34 replies to this topic

[Plutarch]

When the parents fail to do so, sometimes others must discipline their children.

A few years ago and girlfriend and I were in Yellowstone, walking around the boardwalks in Porcelain Basin. A young boy, about 10 or 12, was tossing coins and rocks into a thermal pool. We eyed him disapprovingly for a minute, waiting to see if his parents (who were right there) would stop him. They did not, so we corrected him. (No, we didn't beat him. Some corporeal punishment likely would have had an improving effect upon your rock-thrower...)

I can't believe those parents didn't do more. Lots of kids might have tossed rocks off a precipice, but any kid should know not to throw rocks at another person or animal. That's very bad behavior, the kind that should be disturbing to his parents, to say the least.
To throw rocks at somebody's help with sufficient force to break sunglasses, draw blood, and.. and...
Ooh, this story makes me mad!


One must be incredibly careful, however, when dealing with the children of others. While DJing a bar mitsvah, one of the boys' little brothers- probably 8 years old-ish - kept bothering me; messing with my equipment, ruining the decorations, throwing basketballs, and finally- spitting at me. I was patient with him for a long time- explaining how my equipment works, talking to him, using stern words. But spitting, pulling out cords. I grabbed his arm, and then realized- somebody could sue me for this! Fortunately, his mom showed up (I thought to yell at me) but she was just tremendously embarrassed about her bratty kid, and carted him away.

[JDgreen]

I don't know if it is usefull in this situation, but during hunting season I carry a dispoable camera and if I see hunters without permission on our stuff, I take their picture in the act, take a pic of their plate and make sure they see me do it. Usually the act of documenting evidence brings them around. Just thinking we all have cameras with us hiking, don't know, might work.

[misssilly]

I hadn't thought of that, Jim. That's an idea.

[Marvman]

Yes!

Smack them with your camera!

Marvman
(brilliant)

[Evilempire]

OMG, another example of people not taking personal responsibility for something. Truly I am shocked... Sorry, I am a bit jaded with people lately, but it is just like those poeple who shop at the malls with out-of-control kids (and I am not referring to kids just being kids). They are oblivious to others around them and almost get offended if you so much as look at them. In the good ol' days, that kid would have got a swat and would have been forced to apologize. This brings up an interesting point though about how people interact on the trails. Usually, people seem to be pretty friendly on the trails, often saying hello and many times trying to strike up some conversation. I would say in general, park and outdoor enthusiasts tend to be much more polite and kind than people in the city. I am sorry to hear you had such a poor experience but I think (I hope) this is the exception rather than the rule.