Until recently, weekends were just days of the week. When you are not working, they all seem to run together like an endless circle.
But now that I am reinstated in a full-time grind, weekends are back to being mini vacations. Even though my body clock blares an internal alarm at the usual time, it is still supremely satisfying to know I can turn over and enjoy the morning solitude. And while I love my private time, finalizing plans with friends or family on the weekends makes me childishly capricious these days. It is a good thing. What could be better than great Mexican food and a tall, cold Modelo Especial on an oppressively hot and muggy Saturday afternoon? Not forgetting the rejuvenating finesse of fresh chips and salsa. We are talking miracle drugs here. Until my booth seat was attacked by a jumping and kicking kid on the adjoining side. I am talking about nonstop bumps and jumps for what seemed like an eternity. Have I mentioned before that patience is not my most redeeming virtue? So, I ask. In any universe, when is this acceptable behavior? And no, I’m not talking about the child’s actions. I am talking about the parents, grandparents, or caregivers who allowed this toddler to act like a demon child. Yes, I am one of those. I do not believe there are any bad children – there are only bad parents. And no, hold your judgments. I am only speaking of healthy kids, not those sadly afflicted with conditions well beyond their control. Cantankerous conduct is learned behavior. None of us were born with an innate understanding of acceptable etiquette. It must be taught and reinforced. Contrary to popular belief, it does not happen by osmosis. Okay, so maybe that is too rudimentary. But surely some of you will understand and agree. Not once did I hear this child’s companions ask them to stop or sit down. Not once was an expectation explained. Not once was a warning presented. I could only shake my head. I chose to respect the privacy of those people and kept my nose out of their business. After all, I had the right to request other seating. I was just saddened that the adults were disturbingly clueless about the impact on surrounding customers. Now, please know, there is simply nothing more enjoyable and inviting than the innocent giggles of a politely playful child. I will engage them every time and revel in the sparkle of their innocence. But – and it is a big “but.” Rude is rude. They left as our food arrived and my remaining vacation was delightful. I guess even through the sunshine, a little rain might fall. Ah, but that is fodder for yet another rant.
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4 Comments
Jan K
8/16/2023 05:08:51 pm
I am a pediatric RN and my last gig was to be School Nurse to a preschool- officially I was Nursing Director. That meant that I had to write all of the Policy & Procedures manuals and also chase down every parent to request they come pick up their sick child, and place bandages on every child that fell down in our playground. Yes- I LOVE children, especially babies!
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Jacque Stratman @Sassy Sentiments
8/17/2023 10:05:14 am
WOW! Thanks, Jan. I appreciate the vote of confidence! I love children too, but there are just limits to my patience and understanding of poor parenting. I expected negative feedback as many just think kids should be allowed to be kids no matter where they are. So, I am relieved to know I'm not alone!
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8/24/2023 04:07:42 am
I just love reading your writing late at night. It seems to make more sense to me than. Things are quieter and more subtle. I too, forget what I did while I'm doing it and I'm really having a struggle with thinking what I did yesterday. However, I agree with you that things come back at the most inopportunity and inconvenient and confusing times to remember those one little thing or Little things that happened oh so insignificantly in years past that have become so important as one of the simple things in life that we now miss. Know that I love you and have always loved you and never did get to kiss you,
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Jacque Stratman @Sassy Sentiments
8/24/2023 06:46:37 am
Well... maybe not me per se, but you did kiss Marian Paroo and Fiona MacLaren many times! And we all are blessed that memories sometimes keep our best times alive in our heads and our hearts. I love you too! I'm so much richer for having you in my life!
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AuthorJacque Jarrett Stratman |