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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Original poster

To think waiting rooms are not playgrounds

380 replies

FairfaxAikman · 27/03/2018 10:36

Feeling like utter crap today and functioning on very little sleep as a result I hauled myself to a GP appointment this morning.
In the waiting room was a toddler who was LOUD!
They were running around the whole of the large waiting room pushing a large digger and shouting and squealing at the top of their voice.

I'm all for kids playing and enjoying themselves, but AIBU to think a Doctors waiting room, which is full of sick people, is not the time or place for it?

OP posts:
MrMeSeeks · 27/03/2018 17:33

I don’t think you’re completely u.
I have sympathy and generally smile at them when it’s clear parents are trying to keep their little ones quiet, taking no notice and playing with a phone, not so much then.

Lethaldrizzle · 27/03/2018 17:34

Where do you judgemental lot tie up your high horses when you're at the doctors waiting room Wink

Lizzie48 · 27/03/2018 17:34

I meant that when it's a restaurant you can take the child back home. You can't do that if it's a GP appointment, can you? I get that it's annoying, but probably a lot more stressful for the mum, who no doubt wishes she were anywhere else.

Gottagetmoving · 27/03/2018 17:35

How do you know what sort of a day that mother was having though?Seeing as though she was in a doctor's waiting room the chances are that she was unwell herself.Maybe she suffers with depression?

Read what OP said about the mother.

I'm sure you wouldn't tell a parent it's ok to let their child run around near a road?
No,because that would be very dangerous wouldn't it.
I did say there are other places that you need to teach a child to not run around ...for reasons other than danger!

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 17:37

MrMeSeeks I think you'll find I have received more insults than I've given out-just in a more cowardly passive aggressive way mixed with a shot of sly insinuation for good measure.

Lizzie48 · 27/03/2018 17:37

As the kids were running round, it sounds like it was the mum who needed the GP. Thankfully for me, I never had to take my DDs with me for a GP appointment as my DH could mind them, or my DM. That isn't the case for a lot of mums hence my sympathy.

MrMeSeeks · 27/03/2018 17:39

People have managed to not call you or anyone a twat though Hmm

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 17:40

Where do you judgemental lot tie up your high horses when you're at the doctors waiting room Grin

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 17:44

Read what OP said about the mother nothing about her in the original post.
Walking along the road you would have a firm grip of a toddlers hand or it would strapped into a buggy therefore no comparison.

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 17:47

People have managed to not call you or anyone a twat though well bully for them.....talking of bullys did you just come on to have a go at me or do you have anything to add to the topic of conversation?

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 27/03/2018 17:51

You definitely were/are the sort to sit on your phone ignoring your dc whilst they tear arse around the place making all sorts of noise and being a nuisance Nutella They learnt from their mother Grin

MrMeSeeks · 27/03/2018 17:56

to not call you or anyone a twat though well bully for them.....talking of bullys did you just come on to have a go at me or do you have anything to add to the topic of conversation?
Thanks for the insult too Hmm

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 17:58

Seeing as I only succumbed and got myself a smart phone 6/7 years ago and my youngest is now 16 I suggest you guess again.

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 18:02

Thanks for the insult too don't give it if you can't take (don't worry,I haven't charged you for this piece of advice)

Lizzie48 · 27/03/2018 18:03

If the mum went the other way and sang nursery rhymes or read a book to her DCs, doubtless the thread would be about 'performance parenting'.

Aeroflotgirl · 27/03/2018 18:08

I think its bad for both parties, if the parent takes their child out, they may miss their appointment call, it is hard to keep a toddler quiet and still, you can't put them in a straight jacket, its just one of life's downs really. I have tried strapping my roudy lively toddler in the buggy, for them to have a full on strop, nearly tipping the buggy over in the DRs.

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 18:08

If the mum went the other way and sang nursery rhymes or read a book to her DCs, doubtless the thread would be about 'performance parenting So right.Or if she had shouted at her child she would be accused of being a mean and/or abusive parent.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 27/03/2018 18:08

Well this has obviously got under your skin Nutella hasn't it? Irrational response from you.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 27/03/2018 18:11

Actually no one would care WHAT the mum did as long as she did something to try and quieten down her DC. In a GP's surgery people just want a bit of peace which is understandable, well to most people.

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 18:12

Where's the irrational response great one? Tell me what do/did you do if your toddler was being noisy in the waiting room? I think you should tell us,I'm sure every less than perfect mother could learn a lot from you.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 27/03/2018 18:13

I've already said ages ago.

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 18:14

Actually no one would care WHAT the mum did as long as she did something to try and quieten down her DC. In a GP's surgery people just want a bit of peace which is understandable, well to most people
How do you know she hadn't tried?.

LucreziaBoredYa · 27/03/2018 18:15

There's a middle ground surely? Performance parenting loudly while doing jazz hands would of course be quite annoying.

Nothing wrong with a quiet story and snuggle. Maybe a little snack too?

NutElla5x · 27/03/2018 18:17

I've already said ages ago. Don't tell me I'll have to scroll through all the judgy comments to find it.Can't you please impart your wisdom again.

GreatDuckCookery6211 · 27/03/2018 18:17

You're just being goady now Nutella and I cannot be arsed with you. Cheerio.