Another Pet Peeve Vent

I try not to cause a lot of trouble along my way. Generally, there is not a problem, but once in a while I push the limit or cross the line. I also see that as a responsible adult I also can look out for other people's kids.

Today as I walked our carpool kids to school we came upon the kindergarten playground where several kids were already playing, as they waited for the bell to ring. Two children, probably no older than second grade, were playing together and yelling crude names at each other, at the tops of their voices.

I didn't even think about it. I just hollered back at them "Hey, knock it off! I don't want to hear that kind of language on our playground again! Friends do NOT talk to each other like that and those names are not acceptable!"

These two little kids looked at me in total shock. They had completely blank faces on when they turned to look at me. Their gazes followed me up the sidewalk until the playground equipment blocked their eye line.

I know these kids repeat what they have heard. I also know that they are using language in their every day conversations--with other kids and adults as well--that I would have been spanked for saying at their age. (My mom may still try if she heard me say things like they were.)

Discourtesy is everywhere. The words we use don't even seem to sink in anymore. No one recognizes polite speaking as socially necessary. (Someday, I'll add my thoughts about the courtesy that is lacking in our driving habits, but that will have to be another post all together.)

Too bad more sensible adults don't speak up and teach the kids around them how to behave. Sadly, other parents would be up in arms that I "disciplined" their child. That in-your-face parental contention is enough to keep most people's eyes on the ground and find it is easier to ignore other kids than speak up. It is too bad.

I'm so glad that I have friends who interact with my kids regularly as neighbor, or leaders, and do not hesitate to put the kids in their places if they are messing up. My kids have always known that I encourage that in their leaders and teachers. The kids seem to understand that they need to behave correctly, and generally, they do. I am grateful for that everyday. But I also thank my lucky stars for the friends who will back me up as a parent. You can't have enough friends like that.