I see this time and time again. Here in Korea parents who are ruled by their kids.
In restaurants they are a menace they run around shouting playing laughing too loud just being kids who think that it is play time. Meanwhile George is sitting down and quietly eating. If he tries to act up he is dealt with, usually a verb warning is more than enough, heck just a meaningful stare. See George enjoys restaurants for the food. He knows that it is a place for eating not playing. Now if there is a playroom in the restaurant, and we are with friends with kids then he knows it is a special situation, and after eating he can go play.
basically parents here are ruled by their kids. Case in point a kids runs into the street! A car narrowly misses the child blaring it horns, as it takes evasive action. The mother is horrified! She has been trying to get her little one under control but the child has been basically shrugging off her attempts. Often times with rude expressions that mean when translated in English no never, or I won't do it! (In Korean it is quite rude especially when spoken to an elder person, actually I should note that using the expression is fine between peers, but VERY RUDE when used outside of those bounds! For example younger person to elder.)
Anyways the mother looks frustrated and unhappy about the child's behavior, basically she looks downright pissed off! Even so in she will often apologize to her child for tell them do what is good for them...I cannot help rolling my eyes when I see this!
Anyways the parent whacks the child (where is not important) and the child then proceeds to smack the parent back! It is crazy! Even at meetings here, children act up, talk laugh, carry on and so forth. Even in the kingdom hall!
A friend of mine told me that his son even hits him! I smiled at him and said, I could never allow that! Basically their kids are confused! They think they can do whatever whenever they want.
Poor little George. He is sitting so quietly but some random friend of his will walk up (while the meeting is going on) and carry on conversation, and try to get him to talk or play with them.
I feel sorry for him, so I have made up my mind. I will talk to the parents directly and tell them to please have their kids stop. I will also have to tell my friend that his child is just too darned disruptive to sit near! It is a shame. Parenting is not easy! By far it is not. But it is essential!
I think George has more fun (and safer fun) than other kids his age. He knows he will be rewarded with toys, or some fun activity he likes by listening, following instructions, obeying.
And he knows there will be negative consequences for poor behavior. So to Nick & Melah, and Mike & Shavonne we know you are doing your best, with second babies on the way as well! We pray for you efforts!
It is sooooo funny when friends come up to us after meetings and comment on Georges behavior. My friend even asked me how do I do it? Well...the only answer I gave him was..."It starts when they are very young." I could not say more...in Korea if you are younger people feel that you lacking in experience and knowledge and what not. Basically age = respect, and a load of other advantages. It is hard to tell someone you need to smack your kid, set him straight, tell him that he is not the boss. However while doing that let he/she know that you care, that it is not some morbid game you are playing, that there is a time for for everything........
oh well...rant off...
