Home > Still Traveling > Archives > 2007 > December > 27 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USSay goodbye to 2007’s stresses with a spa trip
Where’s your favorite Southeastern spa?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I don’t need a resolution (New Year’s or otherwise) to convince me that a spa getaway is an excellent idea. Given the opportunity, I will easily resolve to melt away stress with a relaxing massage, a cleansing facial or a simple manicure-pedicure.
It’s the opportunity that always escapes me. With three young children, a busy husband and my own hectic schedule, traveling to an exotic locale for a bit of a pamper is an indulgence indeed. Even without the travel part, I don’t see the inside of Atlanta’s great spas as much as I would like.
But a few weeks ago, William and I did the unimaginable. We found a friend who would watch our kids for the weekend, and we headed off to Hilton Head for my 36th birthday. It was our first trip without any children in tow in more than eight years, and a spa visit was at the top of my list. Golf was at the top of William’s list. So we played golf together in the morning and spent the afternoon side-by-side on massage tables. Sixty minutes of soft music, aromatic oils and muscle rubbing were just what I needed to forget about the moving vehicles and beautiful houses my left-handed slice nearly destroyed earlier in the day.
After the massage, William hit the pub down the street while I stayed on for a manicure and pedicure. I was the last one to leave the spa that day, and as I headed off to meet William, I resolved that it would not be another eight years before we took a trip without the kids. I also thought that the kids would probably enjoy some of the spa treatments themselves.
This week, Kelly Williams writes about seven spas in the Southeast worth looking into. Because we travel so frequently with the children, I am very interested in the Amelia Island and Charleston spas and the kid-friendly packages they offer. But I also want to try a couple of the mountain spas she mentions.
Have you been to any of the seven spas in Kelly Williams’ article? What were your experiences there? Do you have another favorite spa within driving distance of Atlanta? Tell us about it.
Permalink | Comments (88) | Post your comment | Categories: Southeast travel
Comments
By Nick Fury
December 27, 2007 5:47 PM | Link to this
Gay. Really, really gay. A trip only a mombie and her puzzy-whipped “hubbie” could love. Typical for yuppie scum.
By The Momster
December 27, 2007 6:27 PM | Link to this
As an adult who loves going to a spa, I would never in a million years go to a spa if I thought that children would be there also. I go to get away, not to see someone else’s darlings in an age-inappropriate setting. I began to treat my teenage girls to a once-a-year facial after they turned 16 at a local day spa so that they would develop good skin care routines. But I like my spa experience quiet, and very adult. Children can wait for more adult experiences until they are in their mid-teens at the very least. That said, there’s a great spa for mom and dad at Callaway Gardens, and plenty of other activities to entertain the kiddies.
By Debbie
December 27, 2007 11:32 PM | Link to this
There is nothing, I repeat nothing relaxing about children. They are all like little maniac-depressive wind up dolls. I’ll stay out of their Chucky Cheese and keep them out of my Spa!
By Noelle
December 27, 2007 11:49 PM | Link to this
ABSOLUTELY NOT. I go to the spa to relax and be pampered not to hear kids whining and running about. I took my 16 year old to the spa with me once to show her which facials she should get. After that I told her to schedule her appts so that she could go by herself and drive herself. When I go to the spa IT’S ALL ABOUT ME. IF a spa allowed kids I WOULD NEVER GO.
By nono
December 28, 2007 7:38 AM | Link to this
I think we need to define “children”. If children means well-behaved teenagers who understand that a spa is a place to relax and recharge—not chat on the phone constantly with friends or text message—then fine, by all means come and enjoy! But if spa services are offered to children just so mommy can enjoy the spa and essentially pay for baby-sitting services via a poor facialist who has to work on her ill-behaved daughter then absolutely not! It’s bad enough to spend $20 to go to an R-rated movie and have it ruined because some idiot brought a screening 3-year-old. I can’t imagine spending $300 or more for a nice afternoon at the spa and having children scampering underfoot. I’d be demanding a refund and never setting foot in that spa again!
By Katie
December 28, 2007 7:42 AM | Link to this
Hell no. I would want to be as far away from kids as possible.
By Charles
December 28, 2007 7:43 AM | Link to this
Sure, why not? While we’re at it lets invite street beggars into restaurants, make private phone conversations a party line with solicitors, put car traffic on the Silver Comet trail - or better yet, allow others to sit in my box seats at the Braves game.
The AJC never ceases to amaze me. No wonder their subscriptions are down (well, a lot has to do with their Liberal agenda - but, thats another topic).
By Deb
December 28, 2007 7:47 AM | Link to this
I would not under any circumstances go to a spa that allows children. I go to spas to relax and unwind, not to listen to kids whining or fussing. Similar to The Momster, I treated my best friend´s daughter to her first facial for her 16th birthday, but spas are not for young children. If I thought it were relaxing to be around young children I´d volunteer at a daycare center instead of going to a spa.
By cayce
December 28, 2007 8:20 AM | Link to this
Parents WAKE UP! The rest of us do not find your little darlings as enchanting as you do. A spa??? I vote with everyone else. If children are allowed, count me out.
By Georgia Peach
December 28, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
No I would not want to go to a spa that is kid friendly. My idea of going to a spa is for relaxation, peace, quietness etc…., that is the whole purpose of going to a spa to get away from the little monsters.
By Georgia Peach
December 28, 2007 8:27 AM | Link to this
No I would not want to go to a spa that is kid friendly. My idea of going to a spa is for relaxation, peace, quietness etc…., that is the whole purpose of going to a spa to get away from the little monsters.
By Mara
December 28, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
A little off topic, but still on the parenting issue, i hate going to a restaraunt only to have a couple of wild misbehaving kids in the next booth. Parents wake up, we don’t want to listen to your kids scream, it’s not cute when they start throwing food, running aroudn the table, or kicking the back of my chair. If you can’t control your children, stay at home, the rest of us don’t want to deal with your bad parenting skills.
By SexyCool
December 28, 2007 9:22 AM | Link to this
One word - NOPE!!!
By Troglodyke
December 28, 2007 9:24 AM | Link to this
I wonder how long it will be before some outraged parent comes on here and accuses everyone of being anti-child. “You people were all once kids too…” wah, wah, Wah.
Yeah, I was a kid. During my childhood, kids didn’t have parents that doted on them and wanted to be their friends. I had a great childhood—solidly middle class, wanted for no essentials—and my parents loved me. But we were not “buddies.” There were rules of decorum, and we followed them, or we’d feel true consequences (usually on our backsides). When we were out in public, tantrums were not allowed, and neither was running amok or bothering other shoppers, diners, or people waiting.
Parents nowadays are far to permissive, and it’s ruining kids. They grow up to think the world revolves around them, and while that is annoying in a child, it’s downright harmful in an adult. I thank my mother everyday for setting rules and doling out consequences.
I don’t go to spas regularly, but heck no, I wouldn’t go if kids were there.
I stay away from “family-friendly” places, and I believe kids, unless they’re respectful and well-behaved, don’t belong in adult venues.
Parents, if this outrages you, you have a problem.
By Lynette
December 28, 2007 9:31 AM | Link to this
I worked in the beauty industry for many years. The salon I worked in had a special area for children to receive services. I could go on for hours about that! They also did “parties” for girls on their birthday. That was the worse.
If you think being the client is bad try having 12 to 15 spoiled 9 year olds forced on you in the middle of a busy Saturday; the topper was that the stylist or manicurist got no compensation for the services. (Sorry just a rant) The answer is NO! Children do not belong in spas. I have actually stopped doing business at salons that allow “free range children”! Sure the kids might enjoy the services but, get a clue!
By Teresa
December 28, 2007 9:53 AM | Link to this
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By Michelle
December 28, 2007 9:58 AM | Link to this
Would I go to a spa if it were kid friendly? Oh hell no!
By empty, hollow souls
December 28, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this
I would not go to a spa, period.
This is what makes up your lives? Good God. Only Nick Fury was right!
Some of the posters here - are they real people, or is someone making them up to show how hollow and unintellectual Americans have become? I’m hoping someone is making these posters up. They can’t be real people, especially the Momster. If they are real people, this is sad.
By Sarah
December 28, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this
Not even for free would I go near a spa that is kid friendly. The reason to go to a spa is to relax, how can you do that with kids running amuck and taking over the place like it’s a McDonalds. I find that the older I get the more places I seek out that are not conducive to having kids around. Too many parents suffer from the strange syndrome that we all find your children as entertaining and charming as you do, we simply do not!
By EvilWickedMean&Nasty
December 28, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
simply unbelievable. that anyone would think up garbage like this. poor you, your life must be so hard - burdened by your small children. it’s just a shame that you don’t have an opportunity to go to a spa because of your parental responsibilities. did your husband slip you a micky on three separate occasions that resulted in pregnancy each time? or did you flunk sex ed in school and have yet to figure out what the source of children is?
whine, whine, whine - gimme a break!
By EvilWickedMean&Nasty
December 28, 2007 11:43 AM | Link to this
simply unbelievable. that anyone would think up garbage like this. poor you, your life must be so hard - burdened by your small children. it’s just a shame that you don’t have an opportunity to go to a spa because of your parental responsibilities. did your husband slip you a micky on three separate occasions that resulted in pregnancy each time? or did you flunk sex ed in school and have yet to figure out what the source of children is?
whine, whine, whine - gimme a break!
By Sassy
December 28, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
*H&CK NOOOOOOO!!!!! There must remain ‘adult only’ (and not *that adult only) sanctuaries for adults who don’t believe ‘all children are wonderful’.
If I head to Chuckie Cheese … ya, I know the ‘lil ones will be there, but if I head to an upscale restaurant in town with a 10 p.m. reservation … I don’t want a young/small child near me!
Get them to bed for the much needed sleep they require or better yet … hire a baby sitter.
By Ms Jan
December 28, 2007 11:58 AM | Link to this
Would I go to a “kid friendly” spa? ABSOLUTELY NOT! An afternoon at a nice spa is going to run you in the $hundreds of dollars. I’m not going to spend that kind of money listening to little kids cry and scream. That is not relaxing to me. But by all means create the “kid friendly” spa and advertise it as such, so people such as myself can avoid it like the plague. These days I only go to R rated movies after 9:00 p.m. because children under 12 including infants are no longer allowed.
By mel
December 28, 2007 12:22 PM | Link to this
NO! Spa treatments is for adults, not for kids. Besides I think the facts are so often forgotten.
First, the fact that you chose to have it and raise it, does not give you the right to impose your kid on others to suffer.
Second, the fact that I chose not to deal with that mess, and how parents don’t seem to understand or respect my views. Yet, I am expected to behave and put up with the kid’s nonsense.
Third, the fact that children are not all -for the most part - quiet or well behaved. They are a pain in th rear when not disciplined and taught manners. Who wants to be around that? NOT ME!
Fourth, the fact that adults like a quiet and relaxed atmosphere during their spa treatments, the movies or dinner. Yet, parents have the audacity to impose their screaming little bundle of headache on the rest of us. Grow up, for one, then discipline your child. Then hire someone to watch it while you are out in the world, with the rest of the adults!
Finally, the fact that you are too cheap to hire a baby sitter is not my problem. Neither is the fact that you are underpaid, lost your job, or can’t afford to raise your kid. It was your decision to have it, you should be the only one that needs to deal with it.
If you are a parent and are mad at my views, how about trying to see things from my side. I don’t need a kid to complete me, change my world, or make me a better person. I’d rather get a dog!
By julia
December 28, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
HELL NO!
By Jill
December 28, 2007 12:46 PM | Link to this
I try to avoid kids wherever I go….so I would NOT go to a kid friendly spa….
By Ginger
December 28, 2007 1:16 PM | Link to this
For Christmas last year, my husband gave me a spa gift certificate for several hundred dollars in services. When I arrived I saw that the place was completely overrun with children. I absolutely could not believe it and turned to leave, but my husband was already gone, having dropped me off. They had me undress in a stall directly next to a pizza party with at least 30 chldren in attendance. There is nothing like trying to make it across a hall filled with running, screaming girls while wearing next to nothing. I may have been the only paying customer over the age of 8. All in all, a completely horrible experience. Not to mention a complete waste of money.
By Sagegirl
December 28, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Uhhhmmm… No
By mara
December 28, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Ginger what spa was this at? Please let the rest of us know which ones to avoid!
By Eve
December 28, 2007 1:38 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe this is even a topic of discussion!
What part of spa spells out “kids welcome”??? I go to the spa to unwind, destress and get pampered. I pay enough to be entitled to a nice quiet visit. The last thing I need is some screaming kids running wild or tween valley girl wannabe/teen valley girl wannabe chatting (loudly I might add - look around you at the mall) on their cell phones. Keep them away from my spa!
By E
December 28, 2007 1:53 PM | Link to this
Troglodyke
I completely agree with you!! As a child, mother never took us to spas; we weren’t treated as equals, we were treated as children. To be raised well, taught right from wrong, have morals instilled in us. None of this “I want to be my child’s best friend” crap parents today try.
By Leigh
December 28, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this
So Kelly- got the message yet?
By jill
December 28, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
Ditto Troglodyke!
By Jo
December 28, 2007 2:48 PM | Link to this
I agree with all the above. I don’t like rugrats. If I did, I’ve had had some. They are loud, noisy, smelly & obnoxious. They are NOT cute. Puppies & kittens are cute but at least pet-owners have more sense than to force their pets on the rest of the world.
By Tammy
December 28, 2007 3:08 PM | Link to this
If you are talking about local day spas, like Sydell - who cares. Those places are hectic anyway. But a destination resort spa usually includes ultimate swimming pools and there is no way to swim with children in a pool. Children thrash about, they don’t swim. And how about whirlpool baths? That’s not something you want to do with a kid either.
By BlueBerryEyes
December 28, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I would never go to a spa that was “child friendly”. Bad parents have already allowed their brats to take over most places. I seek “adult friendly” places.
There are some well behaved children in adult areas, but you never notice them. They have learned to be stealth (quiet and well behaved). It takes time, and the starting area is at home.
As my son was growing up (during the training part of his life), we always told him that the reason other children ran wild and acted up was because their parents did NOT love them enough to train them. He felt sorry for the untrained banshees.
By noway
December 28, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this
why on earth would anyone pay spa prices if there were children anywhere near the premises! no freekin’ way!
By Martha
December 28, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Not no, but HELL NO!! I am sick of while, undisciplined children (AND parents) ruining so many things that in the past were fun and pleasant. Dining out now is almost as much fun as a root canal, going to the movies is absolutely unbearable, live theater is a joke. Thank you, Indulgent and Ignorant Parents, you have made many, many people as miserable as you are.
By Whitney
December 28, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this
Oh hell to the no!
By Childfree by Choice
December 28, 2007 7:48 PM | Link to this
A “kid friendly” spa? Are you kidding me with this? No, I wouldn’t go to a spa that allows kids. Give me a break. Kids are everywhere these days, even places where previously it was considered bad manners to take them (R-rated movies, nice restaurants, concerts, etc.). Parents have ruined those places for the rest of us. Don’t ruin spas too.
By Judy
December 28, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this
You’ve got to be kidding. I would rather drink gasoline than go to a spa where there were children.
By O. Hellno
December 28, 2007 10:08 PM | Link to this
Why do these dopes think all activities would be better if they are “kid friendly”? Gee….why not have “kid friendly”:
nudie bars Daddy can pick little junior up and let him stuff his very own dollar in a stripper’s garter! and little sister can skip those ballet and gymnastics classics and learn some brand new moves!
couples only resorts two’s company? BULL-CHEEZE! It’d be more fun to have a bunch of screaming rugrats around!!!!
cigar bars nothing like the aroma of a nice cigar and a freshly made dump in Pampers….ummmmm…
By Julie
December 29, 2007 12:15 AM | Link to this
NO NO NO! I have a child and if I’m going to pay for spa services -be it a day spa or a destination, then I want it relaxing and child free! If your spouse or a babysitter can’t watch your child for a little while -then too bad! I love my son more than anything, but he doesn’t belong everywhere. However, for the few who agree with Nick Fury -what’s your problem? Because we like massages or facials we’re sad, empty pieces of yuppie scum? I can spend my money however I want, and if I want to really relax for an hour or two, why does that make me so horrible? Spas employ a lot of people and destress a lot of others who would probably be more than happy to slap the S**T out of people like you, Nick, if they didn’t have massages.
By RJ
December 29, 2007 7:21 AM | Link to this
Have you been to any of the seven spas in Kelly Williams’ article? What were your experiences there? Do you have another favorite spa within driving distance of Atlanta? Tell us about it.
Apparently nobody read the questions!!! For goodness sake, we’re talking about kids, people, not animals! Some of you must’ve had terrible childhoods!
By DotingAunt
December 29, 2007 9:02 AM | Link to this
I was stunned when a woman brought her two little girls to a salon with her; they whined the entire time I was there, which wasn’t long because I left. I made sure to tell the owner that I was there for a little pampering and relaxation, and allowing children to be there is neither pampering nor relaxing. She didn’t charge me.
By TL
December 29, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this
Don’t bother with going to the spa at Amelia Island. It sucks!
By Think Again
December 29, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
No one is forcing you people to go to a kid-friendly spa. If you don’t want to go, don’t go. I think it’s great for moms who can’t get away. I wouldn’t go, because my kids are grown, and I go for relaxation, so I wouldn’t go to one that allowed kids. However, just because you have kids shouldn’t make you an outcast when it comes to spas. I say have your kid-friendly spas, but advertise them as such so that those of us who don’t wish to spend hours with your kids won’t go there by mistake.
By Enlightened
December 29, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Um, I believe the question was what are your favorite local spas - mine are 1. Kiawah Island 2. Sea Island and 3. The Greenbrier.
But remember folks - in order to learn to rest and relax you should put yourself in a busy place such as the interstate at rush hour and challenge yourself to feel free of all anxieties…An awesome environment such as a spa is nice but you must do the internal work yourself, otherwise it is the external environment doing the work for you.
Peace and love.
By Idiots
December 29, 2007 2:00 PM | Link to this
To RJ & Enlightened - 2 “nonintellects” who visit spas instead of universities……….they changed the question. The original question asked if you would visit a kid-friendly spa. Since they have the average IQ of “spa-goers,” they were unable to provide a new forum for an adapted question.
By Ron Renner
December 29, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
The best spa that gives you the beach and a spa is Portofino resort & Spa on pensacola Beach ! www.portofinoisland.com
By Ron Renner
December 29, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
The best spa that gives you the beach and a spa is Portofino Resort & Spa on Pensacola Beach ! www.portofinoisland.com
By Ron Renner
December 29, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this
The best spa that gives you the beach and a spa is Portofino Resort & Spa on Pensacola Beach !
By big fabric softena'
December 29, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this
I like Asian spas on Cheshire Bridge no kids and a happy ending…all my married friends go because their wives stopped putting out talk about an indentured servant all the white christian women go to college for what to try to find the richest golf playin pud must have right neighborhood car clothes and schools pathetic really
By Teresa
December 29, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this
HELL TO THE NO!!!!!
By catlady
December 29, 2007 8:05 PM | Link to this
Don’t waste my money that way. But if I did I would not go to a child-friendly one. Children are already taken places they should not be, to the detriment of child and other customers. Having children means sacrifice—either engage a sitter or stay home until the child is old enough to stay alone.
By DG
December 30, 2007 7:15 AM | Link to this
I have two children who have been taught to behave properly and I love going to the spa. I have never even considered taking them with me for a hair cut much less a spa treatment. I would NEVER frequent a child friendly spa. I go to relax and be pampered. If I make arrangements for my children to be cared for while I relax, I certainly don’t want to listen to other peoples children. It used to drives me nuts when I would go to the salon and have to listen to young children who were bored to death because their parents were so selfish as to expect little junior to sit quietly for 2 or 3 hours while Mommy gets a cut and color. Ignorant selfish parents are the issue, not children.
By Georgie
December 30, 2007 12:40 PM | Link to this
How funny, that’s what I tell my children about banshees as well. We do not take our children to places that are for adults. The only adult restaurant we take them to is the one we own. I take them for an early dinner before service starts. They do not run around the restaurant acting like morons. I don’t allow it. I have taken my daughter to have her nails painted, but not at a spa. She is quiet and respectful and I love doing it with her. Why do children need a massage? How stressful can life be?
By Mama
December 30, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
NO way!
By Fred
December 30, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
What a bunch of self centered buttheads. At least your nasty attitude towards children is self correcting unless you have already spawned, (which given the responses I read, I shudder for the welfare of your off spring).
but I digress. In answer to your question Ms. Still, a KID FRIENDLY (note to buttheads, it said KID FRIENDLY, it did not say your favorite narcissistic haven of sloth), is a business idea way past its prime. For Mother’s Day I looked into a place where mom and child could both go to be pampered, a nice little mom/daughter thing. i was surprised that no place offers such a thing. my five year old daughter loves to go with mommy when mommy gets her hair done, (and yes to the buttheads before you spout off your ignorant comments, they love my daughter there as well, I guess some people know how to raise well mannered children and some don’t), she’s loves to have her nails done while waiting for mommy. A KID FRIENDLY spa would obviously be advertised as such and the poorly raised adults that hate children would know in advance to avoid such a place. A KID FRIENDLY spa would also be designed with things little girls would like and find entertaining as well as provide services for Mom’s that aren’t exactly appropriate for little girls. Of course it would be a place for Mom’s who DON’T hate their children, (I feel for the other sort of children who have to grow up in households populated by posters here that I read), and as such all, mom’s and the young little ladies they bring with them, would all have a good time.
Just damn.
By Fred
December 30, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this
Oh and a side note: We ALSO take our five year old to fine dining establishments and have been doing so since she was about 6 weeks old. How do you moron’s expect children to learn to act in higher social settings if you never expose them to said situations? Yeah, I get “the look” when we are seated from both the wait staff and some ill mannered patrons around us, but when we leave and our child has been the perfect well disciplined angel that she can be in such situations it is usually after not only the wait staff, but also usually several diners around us have commented on how well behaved and adorable our daughter has been, she has also been taught to look the person in the eye and say in an AUDIBLE, CONFIDENT, voice, “Thank you, Ma’am (or Sir)” Of course being socially responsible, we were ALWAYS ready to leave at the first sign of unrest, crying, or any other things that are not appropriate in a fine dining establishment.
Raising children takes patience, understanding iof the limitations of the child and firmness. SOmething i did not witness from reading the comments here. Those of you who posted that don’t have children/ Do society a favor and don’t, EVER. You are to self centered and superficial. Those of you whp posted and DO have children/ i pity your children, shame i could not have given you the previous advise before you downloaded your spawn of satan. Actually they weren’t spawn of Satan, they were just the product of your crappy, indifferent parenting.
By Local Therapist
December 30, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
Bear in mind that parents with kids might want to think about getting some pampering a bit closer to home, and their existing child-care providers. The Atlanta Metro area has quite a few really nice spas and day spas - even other types of massage facilities that offer everything from a day of pampering to a 60 min. vacation. As a massage therapist, I agree that a child in an upscale spa is a no-no - most of them should and do provide childcare services at their resort facilities. This way everyone gets a chance to relax. Especially you.
By Local Therapist
December 30, 2007 6:06 PM | Link to this
Bear in mind that parents with kids might want to think about getting some pampering a bit closer to home, and their existing child-care providers. The Atlanta Metro area has quite a few really nice spas and day spas - even other types of massage facilities that offer everything from a day of pampering to a 60 min. vacation. As a massage therapist, I agree that a child in an upscale spa is a no-no - most of them should and do provide childcare services at their resort facilities. This way everyone gets a chance to relax. Especially you.
By Ralph
December 31, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this
Fred and Mommy get “Parents of the Year” award! Yay for you guys! Good job! A+! Well done! Bravo! Kudos! Applause, applause, applause!
By Jack
December 31, 2007 10:39 AM | Link to this
Well said Fred…. I am a proud father of 2 beautiful daughters that are 2 and 3. I take my daughters to upscale restaurants and every where me and my wife go.. Kid friendly spa’s or any other kid friendly business I would be a patron or owner of on any given day. The YMCA does a very good job for parents. They have a very nice day care facility for kids while their parents work out and enjoy the facility.
People in todays society are anti kid haters. I LOVE when people get upset about my daughters, I love it even more when a adult comes up to me and tries to tell me how to be a parent, I smile then laugh then tell “thank you for showing my ways of parenting errors”
My house is a Godly home. Jesus Christ is the head of my home. I raise my daughters with pride and biblical background.
We need a revival in this world. The reason why we have some many kids growing up being thugs, having sex at 14, doing drugs at 10 yrs old and running ramped is because parents and adults consider kids a endurance and nuisance. It’s really sad on how society looks at children now adays. We need more christian people and parents. We need more Godly homes.
By Renee
December 31, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
uhhh…………NO!!! I might as well stay home with my own kids and pamper myself! The WHOLE spa experience DOES NOT include children………it’s YOUR time!!
On the other hand, us “parents” should confidently be able to take our parents anywhere, without them acting like unlearned idiots. (whining, tantrums, running, etc.) Personally, I’ve never had that problem because I believe in dicipline. I want my children well-rounded, able to adapt to ANY situation, yet I do understand that there is a time and place for everything. THE SPA IS ABOUT ME!!!
By melissa
December 31, 2007 11:03 AM | Link to this
Is not place off limits anymore?! I do not like children and wish those that feel they want them would keep them to theirselves. When you decide to have children you make a choice. Stick to chuckie cheese and the park and leave the adult places to us. And while I am on the soapbox do not let your children hang over the booth or scream when they are at the restaurant. Remember not everyone likes or wants children
By Spring for a Babysitter!
December 31, 2007 1:23 PM | Link to this
Kids in spas are equally as inappropriate as the screaming baby in the First Class Cabin of Delta’s 7:35 flight from Washington, DC to Atlanta yesterday evening. Why must people inflict their annoying ill-behaved brats on those of us who just want to be left alone? Are parents these days deaf? Do they enjoy the sound of screaming, yelling, banging, etc? Some lady had a puppy on the same flight, and the puppy was infinitely quieter than the screaming brat. Face it folks, no matter how perfect you think your little angels are, there are places where their presence should not be allowed. Period.
By Stella
December 31, 2007 2:28 PM | Link to this
Kudos to you “Spring for a Babysitter”….agree with everything you said!
By GeorgiaMom
December 31, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this
It’s pretty sad to see how closed minded so many people are when it comes to kids and public places. Open your eyes people and see the big picture, especially about a spa.
While I totally agree that spa time should be quiet, relaxing and without noise, it’s not impossible to achieve that experience while your children are on the premises! A sound-proof area specifically designed for not-so-quiet children, for instance, would allow for a well-deserving mom (and everyone else) to be pampered while her little darling gets pampered too (for a fee, of course).
Creating a child-friendly environment that accommodates everyone, no matter the venue, is doable with some aforethought and imagination.
So, before you unforgiving, anti-children, “this world is all about adult me” people start ranting and raving about children in public places, consider the possibility of a constructive solution instead of telling moms to stay at home, get a babysitter or anything else to accommodate YOU.
In addition, it must be safe to assume that NONE of you will ever have children; and if you do, you’d NEVER bring them out in public to disturb anyone else, right? Get real or better yet, grow up. Children make noise, just as you did when you were a child! Or were you one of the “good ones”?
And to the person who made the comment about bad parenting skills — obviously you don’t have children. When you become a parent you aren’t automatically awarded special powers to control your child so as to avoid disturbing people like you. In some cases, there is simply nothing you can do to CONTROL or CONSOLE an emotional child outside of waiting him/her out. I suppose if you had children you’d know a little something about that. Maybe you should teach a parenting class since you’re such an expert on what it means to be a good parent.
By Ashok
December 31, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this
It would be really hard to focus on the Happy Ending if there were kids running around.
By A Time and Place for Adults
December 31, 2007 6:08 PM | Link to this
No, I don’t have children. However, I do teach children, and have for almost 20 years. What I’ve observed over this period of time is that parents have not set boundaries for their children.
Children are that- children. It is unrealistic for children to sit quietly for several hours while you enjoy your spa treatments or hair treatments or expensive two hour dinner at Chops. Nor should they until they develop the appropriate set of skills and manners. Oh yes- manners must be taught. No, it is not appropriate for a child to be watching a video at Chops or Bones or any other expensive restaurant, any more than it would be appropriate for them to do that at a spa. Read an etiquitte book and learn and teach the appropriate behaviors for a given situation!
Beyond that, why do parents force kids into situations they are not ready for? There was a reason for a child’s table and a grown-up table. It did not inflict emotional harm or irreparable damage to young children. It showed that children are not adults and should not be treated as adults. There is a definite boundary. That’s part of the problem with children today- they think they are on equal station with adults because they have been treated as if they are adults. No- wrong! They are children and are accorded the respect and treatment of children.
Finally, some situations, such as spas, are fully appreciated by adults. It is a privilege, among others, that should not be accorded to young children. Why on earth does a seven year old need a massage or facial? For heaven’s sake, part of the proble with today’s children is that they are spoiled with things- if you want to give them time with Mom or Dad, then do something age-appropriate together with your child. Otherwise, hire a babysitter and let the mom enjoy her time at the spa.
By the way, an excellent book for reading on child-rearing: The Blessings of a Skinned Knee. I highly recommend it for anyone who has children or works with children. It is a short read, but gives a timely dose of reality for parents!
By Fred
December 31, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this
Dear “A time and place for adults”
I shudder at the thought that you teach children. Hopefully you are a public school drone and not a real teacher. It IS realistic for a child to enjoy a two hour dining experience at Chops or even a REAL fine dining establishment, (sans your idiot box video’s and what not). It happens a few times a month with MY daughter. As a human being who loves and tolerates kids rather than a lazy drone who followed the easiest career path, I heartily thank you for not having children. You are totally clueless.
Georgia mom: BS (ie, night soil of a large and particularly flatulant bull.)I can and DO control my child’s behavior and it does NOT include waiting out those damnable temper tantrums. When I tell her to “cut it off”, she cuts it off. I would assume it is YOUR child that most of these folks are talking about. Of course were I in a place where a loud crying child were not appropriate, she would be out of there long before she got to the loud and crying stage.
As for YOU SPring for a sitter? Bite me. if i pay a thousand+ bucks for a first class plane ticket because we have to be somnewhere and my child cries you can suck it up. buy earplugs you narcissistic tramp. You are probably in first class sucking up your free miles that your EMPLOYER paid for or you are one of those dispisable Delta sky waitresses with their typical attitude. I don’t support abortion but I might have made an exception in your case had your mother asked me. You don’t want kids to fly? Pony up the bucks and start an adult only airlines you mindless bimbo.
By Dick
December 31, 2007 7:12 PM | Link to this
Fred get over yourself. I would bet $$ that you have never sprung for a first class ticket. Airtran at best. And btw, your name calling was the first indication that you are a true idiot and your level of education is that of a high school graduate.
By A Time and Place for Adults
December 31, 2007 7:39 PM | Link to this
Mr. Fred, You know nothing about me other than the fact that I teach. You make judgements about me that simply aren’t true. Now, if my comments about children disturb you, then that’s your perogative. However, I make my statements on actual experiences, rather than on judgements about other people.
If you are an excellent parent,and your children know how to behave, then kudos to you. You have done your job as a parent. However, perhaps you haven’t noticed that other parents have not. I believe it is to these parents that most of the comments are being directed.
While I don’t have children, it doesn’t mean that I don’t love and value them. You, sir, don’t know a thing about me or how I teach or my relationship with my students. I would not offer you the vitriol with which you have responded to my post.
By Judy
December 31, 2007 8:43 PM | Link to this
Jack Said:
“People in todays society are anti kid haters. I LOVE when people get upset about my daughters, I love it even more when a adult comes up to me and tries to tell me how to be a parent, I smile then laugh then tell “thank you for showing my ways of parenting errors’”
You know what? I’ve decided that it’s NOT the screaming, yelling kids in places they shouldn’t be that I dislike, it’s the arrogant, stupid breeders who think that everyone should pander to their little brats because they think they are Godly or something equally as asinine.
Get over your selfish self. This world does not revolve around you or your child. I’m not your village and I’m not here to watch or put up with your offspring.
Amazingly enough, Europeans have a much more sophisticated approach to this subject… Mommy usually sgtays herself at home and COOKS dinner for the family. The restaurants are blessedly free of children.
By CT
December 31, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
These posts are great; my mouth is hanging open in disbelief. Is it America or just Atlanta that has developed into such a kid-hating place? Anyone who posts these negativistic rants about kids is probably spewing that stuff internally, too. It’s sad and destructive all around. Sometimes kids misbehave, and it’s annoying, but let’s not consign them to a special ghetto for munchkins. A kid- friendly spa seems like a good balance to all the adults-only spas. Balance is a good thing. A great thing about being a parent is entering into a brother/sisterhood with all the other parents who know how it feels to be marginalized. When the baby boomers retire and the economy experiences the “silver tsunami” of retraction in 2010, perhaps parents of this generation of “brats” should get a comendation from the government for spawing the next generation of workers? Just a thought. My hope for ‘08: that the adult-only and kid-friendly spa forces can live in harmony! Peace, people.
By delois
December 31, 2007 10:01 PM | Link to this
My husband and I are counting the days until we get go to an active adult community and get away from kids period. Give me the old grumps over a bunch of spoiled brats anyday.
By Wow
December 31, 2007 11:45 PM | Link to this
Fred:
You come across as a domineering bully and I fear for your daughter. There’s a difference between discipline and mental/emotional abuse. From your description of how you “handle” her, she is gonna grow up needing therapy. I suggest you get yourself to an anger management course before you blow up on your kid(s)for real.
By Fred
January 1, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this
Gee Wow, truth and honesty disturb you? A well disciplined child “disturbs” you? Fear for my daughter then, actually fear HER, as she is being brought up with self control AND taught how to be strong, not to be a wimp herd beast hiding behind what ever flavor of psycho babble goes around. I would say I’m sorry that my bluntness “offends” you but I am not a liar. Nor am i afraid to speak the truth. ‘Anger management”? LOL I’m not even irritated much less angry. I was merely taken aback at all the ignorant responses I saw on this blog. If there is ONE person that responded on this blog that was never at one time a child then I will kiss your bare a* at Centennial Park. The responders here seem to think that children should be locked away in a dungeon until they reach some mythical age at which point they will know how to act. That is just completely asinine. The greatest responsibility anyone can ever under take is to raise a child to be a good and productive member of society. From the responses I have read very few of the parents of the responders achieved any success. Don’t paint me with your unhappy brush with your insipid labels, I refuse to wear them. Blind accusations and silly responses do not alter the truth.
i know it is very convenient these days to refuse responsibility and to pretend that everyone “deserves” some sort of respect just by being able to suck oxygen into their lungs, but I disagree. A dumbass is a dumbass and respect is EARNED, not given away like welfare to broodmares. YOUR way of thinking is what leads many to believe all children are monsters because YOUR children probably are. MY spoiled little brat knows there are boundaries, not to her creativity or free thinking, but to anti social, unacceptable behavior. Sorry (and this time I really am as it truly saddens me) that you do not recognize the difference. ANd don’t confuse anti social with politically correct, I’ve seen the ‘politically correct’ responses from you radical left wingers who obviously don’t like the results of your child raising philosophies.
oh, and in my state of rage have I yet invited you to bite me? If not then consider the offer extended you moron.
By Fred
January 1, 2008 1:24 AM | Link to this
Oh, and Wow? I can explain it for you but I can’t understand it for you. Your lack there is your parents fault.
By TD
January 1, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
NO
By GeorgiaMom
January 1, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this
Mr. Fred, man with no taste or class. Can you respond in an intelligent fashion or must you use terms such as “flatulant bull” to get your point across?
For the record, I have TWO well behaved children who DO NOT act out in public.
What I also have is an understanding that ALL children are NOT like mine. Some children are more challenging and no matter what a parent does to control that child it only adds to the chaos instead of diffusing the situation.
Realize everyone isn’t as perfect as you obviously think you are! If you don’t have anything useful to say, why speak at all?
This is the last time I intend to respond to your ignorance.
By Keith
January 1, 2008 9:59 AM | Link to this
.
Q: Would you go to ‘kid friendly’ spa?
A: No …
.
By fer
January 1, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
“Kid-friendly spa” sounds like an oxymoron. Count me OUT!
By Alecia
January 1, 2008 10:34 AM | Link to this
I have a 4 yr old and would consider a kid friendly spa only if there was an agreement with a day care provider in an area that was next door or seperate from the rest of the spa. It would be cool if they made it fun also. For starters, I do not want some dropout/bimbo that only knows how to give manicures or was just promoted from giving “happy endings” watching my kid. Secondly, a spa visit is an escape and luxury. If I am going to lay down $70 for an hour massage, let me zone out. There have been times when my schedule has been so hectic, that I would have paid a premium for a place to get hair,nails, ect with out worrying about my daughter getting into things. The poster with the kid that is perfect, must have a child that is in acoma. My daughter has several friends and 16 classmates at her preschool. It is doubtful that any of them could make it through a spa trip or a 2 hr meal at bones. It is an unwritten rule, but anyone with common sense knows that spas are not for kids. If it is kid friendly, it needs to be advertised as such, and an explanation of how they manage the kids would also be great. If anyone knows of a place in Gwinnett, let me know.
By Hobbersquach
January 1, 2008 2:59 PM | Link to this
I work very hard to treat myself when I can to spa treatments. There is NO way in hell I’d walk into a spa where children were allowed.
By areyoukidding
January 1, 2008 5:48 PM | Link to this
This is a joke right? I love kids. Truly I do. I have one of my own, and I have the joy of teaching them 180 days a year. That being said, there are times when you want to relax and get away from it all. Wanting this doesn’t mean that you are anti-child. We all need some time for ourselves,and many of us go to spas for that purpose. As much as I love my daughter, my spa time is my time for me. Besides, one of our kids problems is the fact that they get too much too soon. My 6 year old has no stress and therefore, no need for a spa treatment.
By Spring for a Babysitter!
January 2, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
It’s a good thing that Fred condones abortion under the right circumstances, because with his aggressive and heinous attitude, his little daughter will drop her skivvies for the first man who doesn’t scream at her and call her a worthless tramp. My prediction is that this will happen at around age 11 or so. At which time, I will offer my warmest congratulations, Grandpa Fred! Y’all can take the new baby to the spa to celebrate!