We have received a few contributions recently from parents simply wishing to share their views on specific issues that concern them. In order to give you a voice on the site we have therefore decided to set up this 'On Your Soapbox' page.

If you have any burning issues you'd like to comment on please send us your thoughts to contributions@forparentsbyparents.com.

Please note that the following content does not in any way reflect the views of forparentsbyparents. We are simply relaying the feedback we have received from our visitors.

I am 41 my eldest is almost 22 and my youngest is 3, so when I go out shopping with them both I get so mad at people taking it for granted that my son is my man! the comments like is daddy gonna buy you something nice, what a gorgeous wee girl shes like mum and dad! etc etc, I have now gotten into a habit of saying silly comments like ask your big brother, tell your big brother, why should I feel like an idiot just because other people are so ignorant and thoughtless......my son never bothered he just laughed it off. I can't help having a handsome big strapping son or even looking less than 41! ha ha

Susan

"One thing that really annoys me as a parent is shops that do not have lifts. How do they expect people with very young children in pushchairs get to other floors. As well as not being child friendly they are also not wheelchair friendly. Its bad enough you cannot manouvre around the shops due to the small spaces but when you can't even get upstairs it's appalling. When you ask the shop assistant if they have a lift, they give you that blank look. I know there are lots more important things to moan about, but I must admit that this does annoy me."

"Just a question for other parents - how do you feel about schools selling alcohol to parents at school functions i.e. dances and fetes?

The schools look at it as gaining revenue to add to the schools funding. And it also brings in parents (and students) who might not attend the functions. But does this not give our young people a mixed message about alcohol? They see their parents who they look to for guidance at their own school drinking so it must be OK!! Their parents are drinking then bundle them into a car and drive them home - so this too must be OK! They also see their parents drinking and having a good time so alcohol = good time.

The first time I saw the selling alcohol at my child's First school I was floored! This is not a local bar that they have brought in, but other parents serving at the bar. I have brought up this subject with my child's school only to be told that they have been doing so for years and basically to mind my own business. They have said that they have applied for the liquor licence for each function but the school have not produced it for view. I phoned the local Council who said they have no policy for selling alcohol on the school premises as long as it is not sold to minors.

I would be interested in hearing how other parents view this situation? (PS. I would just like to say, I too enjoy a drink as much as the next person but can wait until I am at home to drink when I know I will not be driving.)

Barbara

In reply to Barbara re schools selling alcohol:

Very interesting point! At our Leavers Evening, many Year 6s were trying to buy alcohol allegedly for their parents, but really to drink themselves. Needless to say they were turned away. On balance I think schools should be allowed to sell alcohol. Moderate, responsible drinking is not an evil - it is part of real life for many families. As long as parents can be trusted to behave themselves then I don't see it as problem. I guess if a tiny minority of parents can't be trusted at a certain school you then ban alcohol. Of course a lot depends on what alcohol you sell - weak lager and dilute punch and sangria might be a good choice. I am not in favour of alcopops being sold at school or hard spirits. Wine and stronger beer are OK but perhaps limit the quantity, so if there is a rush on it, it sells out fast.

There are greater evils lurking. The US donut company, Krispy Kreme, offer PTAs the chance to purchase their donuts at way under cost price and to sell at school events. They arrange delivery and promotional materials as well. These donuts are very addictive, full of fat and sugar and IMO it's extremely wrong of the company to target young children in this way. And as for vending machines selling junk food and fizzy drinks in schools well don't get me started on the evils of that!

Joan

"I am concerned about the way that the big American corporations have cornered the market on baby care even though their products are neither environmentally responsible nor made from natural ingredients. Such products, along with non-biodegradable, heavily-fragranced nappy sacks, appear to be heavily promoted in maternity wards by the distribution of 'Bounty' packs of free samples – I believe that hospitals should be encouraging the use of real nappies (using a nappy laundry service) and organic biodegradable baby toiletries.

I also feel that as far as the Media and Government are concerned, we are put on a guilt trip if we choose not to inject serious diseases directly into our babies' bloodstreams, bypassing all the body's natural defences, whilst on the other hand we're duped into feeding our children genetically modified, heavily sprayed and overly processed foods that weaken the immune system further!"

Abby

"Hi as an older parent, I am 51 and my baby is 1 year old. I get very very frustrated and upset by comments by uncaring or unthinking shop assistants with comments like, 'Is granddad treating you today then?'. I realise that it is my choice to have my child late in life but the shop keepers and assistants do not help themselves with their lack of thought there because I for one refuse to return to any shop where the staff treat us in this way. It is just as easy to make a comment like 'that's a nice treat for you'. Anything that will not cause offence to older parents after all as everyone keeps reminding me when I moan about this point Charlie Chaplin was 80 when he had his last child. Sorry to get on my high horse here but I am very proud of my son, yes that's right my son not my grand son!"

Steve

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