I guess what I was thinking of when I started this post was about
particularly the noise, and the emotional atmosphere of scary movies. I often see people with infants or toddlers at
very loud movies and yes they
are asleep - with scrunched up foreheads, clenched fists, and a great big frown on their face. I've never seen one sleep
peacefully. In so far as judging others, I suppose I do, and I won't apologize for that. I don't say anything to them, it is their choice. In my opinion it's a very poor choice, but it's not my place to tell them that.
Are they bothering me? Yes. When the baby is sitting within eye-shot and grimacing and grunting and spasming with every loud noise and I see and hear it, it bothers me. It's plainly not a pleasant experience for the baby. When a 3 year old or a 5 year old is restless in their seats and fidgeting at a movie with more mature scenes, it bothers me. That's
fine for Shrek. If I go to a movie that's rated G, or even PG with a kid's theme, that's the place where they get to learn appropriate behavior. I can't
believe when I go to see the final Harry Potter movie or Saving Private Ryan and there's a bored scared 4 year old there making a fuss. They're not happy there, they shouldn't be there, and it's inappropriate. If they act up and mom or dad won't take them out of the theater I
will say something to mom or dad, or theater management if necessary.
Now, I think that this thread is getting into a fight territory, and I'm done with it.
I think it's important that, when we see a parent doing something or allowing something that we wouldn't, we realize we are seeing one snippet of this person as a parent. Also, what may be completely inappropriate for one family may be acceptable in another. I'll give a comparison:
We have always been very routine oriented where Duckie is concerned. Regular meal schedule, bedtime and routines worked better for us due to her personality. health issues and nature. We've had to be downright rigid.
My younger cousin has 4 girls and has absolutely no routine to speak of: no set bedtime, dinner is whatever and whenever it happens, the house is often a mess. And she is hands down one of the best parents I know. As a matter of fact, Duckie will go to this family if husband and I were to die.
We have incredibly different parenting styles but we both want what's best for our children. That's what counts.
I'll be giving these parents the benefit of the doubt because I believe it is the right thing to do and that they know their family's best. Even if they do things differently than me.