Parents at the otter enclosure...

[Amethistle]

At the otter enclosure today - they have a glass boarder, an elevated pathway around this on the outside (Where the keeper stands during feeding time), and then the ground where everyone viewing should be standing.

There is a sign stating not to climb/stand/sit on the elevated part right outside the enclosure. Despite this, parents were letting their kids settle up there, all gathered closely around the only 3 otters who were out. The otters were snuggled close to their side of the glass, and the group of kids were all in a semi-circle pressed up to the glass on our side.

This meant that all the kids who were standing where you were supposed to be, couldn't see the otters at all.

One father spoke up and asked if the kids could perhaps be told to get down so everyone could see the otters as his son couldn't see anything at all. A mother of the glass-children pulled one down, but left the rest up there and said "some will comply and others won't", with a little laugh.

AIBU to think that if they are your kids then you should make them comply to the rules?

AIBU to think this is pure selfishness? "Oh, screw the other children as long as my little darlings can see, never mind common decency and following rules..."

Funnily enough, all the kids jumped down quickly when a member of staff told them to.

I've witnessed kids banging on enclosures containing reptiles and the like too, when signs clearly say not to, with parents really not seeming bothered... They give the odd 'No! Don't do that." Job done, apparently...

[Kokusai]

Yup.

Hopefully the current generation who are being patented by entities shits will rebel against the selfish society and parent their own children better.

[GoldTippedFeather]

Oh yes because it is obviously a generational thing rather than a couple of entitled shits.

[Kokusai]

Yes @GoldTippedFeather There has been a generational shift over the past couple of generations towards individualism and doing what you want that thinking about the community.

[Amethistle]

I don't think it's generational. Just can't believe how self-centred and lax some parents seem to be... I was wondering if I'm just mean

[GoldTippedFeather]

Ah yes I forgot, us millennials- lazy, individualistic, work shy, precious and raising a new generation of entitled children. All of us, not just the very few you've encountered. Fabulous.

[picklemepopcorn]

There has been a social shift toward individualism.

Clubs have fewer members and fewer volunteers.

People tend not to think of themselves as part of a community any more. They are less a concerned about breaking social contracts, as long as they won't get caught or the punishment isn't too severe. Those of us who are a bit older see it decade by decade.

[picklemepopcorn]

Individuals are still lovely, by and large. Far more are egocentric though.