While we were out in the 'hood with the ballerina princesses last night, celebrating All Hallow's Eve, we encountered scores of candy-crazed trick-or-treaters. I'm disappointed and disgusted to say that, almost across the board, they were the most horribly rude kids I've ever encountered. They barged into friendly local businesses, demanded candy in loud, bold tones, took their loot, and high-tailed it out with nary a thank you. Their parents, trailing along behind the precious angels, were no better. Never once did I hear one say something along the lines of "Say please!" or "Say thank you!" or even "Use your indoor voice!"
Is it just that the holiday brings out the worst in these brats? Or are they like this year-round? I suspect the latter, and I vow that the twins will have much better manners when they start trick-or-treating in earnest. (And in all areas of life, if I have my way.) But maybe the candy mania will take over, and all of my careful grooming will fly out the window in the face of Whoppers and Tootsie Rolls and those ever-coveted Smarties. We'll see.
5 comments:
Thank you for writing this!
I experienced the same thing (two years in a row now--as long as we've been doing the beg for candy).
I am appalled at the parents that just stand back and allow the rudeness.
You'll be happy to know that at our house, Peanut was handing out the candy and demanded they say trick or treat and thank you--followed by a you're welcome from her. :)
Word verification? Say it ain't so......
You go, Peanut! I'm glad there are kids out there with some manners.
Ah, the word verification. Those spammers are getting me down.
The majority of the kids that came to my house were extremely polite. I think it helped that we turned out the light at about 8:00 when the cute little kids in their adorable costumes were becoming rare. We didn't want to see the kids who don't even try to dress up.
I'm a complete freak about my kids being polite. Probably to the point that I drive them nuts.
I've been known to say that I don't like kids (that's funny, huh?). But when I think back on the little kids I HAVE liked, they were respectful and polite.
Why are parents afraid of making their kids mind?
I'm afraid manners are going out of style. What few trick-or-treaters we get have always been polite (even the ones you know were smashing the Jack-O-Lantern as soon as you shut the door.)
Nanette's Peanut is on the right track, and I'm sure RB's boys are well mannered. She always was when she was a kid.
It's a sad thing to see common courtesy vanish, but look at the way our government, our sports heroes, and our celebrities behave. Granted, some of these people are pushed beyond toleration, but they should remember they are roll models.
The most important roll models children will ever have are their own parents. Thanks to all of you who commented for doing your part.
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