Parenting
Updated: June 18, 2018
Originally Published: Sep. 16, 2014
Having four energetic boys under the age of six means I’m constantly on the lookout for fun ways to let them burn off steam. Recently, we decided to participate in our first family 5K, which encouraged kids of all ages to join in and wear superhero costumes to support cancer awareness. My boys, of course, opted for their favorite ninja turtles outfits. With shiny red capes for everyone and perfect weather, they relished the cheers from fellow participants as we made our way along the course. It was a wonderful day that was nearly flawless.
But, as is often the case, our joyful outing came with a not-so-pleasant reminder of how my large family can be seen as a nuisance. As we approached the finish line, I heard a voice shout from behind, “Thanks for taking up the whole lane! Really appreciate it!” We turned around, puzzled, because we were certainly not blocking the path. I was on the far right, carrying the baby, while my husband was pulling two boys in a wagon, and one was cycling ahead. We were actually quite compact, just “two-wide.”
When we looked back, the gentleman was quite a distance behind us and repeated his comment, seemingly directed at our merry little group. My husband asked, “Are we in your way?” as the guy ran past us on the left. “Yeah, thanks a lot,” he snapped. I called out, “This is a family walk for cancer!” but he just sprinted ahead, finishing a few yards before us. My husband approached him afterward to discuss it, but he simply ignored us, which only fueled our frustration. The drive home was filled with our retelling of the incident.
It’s a familiar narrative. Like the time a man grumbled at us for taking too long to select canned crab while we pushed our cart overflowing with kids. Or when I was scolded for the “unacceptable” duration it took to buckle all four kids into their car seats while a guy impatiently waited for my parking spot. I see now how much of a threat we appear to the public. So, I’d like to extend an apology.
I’m truly sorry that I didn’t think of you, the random stranger, when I was planning my family.
I regret that your needs weren’t my first concern.
I apologize for my car safety practices not enhancing your parking experience.
And I’m sorry that those oversized carts at Walmart feel like navigating a Zamboni through the aisles, encroaching on your precious aisle space.
To that dedicated runner, I sincerely apologize if my audacity to bring my kids to a family 5K added a few seconds to your impressive 59-minute finish time. How thoughtless of me!
Clearly, I have much to learn. If you’d like to keep me and my little tribe away from your streets and grocery stores, consider signing a petition at www.gokickrocks.com.
Thank you for your understanding. With your help, we can keep large, happy families of adorable children at home, allowing us to focus on caring for the elderly and disabled instead.
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Summary:
In this humorous reflection, Taylor Morrison shares the trials and tribulations of parenting four young boys, highlighting the challenges of navigating public spaces and the occasional judgment from strangers. Despite the chaos, the joy of family outings remains a priority, with a lighthearted apology to those inconvenienced by large families.