteHere's to making it through one whole show!
Take care!