My husband and I, senior citizens, arrived at 5:00 pm to set up our chairs on the edge of the sidewalk for the unobstructed view.

I’m not sure why you thought it was acceptable for your four children to stand in front of us, not only blocking our seated view, but adding stress to our evening. We were subjected to watching your children inch further into the roadway, then dash out precariously close to the commercial trucks pulling flatbed floats to snag those pieces of candy thrown onto the pavement.

It wasn’t our responsibility, right or obligation to keep your kids safe, or ask them to move, however, your lack of parenting made it seem that way. The two young moms with their own candy bags possibly feeding their inner child, most surely deprived some parade goers’ children down the road from their share. It doesn’t seem like an unreasonable request for parents of small children to arrive early, set up so that your children are in front of you, not strangers.

Leave the candy for the kids. Lastly, model for your children respect for their elders. You will be glad you did.

Debra Taylor

Enumclaw