Biting my tongue

I'm at the library, using the computer. There's a kid about 2 years old having tantrums and his mother is talking to him quietly, trying to get him to look at books. He's having none of it. Several of us have glanced at them but nobody is saying a word about his outbursts.

I'd love to go over and suggest she take him home for a nap as it's very disrupting... but I won't.

Re: Biting my tongue

Very annoying.

You would think that the people working in the library would have a word with the Mother, wouldn't you?

Re: Biting my tongue

I would have thought so. They spoke up immediately when a couple began to bicker last week and told them to leave.

Re: Biting my tongue

Couldn't stand that for very long without my hand beginning to 'itch'

Re: Biting my tongue

Are libraries still quiet places? Our local one has so many things happening it is more like a bus station than a place of quiet learning and reflection......

Re: Biting my tongue

I would have complained to the mother and to the librarian but then I don't like young children anyway

Re: Biting my tongue

I would have been tempted to say something, but then the mother would probably have turned on you.
I go to the library quite often but because of the amount of different things on offer now it is no longer as quiet as it used to be, and they do have kids play areas which is away from the main computers and reading areas, at my library anyway.

Re: Biting my tongue

The main branch is large enough that they have separate areas but my neighbourhood branch is quite small - one big room. The children's section is right beside the computers but I could take my own laptop and log in from the furthest corner. It's literally across the street from my house and so convenient.

I took my triplet daughters to our library regularly and they were taught to respect others and behave quietly. On occasion one would have a grumpy day, which was reason to cut the visit short rather than disrupt other patrons. I certainly wouldn't have stayed put with a screaming, wiggling toddler while other folks glared!

Re: Biting my tongue

Our library is very small too and the noise from the children's corner, can sometimes be aggravating, though I do love to see kids in there. Two of my grandchildren use the library regularly and mum would 'kill' them if either played up
To be fair, I think 2 yrs old is too young for the library. At that age, books are for bedtime - quiet time, with mum or dad.

Re: Biting my tongue

Liked Mums attitude but sounds as if the child should have been taken ouside and mumexplain that if it didnt stop crying she would give him a slap, then give him one. My Grannie used to tell the children(hers) that if they misbehaved they would be smacked when they got home no matter how late it was she wouldnt forget.