Monday, July 18, 2011

Off with their heads: where is child protection when you need them?

Sous-Chef walks out to street corner soapbox in hand.  Drops said soapbox, climbs on top and pulls a tiara from her back hip pocket and firmly smashes it on her head.

Ehem…cough…cough “OFF with their heads”, she proclaims!

Now I’d like to point out for the record I like kids, I believe in family vacations and I’m happy to see multi-generational visitors from foreign shores visiting the US…but really Las Vegas? I’d also like to point out there were plenty of American family vacations taking place in Vegas as well.  We are talking children ranging in age from hatchlings to those in their teens.
During the day there are some interesting non-seven deadly sins activities to participate in, including Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, Madame Tussaud’s, Adventuredome and even Ethel M’s Chocolates.  News Flash:  The 1990’s ad campaign of Vegas being family friendly was a bust and for good reason.  Kids have no business stomping through casinos at any hour and certainly not on the strip after dark.
Yes, the Fountains of the Bellagio are lovely…I spend a great deal of time there myself, but so do drunks and porn slappers.  I’m not talking about 7:00 at night, more like 10:00 and later.  While I realize it is the weekend/summer…I’m sorry babies, toddlers, grade schoolers and tweens should be in BED not roaming Las Vegas Boulevard after dark. 
If you wish to partake in nighttime activities use common sense and some of that multi-generational talent…leave the kiddies with the teens or Grandma & Grandpa with a movie back in the room.  When there is no flexibility parents trade off nights or better yet use the bonded child care services offered by the hotel.  If you can’t afford the child care you shouldn’t be there.
For the love of Peter, Paul and Mary…think before you book.  If you are looking for family time go to Disneyland or the Grand Canyon.  If you really want to do Vegas make it couple time and leave the kids at home.
/end rant…places tiara back into hip pocket, picks up soapbox and heads for bed.

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