We haven't had a debate about noisy, disruptive kids for a while

[lurker17260]

I was at the doctors yesterday and there were 2 children, probably about 6/7 and 3/4, who were so noisy and disruptive, it was dreadful.  Mum kept shushing them but was pretty ineffective and was actually just adding to the chaos anyway.  I was okay because I was just there for a script but some people who looked sick seemed quite distressed.

The reception staff tried to quieten them with offers of stickers if they would be good etc but that only lasted a few moments.

Would you have said/done anything? and if so, what?

[**meep**]

I was in a waiting room for approx 2 hrs a couple of days ago to see a specialist.  The was one out of control child.  The mum did try all she could.  Eventually, an older lady said something to the child in a really scary, loud voice.  Not sure what it was as I dont speak Arabic but whatever it was, it worked    The mum was most appreciative.

[izabsmiling]

Hi Lurker, I don't know that I would have in that situation.From what you have said it sounds as though she was trying to calm them and was quite possibly very distressed herself (I know I would have been if I was her and more so as I would know that they are affecting others)...and I wouldn't know why she/they were at the Doctors themselves. One of my boys wouldn't even keep still and quiet in hospital after he had his tonsils removed (that is the way he was and still is at 23) ..the nurses told me I had to keep him still and quiet ... I knew that and was doing all I could bar sit on him .It sounds funny now ...it was traumatic at the time

[lurker17260]

No iza.  I have come across this family before, not just at the doctors.  They are well known around town and this is regular behaviour.  Mum is a very loud, extemely vocal woman as well.  The staff in the supermarket cringe when they come in.

[happyroo_bunji]

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@lurker17260 wrote:

No iza.  I have come across this family before, not just at the doctors.  They are well known around town and this is regular behaviour.  Mum is a very loud, extemely vocal woman as well.  The staff in the supermarket cringe when they come in.

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sounds like a family in the town where I work

[izabsmiling]

Lurker in that case I'd really have to carefully consider what I said ..if I said anything at all.I have helped amuse other people's young children in dr's waiting rooms in the past however it sounds as though these children may not have wanted to be entertained and perhaps they were behaving in the usual way that they need to ,in order to get their Mum's attention ?and the way they have been shown to behave. If I said anything (going by what you have said) it may be to the Mother and perhaps may not have the calming effect everyone desired/needed ....given the environment I'd prefer to say something to the Mother elsewhere .

[cherry*135]

After reading that this family is usually loud and a bit feral I wouldn't be game to say anything to the mother.

If any kids are poorly behaved at home and out not much point asking their parent to keep them quiet...probably get an ear bashing back.

[izabsmiling]

I'd need to know so much more as I also acknowledge the fact that any parent (good or bad) can have a challenging child and any parent could need help with parenting .

[*crikey*mate*]

Nah, I wouldn't have said anything. I probably would have given them a few dirty looks though, but at the end of the day, anything that I had to say would not change anything.

I doubt very much that the mother  woke up and said "I'm gonna feed my usually perfectly behaved children some red cordial and pop on down to the doctors for a few hours and see how many people we can upset",

The behaviours are either ingrained or medical. The mother is either oblivious to them, she doesn't care or she doesn't know effective ways of dealing with them,  how would a passing comment from a stranger change any of that?

[**meep**]

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@lurker17260 wrote:

No iza.  I have come across this family before, not just at the doctors.  They are well known around town and this is regular behaviour.  Mum is a very loud, extemely vocal woman as well.  The staff in the supermarket cringe when they come in.

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In that case, I would avoid any confrontations.