Different rules for kids and parents? Why?
By bounce58
@bounce58 (17387)
Canada
December 13, 2009 5:07pm CST
So, yesterday I brought my kids to one of those soft play areas inside the mall where they could run and play around. It is always a good thing for me to relax, and for them to use up all the excess energy.
One of the rules for the kids to play in the area was to take off their shoes and just wear socks.
YET, I found parents in there wearing their shoes inside. They try not to be obvious and just stay at the sides, but once in a while when their kids need help inside, they just run in without taking their shoes off.
This kinda irked me. Why would we have different rules for kids and parents? Are their shoes cleaner than the kids? Are they too important enough to be bothered by taking off their shoes.
Anyway, I just thought I'd share this and ask what other parents think about this.
9 responses
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
14 Dec 09
Hi bounce, we don't have malls here, we don't have places where childen are meant to take their shoes off to play. I would have presumed the purpose of removing them was so they don't stand on each other and the parents may be better at not standing on the children.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
14 Dec 09
Although this is small village areas the roads themselves are dangerous for the chilren as very narrow with fast cars and tourists driving on the wrong side of the road, so generally they play at one anothers houses. In the summer it's different as there's the beaches and sea as a playground, and the villages close the main streets to traffic in the evenings, so the children can play out together in the villages without being constantly watched or worried about. It's rather good living in a time warp but I don't think there's going to be an invasion of shopping malls and all that they bring.
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
14 Dec 09
Hi thea, let me drag your response to a different subject. I envy your place for not having these soft-play areas for kids. As I myself grew up in the streets. Me and my friends would play in the streets until our parents would become hoarse calling us for dinner.
Now, kids have to play in a controlled environment. Limiting their hours and who they can play with. I guess, the times are just different.
@allknowing (136481)
• India
14 Dec 09
No one will bend backwards if there are no rules even if their conscience tells them that what they are doing is wrong. If the rule was only for kids parents will not bother unless the rule is made general. And I think the rule should be made for the general public and sooner the better!
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
14 Dec 09
Yes, allknowing. Makes me think why they had the rule in the first place. If it were to minimize the dust, as one responder here said, so as not to make children sick, then rule should be made general! As sickness from whatever germs or virus shoes drag in the play area does not discriminate between kids and grown up shoes. Thanks.
@Buchi_bulla (8298)
• India
14 Dec 09
The very purpose of removing the shoes inside the playing area is that dust should not come there and children should not get infected as they may fall, come in contact with the floor etc. If parents cannot understand even this simple fact, what to tell them? It shows their culture.
@jacksong (130)
•
14 Dec 09
Hi bounce,
I totally agree that parents are the first teacher of the child, they will play an very important role in the child's whole life.
I think pareants should be the model of their kids, espically when they are vey young, they can't distinguish the right and wrong, they belive what you tell them or what you show them. And the experience in the childhood also will influence their whole life.
Be a good parent, watch out your behaviors.
Jack
@aguas_aj (498)
• Philippines
14 Dec 09
I guess there are people who are just hardheaded and won't follow even when they know that they are wrong. Yeah, you're right that's quite irritating. Maybe being in your position, it would be best to tell it to the attendant. the reason why that policy was set-up is for the welfare of the children playing there not just hers. Atleast be considerate for the kids
that's why I think some parents are so brazen to go in and out of pen with their dirty shoes. 
@grajesh29 (99)
• India
14 Dec 09
it just everybody is not same in this world every body has his/her views for growing up there kids and rules which the kids follow during the course of time...its just how you look at it.....
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
13 Dec 09
Well I am not yet a parent but I think rules like that are meant to be followed by kids and parents alike. What kind of an example are we making if as adults we make our kids follow the rule but we disregard? I can understand if the parent forgot they had their shoes on, or we're genuinely concerned for the child's safety, but otherwise shoes should be taken off before getting into the play area, or otherwise, rules should be followed by both parents and children alike.
@celebratelifeh (1142)
• China
14 Dec 09
yes that's normally everywhere and many parents told their children not to do this and not to do that but themselves always do. that will misleading their children actually. as we said parents is the best teacher and those parents you've talked on this topic will spoil their children's sense and they think adults won't take shoes at all.
@anniege (202)
• China
14 Dec 09
I think the rules should be the same. We can't let others do something that we ourself don't want to do.Especially for a kid, she/he always find a model from parents. So as a mum/dad,we should pay attention to what we have done and get to know what it will influnce our kids.
I used to say some 'impolite words',however,since I have my daughter,I try to avoid it. It is really bad if my kid learn something bad from me.
Happy myloting!
