You Know You're a Grouch When.....

libraryvixen · 07-29-2008, 10:12 PM

At the library (because a majority of my grouchy grump stories come from there), there are kids who are left at the library because their parents are at work. This wouldn't be a problem but for the fact that the kids tear up the library, they're loud and disrespectful. I pull out the Shusshing hat for those special children. When the kids get way out of control, they're asked to leave. My favorite part is when the parents come and yell at us because their kids were kicked out.

Cadaverous Pallor · 07-30-2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by libraryvixen

At the library (because a majority of my grouchy grump stories come from there), there are kids who are left at the library because their parents are at work. This wouldn't be a problem but for the fact that the kids tear up the library, they're loud and disrespectful. I pull out the Shusshing hat for those special children. When the kids get way out of control, they're asked to leave. My favorite part is when the parents come and yell at us because their kids were kicked out.

We had to deal with this a lot at the small branch, which is right near an elementary and jr. high in a poor neighborhood. I don't think it's as much of a problem at my library, but then again, the kids section is far from my workstation. Having a Teen Zone helps a lot, since they have a place to be, away from younger kids and adults. It's when these groups clash that you get problems. Best part of the new building is the divisions.

We've got this volunteer who works our Welcome Desk and man, none of us have anything on her when it comes to grouchiness. She adores complaining to me about childrens' antics. She wants them all on leashes. I almost had an argument with her about leashing children.

She also says "I'd like to punch them" in such a way that you're not sure if she's joking or not...

MouseWife · 07-30-2008, 10:02 AM

Man, I didn't even think of people dumping, er, dropping their kids off at the library as a 'sitter'. I've always loved the library and its' quietness.

My son works at GameStop and people leave their kids there, some times for HOURS while they go to other stores, one lady went to lunch!!! I think the problem is they don't respect that they are not entitled to being there. I think that everyone is too concerned with being sued for this or that they don't tell people what to do.

LOL Oh man, I like that swearing part. See, I control my mouth out of respect for the little kids. But, you are right, if they don't show respect for me, well, seems about a fair trade!!!

LSPE~ I got that GC was kidding. But, you are right. That is probably why I didn't give the kids a verbal lashing, I just wanted to get away from them. They aren't being taught how to be respectful people. I see it so much, parents think their kids deserve to do whatever they want that they don't realize they aren't teaching them boundaries.

It is very disappointing. Parents just don't parent.

It was very difficult to tell my son that he couldn't drive until he had a permit, blah blah blah. Well, the neighbor let his 12 year old son drive his truck, to the store. And, the other neighbor also let their kids drive at about 13/14. I mean, we don't live on a farm!!! {I understand that may be legal in that case?}

In the library situation, are you allowed to post a sign or something that states any unruly patrons are subject to being told to leave?

Gemini Cricket · 07-30-2008, 10:27 AM

I think I would have tried the "I surrender, I win" approach during this situation. As soon as they started messing with me, I would have let them go ahead of me. In fact, I'd get back in line after a couple of other parties pass by too. That's easier than putting up with them especially since you acknowledged their shenanigans which only makes them do it more.

I'm pretty good with kids. But there are times when my patience is thin thin thin and they bug the crud out of me. Especially at the park. I find it annoying that parents let their kids roam free in DL. But the reality is is that it's going to happen and I prepare myself for seeing/interacting with dinglecheese kids. I report unparented children shenanigans to CMs all the time. But then again, there are other kids who are well mannered out there (like I was when I was a kid) and they deserve credit where credit is due yaddah yaddah blah blah.

07-29-2008, 10:12 PM	#1
libraryvixen is part of the resistance Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: up North Posts: 963	At the library (because a majority of my grouchy grump stories come from there), there are kids who are left at the library because their parents are at work. This wouldn't be a problem but for the fact that the kids tear up the library, they're loud and disrespectful. I pull out the Shusshing hat for those special children. When the kids get way out of control, they're asked to leave. My favorite part is when the parents come and yell at us because their kids were kicked out. __________________ Yes, I'm still alive!
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07-30-2008, 10:02 AM	#3
MouseWife Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Da' Beach Posts: 2,957	Man, I didn't even think of people dumping, er, dropping their kids off at the library as a 'sitter'. I've always loved the library and its' quietness. My son works at GameStop and people leave their kids there, some times for HOURS while they go to other stores, one lady went to lunch!!! I think the problem is they don't respect that they are not entitled to being there. I think that everyone is too concerned with being sued for this or that they don't tell people what to do. LOL Oh man, I like that swearing part. See, I control my mouth out of respect for the little kids. But, you are right, if they don't show respect for me, well, seems about a fair trade!!! LSPE~ I got that GC was kidding. But, you are right. That is probably why I didn't give the kids a verbal lashing, I just wanted to get away from them. They aren't being taught how to be respectful people. I see it so much, parents think their kids deserve to do whatever they want that they don't realize they aren't teaching them boundaries. It is very disappointing. Parents just don't parent. It was very difficult to tell my son that he couldn't drive until he had a permit, blah blah blah. Well, the neighbor let his 12 year old son drive his truck, to the store. And, the other neighbor also let their kids drive at about 13/14. I mean, we don't live on a farm!!! {I understand that may be legal in that case?} In the library situation, are you allowed to post a sign or something that states any unruly patrons are subject to being told to leave? __________________ Summa' time....when the livins' easy.........
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07-30-2008, 10:27 AM	#4
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	I think I would have tried the "I surrender, I win" approach during this situation. As soon as they started messing with me, I would have let them go ahead of me. In fact, I'd get back in line after a couple of other parties pass by too. That's easier than putting up with them especially since you acknowledged their shenanigans which only makes them do it more. I'm pretty good with kids. But there are times when my patience is thin thin thin and they bug the crud out of me. Especially at the park. I find it annoying that parents let their kids roam free in DL. But the reality is is that it's going to happen and I prepare myself for seeing/interacting with dinglecheese kids. I report unparented children shenanigans to CMs all the time. But then again, there are other kids who are well mannered out there (like I was when I was a kid) and they deserve credit where credit is due yaddah yaddah blah blah.
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