Are there a lot of kids around in the summertime?

[graciegirl]

We bought next to the family pool at the Odell Recreation Center. I think it will be a great location.

Are there tons of children who are guests in the summer? I know children are noisy, that is not a problem with us, but has anyone had any problem with the kids bothering things in your yard or running around through the yards in the middle of the night or anything like that?

We chose that lot because it was close to the recreation center and we enjoy the sound of children and just plain like kids in general.

I know I sound like the Wicked Witch of the West, and that is absolutely not true. I really love kids, but prefer the well behaved sort as I get older.

[nONIE]

Graciegirl.

I totally :agree: with you about the well behaved type. any other kind is a nightmare to be around and I sure wouldnt want them in my back yard! Sad tho, I think all kids could be well behaved if it werent for the overly permissive parents these days!

[Beltlady]

Welcome to TV. Yes we do have a good number of kids here in the summer time and all holidays. There are certain pools that are "family pools", for all age groups and others are for people over 21.
Also please make sure if you have visitors under 18 that you either know exactly where they are and what they are doing or go with them. We have had some trouble with kids driving golf carts recklessly etc. It is nice to see the kids having fun too. TV also has a wonderful kids programs in the summer. Lots of things to do with grandpa and granma. I think it is called The Generational Games. Have fun.

[Russ_Boston]

Not on the subject but Nonie please don't blame overly permissive parenting for all of today's ills with children, it's just not that simple. There are many examples of overly strict parents (Jeffrey Dahmer's case for instance) where the children have become monsters. I'm not trying to compare insane criminals like Dahmer to out of control noisy children but a blanket statement like: "I think all kids could be well behaved if it weren't for the overly permissive parents these days!" is just not right either.

More to the question on hand - I look forward to having my grandchildren down to TV and from what I've read on this forum, TV does a decent job of providing fun activities. And heck there is always Disney just an hour away.

[nONIE]

It would be interesting to hear some of the" other reasons " why out of control noisy disruptive children are displaying this type of behavior. I realize there are emotional and mental problems involved in some cases but in my observations, I do believe a little more strictness is in order.

Im all for the grandkids comming to visit and enjoying themselves, please dont misunderstand me.

[Russ_Boston]

You don't have to be strict and controlling to have well behaved kids. I was never very strict with my kids but I did demand decent behavior in public places. I think it is more common sense than anything. There are all types of parenting styles that work. It's the parents that don't work not the styles per se.

[nONIE]

Thanks Russ, you just confirmed my point.

[samhass]

Our Grands know that we expect them to be well behaved and mannerly. I think children live up or down to our expectations of them. Our Grands know the rewards of getting to visit with us ( a glorious good time) and would never jeopardize that. As I have stated here before, I have always told them that adults do not want to be around bratty, impolite children. They seem to have taken those words to heart and we have been blessed with
grandchildren that are polite, considerate and caring. Sometimes I have to pinch myself and ask how we got so lucky. For all my preaching to them about manners, I'm still convinced luck enters into the equation! Some kids can be little devils no matter how hard you try to teach them right from wrong.

[JohnnyM]

To me it comes down to the word RESPECT. If a child is taught to respect others that child will have a great chance of growing up in a mannerly fashion. Sorry graciegirl, well off topic :cop:.

[graciegirl]

Any interest in children is music to my ears. It has always been interesting to me. Sam, I believe that your well behaved children and grandchildren had more to do with a sincere interest and the right expectations and rewards of smiles and kisses.....than just plain luck. ( A little pat on the back, low enough and at the right time doesn't hurt either)



HOWEVER, guys, I like to hear both, but....is my new house, next to the family pool, at this time unattended, going to be beat up because of the children NOT raised like Sams????

[another Linda]

You know, Gracie, we are right around the corner from a family pool and our place is frequently empty. So far, in a little over a year, we have had no trouble what so ever. BTW, we were absolutely, in no way, interested in a "retirement" community. But seeing all ages interacting and enjoying each other was one of the big factors that turned us around. Our grandkids are still little (6 mos to 5 yrs) but we can't wait for them to come visit and go to the family pool, dance in the squares, ride in the golf cart, and whatever else we find.

[samhass]

I sure hope not, Gracie. Guess I've been lucky so far...I haven't spotted a bratty one yet..although I know they exist. I have seen some borderline out of control kids on the square, but some of that is just youthful exuberance. Like us, I think the music and wonderful weather strikes them with pure joy and they get a little frisky. I've seen little ones run around and get out of sight from the parents/grandparents. That's bad. Someone could snatch a little one in nothing flat. I do not allow my 7 yo granddaughter out of my sight for a second in a public place. I guess to many people think everyone here is nice and will watch out for their children. That's just crazy. There are to many pervs in Florida to be complacent where children are concerned. IMHO, of course.

[Beltlady]

And speaking of The Square, ..........please be aware of your little ones running in the middle of the line dancers. When we dance we sometimes step backwards, or do a kick with our feet, according to the dance steps. We would hate to step on anyone, or cause an injury. The line dancers usually only take up two sides of the square and other dancing is usually done on the other two sides. Everyone can have a wonderful time.

[JohnN]

what pools are for which ages? how do you find that info?

[graciegirl]

what pools are for which ages? how do you find that info?


John, There are three types; Family pools, all ages, Adult pools, over 30 or over 19, I can't remember and sport pools, for lap swimming etc.

[Taltarzac]

what pools are for which ages? how do you find that info?


It is in The Villages Phone Book 2008 pages 15-18. Family and neighborhood pools are listed.

The 2008 Phone Book on page 15 says that Sport Pools are for 30 and over and for residents only, Neighborhood Pools are for 30 and over, and Family Pools are for guests and residents but the guests can be under the age of 30.

There are more Pool Guidelines on pages 17-18.

The individual pools though seem to have other rules as to age posted at each pool??? I do remember something about 19 posted at the neighborhood pools I have visited.

[njgranny]

Regarding raising nice kids, I feel too permissive or too strict causes problems. I've seen so many kids from extremely strict families that have rebelled in bad ways. I think a happy medium is best. We've been fortunate that our children and our grandchildren have always been well behaved in public and make us proud of them. When the 3 girls, ages 9, 10, and 12 get together though, they can get a little wild. :) :) :) They get so excited, they sometimes have to be reminded to calm down.

Now we have a great-grandchild to hug on.

[redwitch]

I've heard of a couple of problems, but not with the little ones. Some of the teens seem to get bored and do minor acts of vandalism on very rare occasions.

As to kids acting out because of poor parenting, sometimes there really are other reasons. The child may have a chemical imbalance (bipolar, ADHD); may be on the austistic spectrum (this can range from severely autistic to very high-functioning); have sensory issues; etc. Not every child that acts out is a "brat." I try to give every parent with a difficult child the benefit of the doubt. You can tell those that are trying -- their child is not ignored. The parent notices when it starts to go out into the line dancers and tries to stop the child. Sometimes the child has a meltdown at being told no, it is not safe. The atypical child doesn't understand this no -- it simply understands s/he is frustrated and doesn't know how to express that frustration except through screams. Unless you have worked or lived with a child like this, it is hard to understand and accept that it is not the fault of the parents, but, if you watch the parents you'll see those who are trying and those who aren't. There's a HUGE difference.

[rgray99]

Yes, for a retirement community there always seems to be a lot of kids around. Last time I was in TV I almost got hit by a golf cart full of teens driving way too fast and going the wrong way. For their best interest and ours please oversee your visiting grandchildren.