This have some sort of an effect on families with kids but it would be good to have an idea of what these parents think of this question that I have in mind. Mind you, I think people aren’t going to be too amused by this question!
I was reading Cindy @ Foreign Beauty’s blog some time ago and she mentioned about attending a wedding in a hotel and there were so many screaming kids running wild. I think it kind of frustrated her and lemme tell, that sort of thing drives me crazy! And it is something I cannot tolerate.
I’ve been to many weddings myself and I’ve noticed that more often than not, parents are unable to handle their kids espcially in such functions because there are other kids around and I know how tempting it is to run wild with a pack of other toddlers of the same age. All it takes is one kid to start the group and before you can put the first spoon of fried rice in your mouth, you can see a huge pack of toddlers running wild all around the hall, screaming at the top of their lungs. For me, I have no one else to blame but the parents. This goes the same for those who leave their children to roam free at shopping complexes then freak out when they go missing. *rolls eyes*
Anyway, I’m not in favour of the idea of bringing toddlers or infants to wedding receptions because I know how tough it is to handle kids in this situation but I don’t know if the parents realise it as well. I do however understand that they want to attend the function with their family but would it hurt to also take into consideration the feelings of the people around you and how they would feel with your kid[s] running wild? It’s damn irritating ok?
Then on the other hand, there was a commentor who mentioned that some parents can’t leave their kids behind due to medical reasons ie autism. For me, I do see her point and although I know that she as a parent would like to expose the child to such an ambience in order to get the child accustomed to the surrounding, shouldn’t one also take into consideration the type of surrounding to get used to? In my humble opinion, by this action, it is possible that the child would feel more distressed with so many strangers around in a strange place, and when a child is distressed, people around are also indirectly affected, like it or not.
So, at the end of the day….is it really worth it to bring your kids along to dinner receptions knowing how wild they can get? Or just skip it and apologise to the host for not being able to attend assuming that you wanted to bring your whole family in the first place? I was in that position and I for one would have accepted that apology. If you really feel that you have to attend the reception, come alone. If not, bring your spouse or a family member, I wouldn’t mind. But please….in simple and all honesty, leave the toddlers behind.
