Parenting
Written by Sarah Collins
Updated: July 13, 2017
Originally Published: June 28, 2016
Typically, when I have important appointments or need to tackle adult responsibilities, I arrange for a babysitter to watch my kids. With them being just 1 and 4 years old, it’s not their fault that their attention spans are about as long as a goldfish’s. To sidestep any potential public meltdowns, it’s best for everyone involved if they hang out with Grandma and indulge in some cookies. The children get treats, Grandma enjoys some cuddles, and I get a few moments of peace for self-care. It’s a win-win-win situation.
But then comes the day when a sitter is unavailable. Maybe Grandma is busy—gasp! You might find yourself needing to make an urgent appointment and have no time to arrange childcare. Or you might feel overly optimistic, thinking, “Hey! I’m a fantastic mom; I can handle this!” But how bad could it really be… right?
To answer that: pretty bad. Really bad.
The Situation
A couple of weeks ago, my phone screen shattered just before a holiday weekend. The thought of being without a phone for an extended period sent me into a frenzy, so I labeled the situation a “Class 5 Emergency.” With my two kids in tow, I hurried to the nearest cell phone store.
Big mistake.
I was completely unprepared for the slow pace of the store or the sheer amount of energy required to manage my two energetic children. Initially, they behaved like angels, but it didn’t take long for their patience to evaporate. Suddenly, my sweet little ones transformed into hyperactive tornadoes.
They grew restless and relentless, leading to an epic public meltdown that was about to unfold.
The Embarrassing Moment
Before I knew it, my older child started running in circles, teasing her younger sibling. My son lashed out by refusing to be held, wriggling free and screaming like I’d burned him. Moments later, he made a break for the staff room while my daughter decided it was essential to press every button on the display phones. The room was filled with a cacophony of crying, tantrums, and giggles that echoed loudly. I glanced at my cracked phone screen—only 16 minutes had passed. Seriously? Every second felt like an eternity.
A Helping Hand
I was on the verge of giving up and bolting for the exit when one of the older gentlemen in the store, who had been observing this scene unfold (and whom my daughter had made a not-so-subtle comment about earlier), turned around. I expected criticism, but instead, he shared a heartwarming story about his grandkids and how seldom he gets to see them. My daughter instantly connected with him, shyly peeking out from behind my legs. Soon, he was wandering around the store with her, pretending to snap pictures with each phone. She was in absolute bliss, and I finally felt a wave of relief wash over me.
His small act of kindness not only brightened my daughter’s day but also lifted the spirits of everyone in the store. As laughter filled the space, my embarrassment began to fade.
To that gentleman, thank you for your kindness, patience, and respect toward my daughter. Your actions not only made the wait bearable, but I also managed to stay calm during my daughter’s urgent bathroom crisis that occurred just moments after it was our turn. Seriously, thank you.
A Note of Gratitude
To every stranger who has lent a hand to my family in public, I appreciate you. Thank you to the bank manager who let my kids have a field day in her office while I needed to sign urgent papers. Thank you to the mom I don’t know at my daughter’s gymnastics class who took my screaming toddler for a stroll while I took a moment to regroup. Thank you to my doctor who remained silent as I rocked my crying son in his car seat with my foot during my check-up. And thank you to the grocery store staff who have endured my newborn’s ear-piercing cries, even after I fed him right before heading out.
Parenting in public is no walk in the park.
Parenting in Public
It can be challenging, especially when instead of receiving a look of disdain, you’re met with a reassuring smile. If you ever find yourself out and about and see a mom dragging a screaming child out of a store, please don’t jump to conclusions about her parenting. Don’t assume the child is a little monster or stare judgmentally at the scene. That mom is likely already mortified.
Instead, offer her a hand. Help carry her diaper bag. Lend a hand with her groceries. Tell her toddler a silly joke. Most importantly, reassure her that she’s doing just fine and that we’ve all been there. You could save her day and become a hero in her eyes.