Can you "turn it off"?

[momofnerds]

the problem being on all the time is that it would drive me crazy. I hate going to walmart after 5pm because thats when all the kids start to have melt downs. I have seen so many older kids (I'm talking about 8yrs old and up) running up and down aisles, throwing themselves on the floor, spitting on food (yes it was at freshco) its like no one cares anymore, its like parenting is gone out the window.

[mom-in-alberta]

Oooh, my old thread...
Glad to see I am not the only one. I, too, find that I attract children. In the baby play area of the mall, I suddenly found myself surrounded by babies and toddlers, even when I was not on daycare duty! I can't help but say "not in your mouth" or "we don't hit our friends!". LoL

[gcj]

I try to avoid these situations at all costs! I notice kids, but have no interest in "parenting" them on my off time.

I guess it's VERY easy for me to turn it off. I'm not saying I don't judge and tell my husband how much better I could do..... but I don't wanna do it!

[Artsand crafts]

I try to avoid it at all cost, too. Unless they are about to or hurting another child. I know what you are saying momofnerds. It seems that now kids are the bosses of the houses.

[Robyn]

Love this thread!!!!

I am on all the time I can't help it. Even before I was a DCP I never had any tolerance for poor behavior and lackadaisical parenting.

So I avoid situations where I might potentially have to look after any children outside of daycare hours.

It sounds horrible but I am starting to have a harder time keep my tongue in check when I see children misbehaving. I don't get overly involved I will make a point of saying to the child "I can see what you are doing and that isn't nice/polite/friendly/appropriate." That will generally stop them in their tracks.

[Fearlessbaby]

Good for you! I do the same and thank goodness for ppl like us,,, some parents are absolutely clueless