I would look at Tim and say, "Who lets their kid act like that?"
Other times you would see the mom that would have an arm full of items to include but not limited to her purse, diaper bag, cell phone, while holding on to about 3-5 shopping bag with her keys in her mouth and holding her child's hand who is doing the "I don't want to walk so I'm going to let my legs go limp and let my mom drag me to the car by my arm as I scream" thing.
Today was that day for me. Max is at the age where he doesn't want to sit in the cart anymore. No matter what toys or type of entertainment I try and give him, he just doesn't want anything to do with it. What he wants is RUN (not walk) around the store and touch and put everything on the floor.
Today we had to go to Hobby Lobby to get some items for a Father's Day project. I knew exactly what I had to get and where it was located. I decided to just bring my wallet and coupon book instead of the whole diaper bag. I put Max in the big part of the shopping cart so he wouldn't feel so restricted.
We walked around for me to get my items. He was getting irritated because he wanted to run so I gave him my wallet and coupon book to play with and that entertained him for all of 5 seconds. He was standing up and getting frustrated, he hit his head, slammed his hand in the part of the cart that folds up all the while he was starting to throw his
I got all of my items in a record 10 minutes (could have stayed there for much longer looking at everything) and went to check out. I was lucky enough when I came in that there was a cart in the parking lot (rare for Hobby Lobby) and I did not want to push him out in that since I only had 1 bag, my wallet, and coupon book, so I put Max down to walk himself.
Again, he is a runner right now and doesn't want to hold my hand. So of course as soon as we get to the sidewalk to cross the street he does the "limp leg" thing while screaming as I'm crossing the street holding him up by his arm. Awesome!
All those memories and judgements came flooding back on what I use to think of "that mom" and her "terrible kids". I just want to say that I understand now and I'm sorry for all the judgements I use to make. I get it now. You learn to adapt and overcome and to pick your battles. Had this been a grocery store and we were going to be there a while, I would have taken him home. I'm not blind and know when enough is enough. Why do you think we bring an iPad loaded with movie and TV shows when we got out to dinner. We want to enjoy dinner just as everyone else does.
And just some FYI out there to all you non-moms, if you see a Mom or person with multiple things/children going on, help her. Offer to carry bags or take her shopping cart over the cart return place. Don't look at her and say, "Wow, you look like you have your hands full," (uh, DUH, OBVIOUSLY) or "Your kids must be tired." It isn't always the case. Just because they are crying does not always = tired. There are a million (well really only about 10) other things that could be going on.
So again, I'm sorry for my judgements and don't worry, if you give me a funny look when my child is screaming and I'm continuing to shop looking unbothered by it, I won't judge you. I was you once. But know this, you too will do the same thing when your day comes.
3 comments:
Very well written post. We've all been there and what those people with kids don't know is that you can't given in to the tantrums. Yes you can remove them from the store but the "just give them the such and such so they will shut up" will end up biting you in the ass. I have a suggestion about the wanting to touch everything part. I started this with G when he was about 2, which is when I read about it, and it works like a charm. I don't know if Max is too young or not but it is worth a try. Tell him that he can touch things with one finger but he is not allowed to pick them up. You will have to allow him to practice (in places that things are breakable) but he will get the hang of it. In no time he will go into a store and touch a few things and then won't be interested anymore. It allows them to do something in the store instead of being told no about everything. It's an interesting concept and has been quite effective in my experiences.
OOOOhh, I like that! Still think he is a little young for it, don't think he is going to be able to walk down the aisle at Bri's wedding without throwing the pillow. So probably towards the of summer we'll do that. Good idea!!! Thanks Kat.
Good luck, I hope it works for you like it has worked for us. Obviously that should say practice where things AREN'T breakable.
Post a Comment