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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to complain to the museum staff?

31 replies

WestieMamma · 25/11/2013 12:53

I'm at the museum with my baby who is 7 months. The museum currently have an exhibition called 'I can do it myself' which is an interactive, nature display for babies (0-2). It's all things at floor level which they can climb over, touch, play with and 'do it themselves'. Basically the aim is that you step back and let them discover themselves. DS is loving the 'nest' which is a giant whicker dog bed basket full of fluffy materials and eggs of different sizes, materials, sounds. He's particularly enjoying the fact that a girl of around 3 or 4 is playing nicely with him and passing him a new egg every time he gets bored of the one he has. It's lovely.

Problem is that a few minutes ago a group of women arrived with 1 baby who is asleep and 3 boys aged around 5/6. The boys are charging around the room like they're in a playground, diving into exhibits, being all rough and tumble and making it unsafe for 0-2s. The adults don't seem to be concerned apart from glaring at me when I told 2 of the boys to be careful when they climbed into the 'nest' and started throwing the eggs at each other.

Should I say something or am I expecting too much in a public place aimed at children? I don't know if it makes a difference that there's a massive adventure playground just outside.

OP posts:
GlitterFingers · 25/11/2013 12:58

I hate selfish people like that. Control your children beasts. I would definitely saying something to the museum.

MrsWembley · 25/11/2013 12:58

Don't just talk to the boys, challenge the mothers, especially the one who glowered at you.

Thatisall · 25/11/2013 13:00

So this is an exhibition created specifically for babies?? In that case unless they are playing calmly and quietly, they shouldn't really be in there at all.

pianodoodle · 25/11/2013 13:00

It's a pity people have to be such dicks Angry

If the exhibit says 0-2 you could point it out to them.

Not sure about complaining to the museum although you could always see if there's someone about that might tell them to pack it in....

gordyslovesheep · 25/11/2013 13:00

I would say to mum I am sorry but the boys are too big for this exhibit it's for under 2's could you take them elsewhere ? Thank you

WestieMamma · 25/11/2013 13:02

I wish I could MrsWembley but I have no backbone and they scare me.

(I have AS so confronting complete strangers about their child's behaviour when they are already showing hostile tendencies really is beyond my capabilities.)

OP posts:
Gileswithachainsaw · 25/11/2013 13:03

Trouble is with complaining they might remove the older girl who's playing nicely :(

I hate parents like that who are unaware of the fact that there are small children. It's so selfish.

pianodoodle · 25/11/2013 13:03

And if that doesn't work trip them up "accidentally" while the parents aren't looking.

Only joking of course :)

(p.s - I'm not joking - do it!)

MrsWembley · 25/11/2013 13:04

In that case, then yes, find someone to help fight your corner.Smile I used to be very shy in these circumstances and very unwilling to confront people. Then I became a teacher...Wink

WestieMamma · 25/11/2013 13:16

Decided to take the easy route and am going to the cafe until they bugger off.

OP posts:
MrsWembley · 25/11/2013 13:23
Sad

Whilst you sip your drink, have a little word with the cafe staff. They might be able to help find someone to go and shout at explain to these mothers and their delightful offspring that the exhibit is not designed for their antics...

Wink
EdithWeston · 25/11/2013 13:38

If it's for small children under 2, then older children should be removed, and that needs to be done by the staff. So yes, ask them to do that.

But it will mean all older children, including those who play nicely.

I've let my DC go into areas for younger children, usually to amuse my youngest (so I don't have to!) but only when there is plenty of space so there is no need to crowd those it's meant for. And I always read them the riot act beforehand that they are not to disturb other users, and that if it gets busier with smaller children, they will have to leave. And yes I have removed them in both those circumstances.

Sparklingbrook · 25/11/2013 13:41

I am guessing they are home schooled ? Confused

Sounds like a lovely place for the right age group.

GwendolineMaryLacey · 25/11/2013 13:56

As an ex museum employee, definitely yes say something to the staff. They will kick the little darlings out for you and tell the parents off.

GwendolineMaryLacey · 25/11/2013 13:57

If there is an age limit on the activity then older children should not be in there, no matter how well behaved they are. It puts other parents of babies off for a start if there are bigger children in there.

ICameOnTheJitney · 25/11/2013 13:59

This reminds me of the time I took my DDs to a museum and there was a dressing up area with lots of antique style clothing. they loved it and were having a nice time...quietly but with lots of changing and going to look in the mirror and some woman kept shooting annoyed glances at them as it was in a main area with exhibits around. Wound me right up! Complain OP. Espciallyif it is clearly marked for 0-2 .....but if it's not, you might have to leave it.

MrsWembley · 25/11/2013 14:38

Sparkling, I wondered about that too.Grin

WestieMamma · 25/11/2013 14:43

I'm in Sweden so the kids are free to run riot until they're 7.

DS fell asleep in the cafe so I got to read my book and eat cake. I'm confiscating the dog's bed when I get in and turning it into a nest.

OP posts:
Sparklingbrook · 25/11/2013 14:50

I wanted to say 'Why aren't they at school?' really MrsW but didn't want to be flamed. Grin

MrsWembley · 25/11/2013 14:52

Sparkling, I would never flame you...Wink

And let loose 'til 7! Shock No wonder the mothers are ignoring them...

Floggingmolly · 25/11/2013 15:00

Talk to the staff. If the idiotic parents can't control their kids without being specifically asked to; they won't take kindly to being asked to, iykwim.
Are you actually Swedish, Westie? I have relatives there and was Shock at how little supervision the kids are given. My nephews, who are actually pretty sweet kids ran around like little savages, while everyone ignored them on the grounds that it's perfectly normal. My blood pressure mounted by the day!

Heartbrokenmum73 · 25/11/2013 15:02

I'm in Sweden so the kids are free to run riot until they're 7.

Oh good god, if we lived there I'd still have DS2 at home with me for another two years...

Sparklingbrook · 25/11/2013 15:06

How does that work out for working parents Westie? Year upon year of paying for childcare?

ItsAllGoingToBeFine · 25/11/2013 15:09

Each child is guaranteed a place at a public preschool and no parent is charged more than three per cent of their salary, with fees capped at SEK 1260 ($197, £132) a month for the country's highest earners.

All other costs are covered by the state, which spends SEK 56.6bn ($8.9bn, £5.0bn) a year subsidising preschool services, more than its annual defence budget.

m.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-21784716

KirstyJC · 25/11/2013 15:15

Wow - sounds like I need to move to Sweden!!

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