Each year, I am shocked at the selfishness of humans.  
Each fall we open our farm to the public.
Honestly, I don’t know how waiters and waitresses do it — dealing with the public.
I could probably write a book about the different characters who have come to our property, our land, our home — and disrespected us.
We were so busy yesterday that I helped watched the big bounce house. We have 3 inflatables, but this one has a tall incline that the children climb then at the top they go down a steep slide.
We have a minimum height requirement.
Rules!
You know, like at the fun parks, we have a line that states, “You must be this tall” type of thing.
The parents DON’T CARE. They will argue with us over this bounce house. I’m not kidding.
I could ramble about all of the things these selfish parents said to me (or about me) yesterday, but this one man let this little kid who was probably about 3 years old go on this slide. I saw our younger employee was having problems, so I blocked the child from going back on. I kindly said, “Son, you are too small for this particular house” and he totally ignored me. I put my hand over the entrance (with my body) to keep him and others from running by me. I told his Dad the minimum height requirement and the “dad” looked at the boy and said, “Go on through son.” I said, “No. He is too small” and the man said, “Go through!” I wanted to tell him to get OFF of our property and deflate the house.
People have some nerve is all I will say about that situation.
He taught that little boy in one moment that:Â He doesn’t have to obey the rules OR submit to authority.
He is just one of many examples. I told another “father” that his daughter was too small. He looked right at me — he heard me. After letting her go on it three times he finally moved onto something else.   Even when we tell the people we are trying to protect their children and keep them safe — they still walk in offense and pride.
Nobody wants to hear “NO” … they are selfish and only want their way (even if it puts their children in danger).
I told one Mom two or three times that her child was too small (this was AFTER another employee tried to stop her). Finally her little “precious” was stuck on top of the slide. She had to go in and rescue him.  And you know I enjoyed reminding her, “That is why the manufacture recommends the height. It is dangerous for children this small.”
Father God, please forgive us when YOU tell us not to do something and with arrogance we think we know better. Forgive us when we think we are above the rules that are there to protect us.
There are many lessons to be learned in all of this.
I feel like I need to lay on my face before the Lord and have a good cleaning. I get so frustrated with the lack of integrity and character.
(Photo taken at our house yesterday.)
And parents question why their children are the way they are…they learned it somewhere! Sorry you have to deal with people like this but they are everywhere. My pastor gave an example the other day that one time he held the door for a lady and she told him she could hold her own door. Your prayer turns it right back on me because I know I do and have done the same thing when God told me otherwise.
Hope to see you in the next couple weeks!!
Unfortunately there are many, many of these parents around. Some of these children are lucky to even have their parent physically with them as opposed to letting them run wild. Sounds like you need some additional signs put up around the inflatables stating the right of the helpers to refuse a child because of size, behavior, etc., kinda like they do at the large amusement parks! 🙂 Good luck!
What?? Yes, I am continuously astounded at what parents permit. Now you have me thinking about myself. What kind of lessons am I teaching my children just with my everyday attitudes and actions?
Beth, I struggle with this all the time, even amongst my own friends and their children. There is such a break down in our culture about what it means to respect authority and to submit. Yes, pray for the Lord to cleanse you so that it doesn’t take a root of bitterness in your heart. I will join you in praying for our country, at large!
Lisa
I completely understand. Being a preschooler to three year olds, I have seen some horrible trends~ and the latest is indeed the whole “those rules don’t apply to me”. Disgusting!
I think it would be very difficult to stay “calm” in such a difficult situation…I’m afraid I would not have been “nice” when trying to get the message across that their child could NOT get on the ride…
You’re right that parents are truly setting a bad example for their children!
And people wonder why there are so many children running around without honor and respect. Rules are rules. And you are right to stick to your guns. I am not sure I would have been able to keep a cool lid. Definately will be praying!
These are the same parents who would probably sue if their kid got hurt due to the consequences of their own poor choices.
Your property, your rules. Hire some security if you have not already, and put up a sign at the entrance stating the rules, with the warning that violators will be immediately escorted off the grounds. You are opening yourself up a lawsuit, perhaps one even deliberately planned by some of these selfish parents who expect a windfall and are willing to sacrifice their children – I’m not kidding. (I’m a librarian and I’ve seen a lot of crap from “parents” who should not be in charge of living beings.) There is a huge potential liability issue here – protect yourself.
Ha, thanks Kristine. We do have rules posted, but people think they are above the rules ya know.