I was searching through racks upon racks of clothes at Babies R Us the other day. [Looking for clothes for my 2 year old there is a little like having Barney over for a play date. Overkill on color, lacking in style, and side effects may include: nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, decreased sex drive, ringing in ears, and dry mouth. Thank you wikipedia.] As I realized that this labor of love would end up fruitless, I turned to leave. And as I was walking out, I noticed a woman in the toy section struggling with her 2 children (maybe 3 and 5 years old). As she finally wrangled them to the ground, one broke free and in the exuberant glory of his escape, managed to knock several Big Bird toys off the shelf and sent them skittering across the floor (haven't we all been there?). Apparently the Big Bird incident was the straw that broke the camels back because I kid you not, this woman came COMPLETELY unglued. There was gnashing of teeth and much yelling. Not like the low, under-your-breath, mad as hell but don't want to summon security yelling. Like the screaming at the top of your lungs because you need a tranquilizer yelling (actually I have done that, but not anywhere that ends in "R-US"). Needless to say, I think I pee'd a little. It was THAT loud. And the best part was about mid-rant when she chucked some animal crackers at her kid said "WHEN IN THE HELL ARE YOU GOING TO LEARN TO BE NICE". I almost stuck around just to make sure I hadn't been punked.
It's good to know that there do exist lines that I haven't crossed yet. I'm not saying I wont. I'm just saying it hasn't happened yet.
*And for the record, Babies R Us carries many useful child rearing supplies. Just not the kind you dress them in. Or throw at them.
7 comments:
oh man that's a great story. i've been known to grab my kids in public places which means they scream and yell because apparently there's no worse pain that being grabbed by your arm. i always thought that was pretty bad, but i have yet to yell and throw things at them in public, there's always something to aspire to, right?
Ha, I love it. I have been so close to a public tantrum when dealing with my kids, especially Jacob who Likes to be naughty (think of Ashley Dunn "spank me, I like it.")but the fear of someone calling security has always kept me in line. I have caught myself (at home)yelling "we don't yell in this house!" Or "Would you two quit yelling at each other!" I think parenthood truly brings out the best in each of us.
p.s. I don't know where you DO get Ivie's clothes, but they are always adorable.
Thank you for that story. My mother-self-esteem just went up at least an inch :)
I am seriously laughing out loud. I haven't crossed that line either . . . at least not in public!
What a crazy woman! Makes me feel better for my bad moments though. :) My daughter asked me the other day to be nice like "Alia and Allison's moms" Doh! I said, "I know that at home, when nobody is around I am POSITIVE their mommies get mad sometimes too." :)
Stories like that just make me feel like you, I am not yet that bad of a mother. Although I am working my way there with a 2 year old as well!!
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