Children and Manners

Over the weekend, Kaylee had her End of the Year Spring Showcase for dance. As usual, her entourage of family and friends made it out to watch her performance Saturday morning. My very best friend came out and brought her daughter, of which is two years old, to watch and cheer Kaylee on. This was a kid friendly event, as there were many younger siblings there to watch the show, including infants, and kid’s tickets were sold with adult tickets in order to see the show.

This year’s showcase lasted a total of two hours in length, including the two intermission breaks. My friend’s daughter done so great through the show; much better than any two year old normally would. There were a couple of times that she got out of her seat to stand, but nothing more than that. For ninety percent of the show she sat with her Mom and watched the girls dance, and when the lights went out for the next group of dancers to walk on stage, she would ask "Where'd the girls go?"

Nearing the end of the show, one of the dancers (only seven years old - she dances with my daughter, so I know the age) walked down the aisle and took a seat in the row directly in front of us beside her Mother. Mind you, the Mother had been sitting there this entire time, since the start of the show. It was almost over; we had made it to the last two songs until the showcase was over. My friend’s daughter decided she wanted to stand, and just so happened to grab the back of the seat that the little girl had just sat in, in front of us. My friend reached to pick her daughter up, and told her not to grab the back of the chair that someone was now occupying the seat. Her daughter said "No, no, no" because she didn't want to sit down, she had wanted to stand up. The little girl sitting in front of us turns around giving her the meanest look, and loudly tells her to "SHHHHH". My friend and I just look each other, and then back at her thinking, are you kidding me? Once again, my friend’s daughter goes to stand up, and the little girl turns around and SWATS, I kid you not, rolls up the program that's about 15 pages thick and swats at her. A two year old! Telling her to "SHHHH" yet a second time. We both turn and look at the Mother of this little girl, and she smiles shaking her head up and down agreeing with her daughter telling a two year old to "Shhhh" and then swatting at her. The so-called Mother encouraged this behavior. I was baffled. We both were. Who the hell do you think you are that it’s okay to act this way, and approve that type of behavior? I'm not one to cause a scene, but most definitely planned on doing so, had this little girl or her Mother made one more rude action and/or comment.

This, my friends, is a prime example of what is wrong with our youth these days. They have no manners, most of them probably don't even know what the word "manner" means. They don't get disciplined. Parents are encouraging this type of behavior. Teaching and rewarding their children to act this way. This is not okay!

I would absolutely not tolerate that type of behavior from my daughter. Had she acted that way, I would have apologized to the parent sitting behind me for her actions, excused ourselves from the show, taken a walk to the restroom and spanked her little booty. That was completely unacceptable, and for the parent to have condoned that type of behavior... I'm still shocked by it. Although, I shouldn't be. There aren't a lot of respectful people out there these days.

Please, do yourself and the world a favor; teach your kids some manners, what's right from wrong, how to handle situations with some respect, and discipline them! That way, they will go out into this world as a humble human being, and everyone doesn't have to deal with some inconsiderate little shit.

Rant over.

Aside from the rudeness that took place towards the end of the show, the Dance Company put on a spectacular performance. Kaylee rocked the stage for all three dance numbers she was in, and took home the "Star Performer Award" for the second year in a row in her age division. Proud parents, her Dad and I are. We love watching her on stage, witnessing the love she has for dance, and all the hard work she put in all year long paying off. She is so passionate about dance, and it has given her such great confidence. We truly believe she has found what she's meant to do in life; she was born to be on stage, born to perform.

 

Way to go Sweets! Dad and I wrote a little something for you:
 

Kaylee Bug,

You have blossomed into such a vibrant, confident, and witty little girl. Dad and I thank God daily for choosing us to be your parents, and blessing us with your life; our true meaning of happiness. We are so proud of you, and the accomplishments you’ve made this year. You can do anything you set your mind to; always follow your dreams and truly believe in yourself. We love you to the moon and back!
Love Always,

Mom and Dad

 

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.” –Harriet Tubman