March 04, 2010

I have a big mouth. I know that. I'm not good at keeping my opinion to myself for most things. However, I usually remain silent when it comes to other people parenting.

I'm not saying I don't write about it, since you are reading my Dad blog, but when it comes to "stepping in" and saying something to another parent, I shy away. Here are some recent scenario's:

1. A mom at the grocery store let her kid stand in the cart and reach over to the shelves. This kid was one ounce of gravity from taking a header from four feet in the air. I dashed over and said "careful!" and she looked at me liked I was an annoyance instead of alerting her to her kid being in potential peril. I saw them later in the store, kid doing the same thing and I walked away.

2. A friend of mine called her kid stupid, right to his face. I almost threw up. And said nothing.

3. A woman was on a payphone, with her two kids standing, waiting for her out front of a Walmart. Her three year old, wandered off, since she had her back to them. He was walking towards the parking lot. I stood in front of him casually and said hi, so he wouldn't walk into traffic. She noticed this, threw down the phone, grabbed him by the arm and yanked as hard as she could to wear I thought his arm would become detached, screaming at him, swearing, got back on the phone, started talking about where she was going to go out that night, then looking at her little one, who wasn't crying yet, yelled at him some more until he started crying. I walked into the store, didn't say a word.

I've also had people step in when I'm with my son. Someone once told me that he shouldn't eat stuff while grocery shopping. I was going to respond, but I was in the middle of eating something too.

When do you step in? Has anyone ever "stepped in" with you and your kids? Is there a right way to do it? Can it ever be received well?

We usually get defensive about things because our own lack of self-esteem/confidence and would love to hear your opinion.

 

Labels/Tags: parenting, UnDaddy

Posted by ScottS at 09:15:54 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

February 18, 2010

Thanks to the folks at Disney, Owen and I got to spend six days last week staying at the Animal Kingdom Lodge in DisneyWorld. With animals, rides, shows and shops coming at us from every corner, can you guess my favourite part of the whole trip? This:



It was on our first day there, on our room balcony. With our feet up, Owen's face freshly painted, we did nothing. It was at that point that I realized this was the first time we've ever done nothing together. It was one of the most beautiful moments I've ever shared with him. No TV, no computer, no music, no iPod, no filler.

It allowed us just to be us. I had to hold back tears, as I am trying to write this now in a coffee shop. Especially since his mom passed away, I always try to fill his world with stimulation, fun and excitement and it made me remember that the most important thing for him..... scratch that, the most important thing for both of us is the chance to be together and be in the moment.

It doesn't last long, I knew he'd get bored shortly, but for that snapshot in time, I was and still am, the happiest parent in the world.

After a few minutes, he turned to me and said "Daddy, I'm glad we're here together. I love you" and with that, he turned on his iPod :-)

*UPDATE*

Just created the thank-you video :)

(Full video review of the entire trip coming to UnDaddy soon! Special thanks to Erica for introducing me to the folks at Disney Canada, and to JoAnne and Ang at Disney who not only hooked Owen and I up for the entire trip, but they attention and care during the trip warmed my heart. I adore all three of you. Thank-you)

Labels/Tags: Disney, UnDaddy, Nothing, Magic

Posted by ScottS at 09:15:41 View Comments | Click Here to Comment

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