Childfree and age segregation - Page 3

[berry987]

Originally Posted by kmamma

But I am tempted to bring them to show the other parents (most of whom I've never met) that including my kids at a party is doable, and actually enjoyable.

Anyhow, this breaks my heart. Naturally, like many other parents, I too struggle with parenting, but I don't have that desire to be away from my kids and other kids most of the time.

I think you're reading way to much into other parents' actions. I am a SAHM and my DH works from home. We're both here for everything. We love our kids, love spending time with them, take them with us to a huge variety of events, but we would most likely leave them with a babysitter if someone asked us to a local wedding. Because we also enjoy getting out with adults now and again. So I don't think there is a lesson you need to teach other parents.

[mummyofan]

haven't read any yet, but italy is THE place to go for child friendly living!
I'm the same that even before children at our wedding we asked families to bring their children, and we ALLL had great fun (they really help you laugh!) and I always ask if children are welcome to events that are unclear on that as obviously that would be bad......
hmmmm, America is not great at doing children 'out' Britain is and france is on the whole... most of Europe is actually!

[VisionaryMom]

Originally Posted by GuildJenn

When my mother was growing up her mother used to literally lock them out of the house after school and on weekends and tell them to go play down the street.

My MIL did this, and it was fairly standard in their neighborhood. After breakfast, kids were shut out of the house. She brought out snacks, lunch, and they came in to get washed up for dinner.

[Lolagirl]

Originally Posted by berry987

I think you're reading way to much into other parents' actions. I am a SAHM and my DH works from home. We're both here for everything. We love our kids, love spending time with them, take them with us to a huge variety of events, but we would most likely leave them with a babysitter if someone asked us to a local wedding. Because we also enjoy getting out with adults now and again. So I don't think there is a lesson you need to teach other parents.

ITA with this, I love my kids and I love spending time with them. So does my husband. But, I also need and cherish the very limited adult time I do get away from them once in a while. So do lots of other adults/parents. It doesn't say anything about my capacity to enjoy and appreciate my kids, or anyone else's kids for that matter, nor is it a negative reflection of my parenting skills or abilities.

The simple fact is that children can and usually do hamper one's ability to enjoy other adult company. Adult conversation is often either over children's head or simply inappropriate for them to overhear. Children often need ongoing adult supervision in such a way that makes it pretty darn difficult for parents to enjoy or even have meaningful interactions with other adults.

I can understand that some parents don't share my need to have child free time, or crave interaction with other adults sans kiddies like I do. Whenever I do feel the need to have kid free time I make sure to schedule it with other like minded adults or in a child free setting so that nobody is upset by the circumstances of the get together. And then hope that nobody gets offended by being left out.