Oh Mumma
My ‘gentle parenting’ in-laws let their kids punch strangers and poo in public parks – that’s not even the worst of it
Some in the forum suggested that the user be brutally honest and speak to her in-laws about the bad behaviour
BEING a parent is tough, with many trying to find the balance between disciplining their kids and giving them a fun-filled childhood.
Though we wouldn’t normally judge people on their parenting skills, one woman has revealed that her in-laws kids are so badly behaved that they punch strangers and poo in public parks.
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Shockingly, the concerned relative claims this isn’t even the worst of the bad behaviour.
Having been on a mini break with the family, she was so unimpressed with their discipline that she needed to complain about it on Mumsnet.
She even revealed that it had impacted strangers in the length post, as she recalled how the two and five-year-old had acted on the trip.
Like many families, they don’t get to spend much quality time together but the user revealed that the in-laws hadn’t discipline their kids once.
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In the now viral post, she wrote: “We’ve [me and my husband] have noticed that they don’t seem to ever discipline their kids or say no - this is obviously a conscious choice they’ve made together.
“I’m aware that a ‘gentle parenting’ style is a bit more of a modern choice but to me the complete lack of boundaries was really visible and really affected us and everyone around us.”
In addition to the typical tantrums, the kids would even act out whilst the family were in public - including in restaurants.
To make matters even worse, the parents seemed ‘oblivious’ according to the Mumsnet user with a least one or two ‘incidents’ per day. (Yes, you read that right)
Most read in Fabulous
This included the two-year-old weeing in the shared pool, pooing in public spaces and punching random people as they walked by.
According to the original post, the dad even comforted the terrible tot when they had a meltdown after a tourist scolded them.
I have the best punishment for when your kids are misbehaving - it works even better than taking away their iPad
Meanwhile, the five-year-old would fake cry and scream continuously in a high pitched tone whilst the family were in a restaurant.
Understandably, this ruined the holiday for the Mumsnet user and her hubby.
She then asked: “We never had kids so I’m really aware that I might not ‘get it’ [but] do we say something or just ride it out until the kids are a bit older and it’s everything is just a bit easier?”
Needless to say, the internet had some thoughts on the matter.
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One argued that the parents hadn't understood how that parenting tactic worked, writing: “My god that is horrifying I wouldn't go away with them again. They seem to have misunderstood gentle parenting to inept parenting!”
Another agreed and pointedly added: “No, this is not normal or acceptable and it's not 'gentle parenting' either. It's lazy and disengaged parenting.
“I don't think you should say anything, in the sense of telling them how to parent their children, because they should know this is unacceptable.
“They aren't going to suddenly wise up because you've told them.”
Meanwhile, a third suggested that the user be honest with her relatives.
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They wrote: “Good job you don't live nearby and you decline any invitations to go away with them again. If they ask why be honest.”
We wonder how we would have handled this situation.
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