Out of control visitors

Nurses Relations

Published

I work mostly inpatient hospice, and recently we had a family show up with about a dozen kids in tow, teenagers down to preschoolers. Our policy is that anyone can visit 24/7, even pets. Because it's hospice, I have no problem with that because people just don't die on schedule. Usually it's fine. Most parents are almost hypervigilant about their kids' behavior and we often end up assuring them that we understand. This family though....kids roaming the unit, using both family rooms, being loud, and parents mostly ignoring them. After I went and talked to them once, reminding them that they're in a building full of sick people who need their sleep (night shift), it actually seemed to get worse. The nurse (I'm a CNA) went and told the dad he had to get the kids under control, and the dad said, "We can't control these kids! They don't listen to us!"

:banghead::banghead::banghead:

Ladies and gentlemen.....the future. Weep for it.

At least they left. Poor grandma and her neighbors probably appreciate the quiet. Yeesh.

ICURN3020

392 Posts

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

It's a concept that's sadly dying away.

But I must say, I don't blame the kids. Parents need to step up and discipline their children!!! Yes, it's easier to just look the other way or make excuses for them, but then you end up with rude, disrespectful, self absorbed #!@&ions!

Take some responsibility people! Kids aren't going to raise themselves (properly anyway).

duskyjewel

1,335 Posts

Specializes in hospice.

I don't blame the kids either. The parents came back at 3:00 a.m. and yelled in grandma's face, "Mom! We're here Mom!"

No wonder their kids are barbarians. :rolleyes:

Specializes in Emergency.

This may get a host of disagreement but I cannot resist. ...so in this world of "pills" to "fix" every "condition" for example "adhd" in reality the best medicine is a 3 phrase treatment: "Sit down! Shut up! Pay attention! " seems like it could have worked in the all too familiar situation you described.

duskyjewel

1,335 Posts

Specializes in hospice.

Not from me malamud. I've got a ten year old son that many parents would have medicated years ago, but from us he mostly gets what you describe. I love him and his goofy genius, his creativity and his energy, but like the rest of us, he has to learn to rub off some of the rough edges. We're doing it the hard way to be sure, but I believe the long term dividend will be worth it.

motherof3sons

223 Posts

Specializes in LTC.

Having 3 boys and seeing how my nephews were parented I was determined to do it different.....it is possible to raise respectful, morally decent, fun, loving boys. Is it easy---no, but possible.

One son probably could have been dx with adhd but a diet change and lots of other non med interventions we succeeded in overcoming.

Parents do need to step up to the plate, discipline and be the ones who set firm boundaries with their kids.

Parent and kids like the OP described would be the ones that got the "quiet or leave speech" from me.

Dewman

113 Posts

Ladies and gentlemen.....the future. Weep for it.

Boy, isn't THAT the truth. :nailbiting:

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide

VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN

22 Articles; 9,987 Posts

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

My husband and I raised our kids the old-fashioned way, and I'm proud to say they're raising theirs in the same fashion. My grandsons do NOT run around restaurants screaming and running into other patrons, they are respectful toward adults, and they know when to sit down and shut up. Children's behavior requires constant monitoring, but that's the parents' job, isn't it? The world is never going to adore our kids the way we do, but at least it will be able to tolerate them.

sjalv

897 Posts

Specializes in CVICU.
My husband and I raised our kids the old-fashioned way, and I'm proud to say they're raising theirs in the same fashion. My grandsons do NOT run around restaurants screaming and running into other patrons, they are respectful toward adults, and they know when to sit down and shut up.

It just appalls me that this parenting style is considered "old-fashioned" nowadays. I'm just 20 but I can't imagine NOT raising my kids with manners (which is what this is, really) in the future.

SeattleJess

843 Posts

Specializes in None yet..
It just appalls me that this parenting style is considered "old-fashioned" nowadays. I'm just 20 but I can't imagine NOT raising my kids with manners (which is what this is, really) in the future.

Ladies and gentleman, the future... a light on the horizon!

Thanks, sjalv. Live long, prosper and procreate!

OrganizedChaos, LVN

1 Article; 6,883 Posts

Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

Well I guess that's what happens when teenagers have babies & they make tv shows about it. Because it's "cool" to have a baby, the tv show shows it.

My children are going to have manners. I just can't understand why people don't believe in the same.

TriciaJ, RN

4,328 Posts

Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

You know those children weren't being raised by wolves; the wolves would be doing a better job.:yes:

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