After breakfast we "went for a drive." During our December visit to Disney, Tess and I bought annual passes that we've never used. The overcast weather made us think the crowd's would be light and that a quick 3 – 4 hour visit would be ideal. As we approached Disney's general vicinity, the kids were still trying to guess our destination: Ursula's…? Colleen's…? Crossing the bridge to the airport Carys asked if we were flying to Canada. Finally with some clues Seb figured it out: DISNEY! The kids were wild with excitement.
We were one of the first in the gates and the first "guests" (as Disney calls customers) to Space Mountain. Our 3 – 4 visit started with everyone agreeing to give this ride a try. But as we approached the turnstile Jasper got cold feet. I quickly told Tess we'd wait outside. She went in with the others. Jasper and I got a Coke Zero. Just as we sat down at the Space Mountain exit Jasper pointed to the entrance. Sela and Carys walked out in tears. I hastened over and assured the troop of Disney-employees-now-gathering-into-lost-child-mode I was their father. As we walked back to Jasper, Sela explained (with a tone insinuating "big, bad, mean Seb") how Seb scared her terribly as he described the fast ride. This caused both her and Carys to chicken out and exit the entrance with crocodile tears. Oh boy.
Next we all did the Buzz Lightyear ride. I didn't have the heart to tell my wife I scored 85,000 points for fear she'd burst into tears, too. Then we did "Small World" that Seb found boring. The girls did a 2nd round while us boys looked for another ride. Everyone was able to pick one ride, Jasper picked Dumbo: this is about a one minute ride after a 20 minute wait. Once the girls saw us about to get on Dumbo the day really took a turn for the worse – lots of pouting and kicking because Sela and Carys wanted to go on Dumbo (which by now had a huge line-up and doesn't do 'Fastpass') after they'd snuck a ride on the Merry Go Round.
We tried to sort the girls out, including cautioning the kids that the privilege of being at Disney could be revoked. Four kids needed a nap! Then Tess voted for "The Golden Mickeys" show as her ride of choice. This was probably the highlight of the visit, reminding us all about the wonderful and magical world of Disney. Afterwards we managed to pose with Donald Duck during which the kids needed constant prompting not to pull his beak. As you can see, the kids were having a challenging day ~ the fruits of the spirit were taking a break!
And so a few minutes later as we contemplated eating lunch by Space Mountain or Neverland, Sela and Seb got into a scuffle. Sela lost her temper, Sebastian got wound up, Tess and I said, "THAT's IT!"
We revoked Disney and went home. We told the kids if they couldn't appreciate the privilege of Disney – by bickering and pouting – then they didn't get to stay. Needless to say they were besides themselves in anguish. We explained we had annual passes and could always go back another day – it was up to them. It's not as though we'd trekked around the world to see Disney… it sits on our back doorstep.
Did we do the right thing or did we just win "Worst Parents of the Year Award?"
Reader interactions
13 Replies to “Worst Parents of the Year Award?”
TOTALLY did the right thing, of course. I admire your courage cause it is not easy to stop four little people. Methinks they will remember this visit the next time you go to Disneyland. Well done to you both. xox
Way to go mom and dad! Kudos! Your kids will thank you later. Good job teaching them appreciation and gratitude.
Definitely the right thing! There are far too many parents who make empty threats & don’t follow through.
you did right. A little action like this goes a long way … my son still remembers 3 years ago when we left him at home and went to Ocean Park without him as he was acting up and we carried through our threat…
GREAT JOB Mom and Dad. Sometimes we are so eager to have”fun” when it is not! I rememeber the time I told the kids “you blew it and we are leaving NOW!!” this was at Bush Gardens in Tampa Florida after waiting to see the tigers for over 40 minutes and we just got the perfect view of the beautiful creature!!The fighting the crying the complaining..I HAD IT. Paul and Lisa are 30 and 33 years old and they still shake in thier boots! They have a clear memory of it!They KNEW I meant it when I said “YOU BLEW IT WITH YOUR BEHAVIOR” so much they warned Brea about it when she came forever!
I agree with the “Way to go,” parents’ award–and the courage to follow through with it; I’m afraid I give mine far too many “chances” and my threats become futile until I totally lose it and end up yelling at them, acting worse then them . . . my mantra, “I’m the adult; I’m the adult” ringing through my head . . . sigh!
Definitely the right thing. You can’t reward bad behaviour. It just leads to more bad behaviour. Happy Mother’s Day Tess!
Many years ago before my 4 perfect children were born a friend of mine and I would take his wild children out to activities.We didn’t have a”Golden Mickey” but the model we had contained enough tonic to soothe one’s nerves when things got rough.The little nippers and the big nippers survived as best I can remember.
Love to all….GDad Blake
Definitely did the right thing. Hopefully they will realise it is a “privilege” not a “right” next time they go to Disney. Good on you both.
I have so much respect for you both. I could learn a thing or two from your example!!
Good post, I will mention it on my blog.. Cheers
Hi, Charles. Just read this…a year+ later.
Did u ever go back…and did they remember the “Lesions Learned” from this visit?
Hi Dave, yes not long afterwards we revisited the scene of the crime and the kids successfully redeemed themselves!