So, after this year's Coconut Grove Arts Festival had come to a close, I was reading a post about the event in my favorite local blog, the Coconut Grove Grapevine. This, my friends, is how I learned that we have Stroller Haters here in Miami. I mean, I've long known about other members of the..what should I call them? In honor of the current political goings on, I'll anoint them The Anti-Kid Party : the people who hate kids in restaurants. At movies. On airplanes. In grocery stores. And at bars (yes, bars. Apparently in New York this is very common, the stroller set rolls up to happy hour at the local bar,and of course there is a backlash among the folks that think bars are no place for toddlers and infants. Go figure.)
But until I read the Comment section of this Grapevine blog post, I had no idea that there were actually people who hated kids...IN STROLLERS. I mean, seriously? Isn't a stroller one place a child undeniably belongs? Yet it's true--read some of these excerpts from the Comments section of the original post:
"Ok, I'm going to say it. WHY do people torture their young children/infants and the rest of us by bring strollers to the Show. Do they really think the kids enjoy riding around at knee level getting bumped and shoved?....And even worse, the kids in strollers who are big enough but just too lazy to walk. If they're not old enough to walk, do them (and everyone else) a favor and leave them with Granny until they can enjoy the show. Strollers should be banned from the show just like bikes and skateboards."
-Anonymous
"I agree about the strollers. Weren't they banned several years ago?...small children don't like crowds...the strollers, especially the double-wides, take up way too much space, and they force the people who are walking onto the curb and away from the exhibits. I vote for banning them. Get a babysitter." -Missbetty
"And yeah, all the kids and strollers. Why would you do that to your children?" -Anonymous
Ummmmmm....speechless. Apparently strollers = Torture. Abuse. And inspire calls for stroller prohibition. What's next, a movement to ban children from Disney World, Chuck E. Cheese, and public parks? I seriously had no idea about this stroller-rage, so I had many questions--Are stroller haters exclusive to Miami? Is it widespread? Is it reaching epidemic proportions, like kids-on-airplanes-hating did a few years ago, resulting in this?
My in-depth research (google) revealed that stroller haters live everywhere. They want to ban strollers at farmers markets, festivals, and outdoor events all over the country. They are furious about these strollers ruining their good time.
Hmmm.
My 3 1/2-year-old rode in a stroller at the Arts Festival. Yes, she can walk. No, she is not lazy. We live in the South Grove, and we walked 1.5 miles to the Festival, and then all around the Festival, and then 1.5 miles home. No, we were not torturing her. I believe she saw more than knees at the Festival. And Missbetty? Many small children, by the way, DO like crowds. Elle does not like thunder, or salad, but a good crowd? She's all for it. As a family of four, we enjoyed every moment of that gorgeous afternoon, including the walk there and back, which we would not have been able to do without the help of our...say it with me everyone....stroller! And for what it is worth, in crowds, especially where there are people enjoying beer, wine, and cocktails, I actually prefer to have her in a stroller. If someone bumps into or steps on part of a stroller, no harm. However, if someone doesn't see a 3-year-old because she's, well, short, she could get hurt.
I have a MacLaren umbrella stroller, which doesn't take up too much real estate, but seriously, Missbetty, Anonymous, and Anonymous, even the bigger strollers aren't that big of a deal. Are they? Is it that much different from two people holding hands as they walk? Or a small group of adults stopping to chat in front of a booth you'd like to visit? Should we ban hand holding and chatting? Well guess what? Instead, I think we should ban grumpy, crotchety, impatient, self-centered grouches from the Festival next year. Roll on, mommies!
photo credit: sxc.hu/islomek
note: quoted Comments excerpted from the Coconut Grove Grapevine blog post Loved the arts festivals, but...
Posts
22 comments:
"I think we should ban grumpy, crotchety, impatient, self-centered grouches." Heh! What I think is interesting is you don't hear these people complaining about others in wheelchairs. Because that would be un-PC, of course, but for them it's OK to judge parents for trying to expose their kids to art.
Sad to say, but kids in strollers can be hurt by people falling over them and/or dropping things in them. Ever seen a stroller pile-up?
Happens quite often in NY, and can cause a lot of injuries.
I respect any stroller policy we have encountered, because I have no way of knowing what may have gone on to prompt the policy. If you have seen a stroller accident, and I've seen several on escaltors, subways, superstores, and crowded areas, mostly in NYC, you'll quickly get over the combativeness toward those who are leery about strollers. It's the most powerless feeling in the world to see a stroller-bound child--just out of reach--get hit by a closing door or take a tumble off an escalator. Not to mention the strollers that wait partially in the intersections instead of on the sidewalk, or the ones that are rolled into a corner and left, child still inside.
Even expensive strollers don't have feelings. We should not be irrationally attached to them.
See... I don't have a problem with the stroller or the kids themselves... I love kids... I have kids... and YES they use a stroller.
My PROBLEM is with the STUPID PARENTS that drive the strollers as if they were DRUNK or as if they were the ONLY thing on the sidewalk, mall, or street!! Strollers and PEOPLE walking should have rules much like driving has rulles.
WALKING or STROLLING your babies carries with it great consequenses. You could hit someone on the ankle and cause them to fall. You could also trip someone and cause them or others around them to fall causing injuries and or havoc and mahem!
It begs the questions, do you drive your car like you drive your stroller???
I say implement rules and regulations for adults when walking and using strollers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See... I don't have a problem with the stroller or the kids themselves... I love kids... I have kids... and YES they use a stroller.
My PROBLEM is with the STUPID PARENTS that drive the strollers as if they were DRUNK or as if they were the ONLY thing on the sidewalk, mall, or street!! Strollers and PEOPLE walking should have rules much like driving has rulles.
WALKING or STROLLING your babies carries with it great consequenses. You could hit someone on the ankle and cause them to fall. You could also trip someone and cause them or others around them to fall causing injuries and or havoc and mahem!
It begs the questions, do you drive your car like you drive your stroller???
I say implement rules and regulations for adults when walking and using strollers!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I absolutely detest strollers in crowded areas. Comparing them to people holding hands is silly. The hand-holders usually do neat tricks like go single-file or let go. Strollers are a bulky object that doesn't bend or stretch like human limbs.
I recently encountered countless strollers at the Allentown PA fair. The kids were too young to ride any rides, yet they were being carted around the already over-crowded thrill ride section. A few times, a stroller appeared out the mass and yes, I almost ran right into it. I remember complaining about all the strollers. I thought I was alone.
People who hate kids and strollers are small-minded prudes. I've been on planes next to children crying because the altitude hurt their ears. I rather not hear it but I understand mother-nature and the fact that families with kids have rights to enjoy life just like everyone else.
Who knows, maybe my brain is more evolved to understand this concept and tap into other areas of the brain to block off things that I find annoying and focus on the things that I enjoy. Maybe we should ban one-trick humans who cannot provide anything to society because their brain cannot multi-task or focus on the finer things in life. Grow up! Who's the real kid here.
...there is a time and place, YES; it's the idiots that can't tell the difference that you want to punch. As laughable as this WAS to read, I seriously doubt these people are baby haters, give it up crybabies no one is hate’n on THE KID/s. ;) hmm.
...there is a time and place, YES; it's the idiots that can't tell the difference that you want to punch. As laughable as this WAS to read, I seriously doubt these people are baby haters, give it up crybabies no one is hate’n on THE KID/s. ;) hmm.
I'm not against strollers. I just don't like the fact that the parents pushing those 3 seat wide strollers are oblivious to everyone else walking and just roll right over everybody's feet. And then they look at you like "You're in the Wrong". Oh forgive me, what was I thinking having my foot on the sidewalk.
Here is a blanket apology to anyone whose foot or ankle I bumped with my stroller. My daughter is now 7, but I am absolutely sure that when she was in a stroller I bumped people. I apologized when that happened and most people were tolerant of my human error. I had my few instances when people were indignant and any bump was taken as a serious problem.
This also happens without children, like the time I was walking down an airplane aisle and accidentally bumped a young girl's head when the plane teetered. She acted as if she was assaulted. Some people have their personal space that is super important to them, yet put themselves in crowded settings and don't adapt. Others wake up anticipating the next assault on their dignity.
Anyway, try to forgive the people who have the huge job of raising a child. It is quite alot of work and responsibility and can be very stressful sometimes. We are all just trying to have a a good life. Let's give each other a break. Oh, and parents, forgive the ones who don't understand.
Ugh. Parents. The main problem is the SIZE of the strollers. Everything today has to be supersized; some of these strollers are bigger than my car!!!
Wow. I can't imagine going out with my baby without the stroller, but then again, I'm only going to take her to family friendly events like festivals...
I think the issue is inconsiderate people and also people with no manners. First of all, if you're going anywhere with large crowds (especially in Miami) you're GOING to get bumped into by SOMEONE. It may be a stroller, it may be a teenager, adult or a senior citizen with their walker...it may even be a wheel chair or one of those speedy moterized scooters for the elderly. What makes a difference is attitude.
I'm not saying I don't get annoyed if someone bumps into me but if it was obvious that they 1) WERE watching were they were going, not walking/running blindly while looking in another direction or texting or talking to someone and 2) APOLOGIZE for bumping into me, then guess what? I let it go!
Now if you are walking around, stroller or no stroller, without any care or regard for the people you KEEP bumping into or running over and/or you bump into people and don't have the courtesy to apologize - I think you should be banned from walking in a crowd of civilized people who do have regard for others.
That being said, if someone makes a human error and accidentally bumps into you, they don't look like they were being completely careless, and they apologize for the inconvinience - does it really matter what kind of baggage they bumped you with? YOU'RE IN A CROWDED AREA! MISTAKES HAPPEN! IT'S PART OF THE EXPERIENCE! MOVE ON AND LET IT GO! Otherwise, stay home so you don't have to worry about anyone bumping into you, stroller or not.
I personally am much more annoyed by people who carry around big/long, sharp/pointy objects and aren't being mindful that they don't accidentally stab someone with them or people in a large group who decide that the perfect place to STOP and talk is in THE MIDDLE OF A PATH/WALKWAY where everyone's trying to get through. You wouldn't stop in the middle of a street or expressway and stop the flow of traffic, you'd pull over to the side of the road!
And as Forest Gump says: "That's all I have to say about that."
I agree with Holly. Let's not introduce our children to social dynamnics and community settings, keep them home with their video games and then complain about their lack of etiquette and social skills.
Hello everyone!
My 2 cents: Problems arise when people don't think first or are not considerate of others. Double and triple wide/long strollers are not suitable for large gatherings or crowded public places. Imagine taking a very large/long stroller through YOUR FRIEND'S crowed barbeque
filled to capacity with people of every age - and especially the elderly - and just plowing through the crowd. Come on. Common courtesy wins the day. As for the "kids on airplanes" issue, there is a BIG difference between caring for a hurting child and IGNORING a loud crying unhappy child. I have personally suffered through hours and hours (at least two different flights) where the PARENTS LEFT a crying/wailing child with a sibling and WENT TO ANOTHER, quieter SEAT, leaving the rest us us to deal with the negligence!! That should NEVER be tolerated!!
It's a common courtesty issue. I can see being weary of strollers as a lot of people operate them cluelessly. Or expect you to yield to them in a tight space and get miffed when you stand your ground and proceed forward. I, an able body single travelling man, will be able to navigate a crowd faster than a parent with a stroller. Happens in a lot of places, especially malls, supermarkets, festivals, any place with a good sized crowds. And I don't remember it being like this. Only in the last 15 years or so....
Competition for space in this overpopulated world makes people mean and feel entitled to whatever space they can grab, at the expense of anyone else needing the same space. Let's stop having so many kids in the first place, and in the second, if you have to take your kids in public with you, then carry them around in one of those little bundle things next to your body, and let them walk when you need a break. The kids will feel more secure, and you will be respecting everybody else's space.
cirronimbus: " if you have to take your kids in public with you, then carry them around in one of those little bundle things next to your body" first of all, my daughter HATES those things - especially with the heat in Miami. She just never liked it. Second of all, I have a bad back. I have a regular ONE BABY Graco stroller that I put my baby in when we're going somewhere that involves a lot of walking, like the mall, because she's a heavy little thing (no not overweight, just not light) and I can't hold her for long periods of time unless I'm sitting somewhere that has back support.
I'm not even going to bother commenting on your "Let's stop having so many kids in the first place" comment.
I attended an art festival in pa several years ago, with my son, then 2, in a stroller! now not the monster car seat attachment kind, but a smaller, no frills one. there were so many people and sooo many strollers, the super huge extra sized ones, that it was almost impossible to move! we left, and decided to skip our once favorite art festival for the last several years because of the inability to move among the huge strollers with screaming kids in them! My son has been to such events, fancy restaraunts, and many other places since he was an infant! he learned to tolerate crowds, deal with noise and learned how to behave at a dinner table! We rarely leave a restaurant without being complimented on his good behavior. however, hes not perfect, and there are times when my now 5 year old is just not in a good mood for the occasion! if he starts whining, crying, or being disruptive, WE LEAVE!!! kids need to be exposed to things, but the PARENTS need to be responsible! If you are going to a place with a ton of people, and little space, invest in a 20 dollar umbrella stroller! they are very small, easily packed, and easy to sqeeze through tight spaces! If your child is tired, hungry. or otherwise unhappy, LEAVE!!! I have kids, but i do not want to hear yours scream! Stupid, irresponsible, PARENTS are the reason the rest of us cannot take our well behaved,non screaming kids, in their small strollers to restaurants, art festivals ect!
I am a stroller hater.
And I love babies and children.
I have been a nanny for 11 years.
I love going to arts festivals and public places with infants and children.
How? Babywearing. Wraps, slings, pouches, mei-tais, an Ergo. Wearing babies from birth through pre-school age. No stroller required. Haven't used one in ten years.
IM NOT A STROLLER HATER I THINK THAT SOME PARENTS FIGURE THEY WERE IN THAT SPOT FIRST SO YOU HAVE TO WALK ALL THE WAY AROUND IT,RUDE!!!! ON THE OTHER HAND I DONT HATE KIDS BUT I DONT LOVE THEM{JUST YET} WHAT PISSES ME OFF IS RUDE LITTLE SPOILED CHILDREN WHO HAVE PARENTS THAT ADORE IT INSTEAD OF NIPPING IT IN THE BUD RIGHT THEN AND THERE. ANYWHO TAKE THEM TO THE ART FESTIVAL,THATS JUST MORE BUSINESS FOR ME :)
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