Jennifer Dear Editor, As a mother of four, ages ten to six, I would like to respond to all the letters regarding behavior of children as being the parent s fault. Let's give credit where credit is due. I understand that letting a child run wild or be disruptive in a hotel or restaurant is wrong, but there are times, many times that a child tests and tries the boundaries of manners and social settings. Kids will be kids, and as a parent, I am quickly finding out each day, I cannot control every movement that is made or control every word that comes out of their mouths. I've gotten the looks and comments about my children, and it's very defeating to me.
Children have to be responsible for their actions and disciplined when and where needed.
They also have to be able to put into practice what they have learned. We go to a sit down restaurant and practice sitting nicely and quietly, keeping hands to ourselves, and using conversational manners. Some nights we walk out of there so proud of their behavior and others nights, vow that we would never try this again in a million years. But if we didn't try again, how could they put into practice these skills. We too act like children at times, are selfish, unkind to others, and impatient.