I Always Think of the Right Thing to Say After the Moment Has Passed
Thomas and I were out walking last week. We popped into a children’s clothing store to see if they had any summer clothes for next summer on clearance. A mother, her friend, and her son – about 18 months old – were already in the store. The mother and her friend were browsing the racks, chatting, and paying zero attention to the little boy. After a while the little boy began to whine and then to cry. After a couple of minutes the mother turned to her son, brought him over to Thomas and said, “Look at that little boy” referring to Thomas. “He’s not crying. What can’t you be more like that little boy?” Aghast, I walked out with Thomas.
I generally try not to be judgemental about other’s parenting, but I really wish I had said something. Something along the lines of “Don’t use my child to beat down your child’s self-esteem before they are even two!”
September 16th, 2008 at 12:12 am
Wow. Stories like that make me feel like the most fantastic mother in the universe…
September 16th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Double Wow. Very sad. I have a feeling that anything you did say would have been wasted breath on your part.
September 16th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
Those two adults that were “H.U.A” ( see i can use these text messager shortcuts)
these two self absorbed ninnies did not understand the little guy just wanted to be part of the shopping, Lucky your Dad ( me) was not there because as you know I would not have kept my big mouth shut.
I am so happy you and Jeff are great caring parents for Thomas.
If more of those “H.U.A” people would pay more attention to their little ones and not always be negitive maybe the next generation would grow up better knowing thier parents have time for them and not be parents who only have time for themselves.
Love your noisy Pa Pa with the red train.
October 20th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
I know I’m late, but this reminds me of my brother. When his child would act up he’d say “Aunt {my name here} is embarassed by your crying. She thinks you’re acting like a baby.” and so forth. I was horrified and sat there dumbfounded the first time, but the second time I joined in “Oh no, I don’t mind at all” and then explained to brother later that I didn’t like it and wouldn’t be a part of it. GRRRRRR.