Re: Are Kids allowed?

Wizard, Thanks for your outlook about kids at DCHS.

My husband and I have not been there for a few years. For people with children who might read this forum, can some long-time users tell us, in their opinion, has DCHS become a place over the years where children are more likely to encounter inappropriate behavior, less likely, or about the same as always?

Also, Wizard, in the all the years you took your two daughters there, can you tell us what, if any, instances of inappropriate behavior they ever encountered?

Personally, my husband and I would probably go on high alert if another pool was available yet a naked man "just happened" to slip himself into the pool my child was in, especially if his hands or feet were within touching distance of her under the water. I am quite sure that such alert and anxiety would be the natural response of most parents at DCHS, making them unable to really relax and enjoy their time in the pool. Recognition of that natural parental response, based on the obvious fact that not all men but some men at hotsprings might indeed be pedophiles (or perverts of one type or another), is the point behind the basic rule of etiquette, agreed to wholeheartedly by the folks over at soakersforum, and posted above in this thread, which asks unaccompanied males to extend toward women, couples and children at hotsprings. I understand that you Wizard, individually, reject that particular rule of suggested etiquette to be extended by unaccompanied males; however, it does appear to be a basic principle, widely accepted, without any significant dissent, by American hotspring users outside this particular forum. And even in this forum, in recognition of the discomfort (or misunderstanding) certain family groups may experience at the springs if a naked male plops down into the pool with them, or struts himself naked in front of their child, more than one responder has supported the idea of carrying and wearing a bathing suit to keep all visitors happy at the springs.

Finally, the point about publically promulgating and supporting certain standards of etiquette or behavior, in the presence of children and others at DCHS, is this: It educates others what is expected at DCHS and provides public weight behind that expectation, whether or not such standards are "enforceable." After all Wizard, it sounds like years ago you were involved in agreeing to and producing a brochure on etiquette for DCHS, which included things like respecting others' privacy at the springs, taking out one's own trash, not bringing glass to the springs, refraining from public sex, etc. Surely you still believe there is at least some worth to, and reason for, public recognition of such guidelines in this forum. But even if you personally do not, other recent participants in this forum have certainly not let the "non-enforceability" of such matters keep them mum about them.

I mention this because one of your primary arguments against the suggested rule of etiquette mentioned above (in this and the prior thread) was that it would not be "enforceable." But your basic disdain for the rule, as something you would never personally agree to adhere to, is one thing; its non-enforceability, however, is much beside the point, since you and others in this forum have publically asked people to do things like take out their trash, not blare boom-boxes, etc., and those things are every bit as unenforceable as well.

So, I do not believe I am alone in stating that when it comes to children at DCHS, special standards of behavior are important to recognize, both for parents who might bring their children and for other adults who are at DCHS when someone's children are there. It seems pretty clear that public promulgation of such standards is healthy and productive in this forum, and that "non-enforceability" is not a reason for us to not have this discussion -- or to not suggest and publically support ideas of expected behavior and etiquette that would make DCHS a happier place for all decent visitors.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/14/2010 03:59PM by sungirl2.