[cstreit]

It doesn't sound too far out of whack to be honest. Not that it is appropriate, but here's my take:

1. THe one year old. Stranger danger! Wakes up in a strange place with strange people around. My daughter FREAKS OUT when strangers are around and we aren't. The only male she'll look at/be with is me. (and I am planning on keeping it that way) This is called stranger anxiety. Oh she is LOUD, ear piercing loud. You know when something is soooo loud you can feel your ear-drums vibrate? Un-freekin-real. THis morning my 4 year old son put on ear-muffs to get thru breakfast. Anyone that thinks they can come over and reason with my 16 month old daughter? I'll pay your plane ticket.

2. The 3 year old... Ever heard of "the terrible twos?" Well they don't end the day they turn 3 my friend. The 2-3 year old has learned that they can make their own decisions and are hell-bent on excercising their right to be independent at all costs. Often it's just they way it is. Ask those that know me, I'm definitely not shy about discipline. Son is sent to his room/corner at least once per day for doing something he knows is wrong. ...Young boys are absolute pistol packin monkey children. They climb, yell, run, scream, etc.. because that's who they are. a 3 year old boy that sits quietly on the couch probably has no pulse.

Once again, I wasn't there and it could be a discipline issue, however no amount of discipline is going to keep a 3 year old boy or a young girl from being who they are. that would take medication (Ritalin so parents don't have to deal/discipline) or breaking their spirit...

Now you have boundaries in your home and the parent should have respected those better, even if it's "natural" for the kids to explore. They have to learn that there are different rules in different places. One thing my kids have going for them is they act waaaay better out than when at home.