Children should be seen and not heard?

People love babies, people love children that are calm and quiet, people do not love children who are opinionated, passionate and expressive (Oscar).

Try raising a child that most people in public roll their eyes at or judge because they think the parents aren't parenting correctly. 

This morning was rough. Oscar, is my child who is opinionated, passionate, very determined, yet so loving. He is my child that is judged because he yells, screams and says few words (he is 19months), he is LOUD! When I say loud, it's an understatement. He does embarrass us, he does make us feel uncomfortable, but just like the parents of the quiet children, he is perfect for us! 

This morning at indoor park, he screamed, he yelled and one mom muttered something under her breath. It took all of me not to say anything because we were around Felix's friends and their parents. It's a horrible feeling, but believe me, Walter and I are on our children. If we see behavior we do not like, we are there. Time outs happen, but they are only for a short period when dealing with a year and a half old. He is wild, but he is also just a baby himself. 

Thanks to the dad at indoor park that yells right along with Oscar, that is teaching his daughter that just like her, Oscar is practicing his voice also. That his voice is just a little louder. It is people like him that make this world go round! Oscar now will seek him out in the gym just to have a yelling match and in all honesty, it makes my heart smile! 

Oscar is completely different than Felix was at this age.  It took some adjusting for us, but my gosh his passion for life is something powerful! He is worth ever ounce of uncomfortableness we ever encounter. 

Oscar Vincent, you are so special. You make some days very hard, but we wouldn't trade them for the world! You have a strong personality, you have so much to give and we love you! 

So remember when you are judging that innocent little person with a loud voice, his/her parents are watching and his/her parents are also feeling judged. These are future adults we are raising, these are people that we are teaching to be tolerant and caring individuals. Please have compassion.