Parenting Insights
We’ve all experienced those moments that catch us completely off-guard, haven’t we? You know, when something happens that feels so out of place that you find yourself staring, completely bewildered, even if it makes you a bit uncomfortable.
I should have anticipated this. On a chilly autumn afternoon with gusts of wind hitting 20mph, a lakeside park wasn’t the best option for an outing with my son. But he was eager to go, and I didn’t have a solid reason to decline, aside from my own reluctance.
Upon arrival, it became glaringly obvious that I had misjudged how cold it was. We stumbled upon two women—probably in their late 30s—who also seemed oblivious to the weather, decked out in their snug yoga attire, complete with makeup and enthusiasm radiating off them like they were at a fashion show instead of a playground. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of annoyance.
“Please don’t try to strike up a conversation with me, ladies. We wouldn’t get along,” I thought as I made my way to the far side of the playground, sporting my best “don’t talk to me” expression.
But I couldn’t tear my gaze away from them. I had never seen adults so at ease in such an inappropriate setting. One of the women, let’s call her Lisa, stood by her stroller, doling out snacks to her imaginary baby while chatting with her friend, totally disregarding their children playing nearby.
And then it happened.
They picked up the enormous dumbbells.
Yes, you read that right. Instead of keeping an eye on their kids, they proceeded to work out in the middle of the park, clearly oblivious to the chaos their children were causing, including bothering my son.
Let’s face it: kids can be irritating. And the most bothersome child is always the one that isn’t yours. I get it; others may think my child is the worst on the playground, but I would firmly disagree.
I have one rule when it comes to playdates: Don’t be a jerk.
Unfortunately, the child in question was the one who walked up the slide, stood in front of it, and blocked my son’s path while screaming in his face. I was right there, shooting daggers at the little bully, biting my tongue as I sternly advised, “We all need to be nice and take turns,” while under my breath I muttered to my son, “Give him a run for his money.”
A tense stare-down ensued, and I think that brat won.
Then Lisa approached, asking, “Is my child being unkind?”
“Which one is yours?” I replied.
“The one in the green coat,” she said.
“Yes,” I confirmed, “that’s correct. Your kid is not being nice.”
In a sing-song voice, she chirped, “Everyone has to be nice to everyone. Okay?” Then she trotted off, grabbing her oversized dumbbell once more, completely unfazed, continuing her workout as if everything was just fine.
Seriously? You look ridiculous. And, by the way, your child just gave you the finger.
Maybe I was just annoyed because I don’t have a perfect physique. Perhaps I was feeling lonely and wished I had more friends. Or maybe I’d feel better about myself if I ventured outside with some makeup and a fitted outfit. But honestly, who needs that?
For the sake of my sanity and my son’s well-being, let’s make one thing clear: Don’t mess with my kids.
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