A Trip to Trader Joe's

On a recent trip to Trader Joe’s, it struck me that you could classify the mothers who bring their toddlers to a grocery store into 3 camps:  One – the education/experiential camp (showing and demonstrating as they go)  for some reason these kids usually seem engaged and non-belligerent.  Two - the mothers who don’t seem to quite have things under control, or at least THIS particular morning things were VERY out-of-control.  Their kids are whining, crying or begging and the mothers usually seemed stressed or embarrassed and are placating the kids.  Three – these are the mothers who just wallop their kids if they act up or they let them scream bloody murder and act as if they aren’t bothering anyone in the store.   Sure…..

That day there must have been 12 mothers with toddlers in the store (no they were not together in pre-school formation)  and  each mother could be categorized in my 3 categories (at least it seemed to me).

Now that I have 2 teenagers, the grocery store doesn’t loom as largely for me as it used to in those days. I just get in my car and go and sometimes I’m even lucky enough to have some nice teenager in my home unload a thing or two if I leave it in my car and ask. But it did take me back, and I’m glad my parenting isn’t on open display like that anymore. It’s easy to take potshots at moms when they have young ones. With teenagers, you get the sidelong looks from people if your child is impolite or look like they just got out of bed. But, they don’t say anything. I can remember people actually coming up to me and giving me advice (people I had never met) about what to do about my toddler. Yikes!! I’m glad I don’t have that to contend with anymore!!

Original post 50-Something Moms Blog Post

Comments

[Cheryl W.]

I can't imagine having anyone come up and give me advice about my kids. Hasn't happened yet, but I'm sure it will at some point.

I would not do that to another mom, although I must admit I DO look and judge. Can't help it. I'm made that way. :)