Monday, March 16, 2009

Stop Staring....

Ok - I am hoping this post will be a quick vent session -BUT it could very well turn into a wordy, rambly post about 100 million other issues except the one I want to address. So here goes.

People - stop staring. Mind your own business. Keep walking. Don't bother turning your heads. Move along and for pete sakes, stop whispering. What am I referring to?

This....



I am referring to the ridiculous tantrums that ALL children throw in the stores. Not just some of the world's children - I'm talking all of the children in this world have thrown an embarrassing, blood curdling, tear jerking, head banging, leg kicking tantrum. I know it! Don't need a degree in child development to tell you that one. Just experience in parenting. So, what is the big deal? Move on people. Keep picking out your produce, round the corner toward dairy, don't forget your loaf of bread. But my goodness, stop staring.

I made the mistake - I know it is entirely my fault - of taking my children to the grocery store today for a very quick "in and out trip." They were acting very naughty this morning and Dave had said their behavior was less then stellar this weekend. BUT I needed to go and I wasn't about to let 2 grumpy children stand in my way. Well, as I tried to check them in to Freddy's play land, Paloma threw tantrum #1 and refused to go. Scratch playing, mommy would have to do shopping with two kids in tow. As we rounded the corner toward the Easter aisle, Mattea threw tantrum #2 because she wanted Easter candy. Hint - should have probably left the store by now, but I had stuff to get. As we came around the corner to dairy, Paloma clocked Mattea in the face and tantrum #3 exploded - this time from both girls since Mattea's head now hurt and Paloma just got pinched - ummm- reprimanded for hitting her sister. Continuing along, Mattea threw tantrum #4 at the bakery when I picked up blueberry scones instead of raspberry. Seriously! This is where mommy stopped - mommy lost it - mommy had enough - and mommy put her foot down. Enough I said.

I refused to budge until Mattea was done. People walked on by watching as my absurd 4 year old screamed her head off because of the raspberry scones. But I refused to move until her tantrum was done. Giving in and leaving the store was not an option. And unfortunately pulling her pants down and swatting her bum in the bakery was not an option either since I think that would have been considered a felony?

Things did improve slightly as we neared the end of our nightmarish morning. The children did throw a tantrum in the car though as we drove right past McDonalds - the McDonalds that we were supposed to stop and play at if the girls had been "good listeners" in the grocery store. By this time, I couldn't even hear the screaming - I was numb. Numb and downright embarrassed.

So the point to all of this. If you see a mom standing in the middle of the bakery with a screaming 4 year old and an obnoxious 2 year old with her finger up her nose and tears streaming down her face as well - it is probably not me. Do not stop, do not say HI, do not stare, do not whisper, and for heaven's sakes do not point. It is not going to help the situation. And if you ever think that the person you may see standing in the bakery with two screaming kids is me - think again since my children will not be entering into society with me ever again.

Done!

Ok - one more look

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

I hope that mommy and daddy had some wine later that evening

Uncle Mike

nurseheather said...

Sure did! And - I ran 7.5 miles today - the most ever. I won't tell you my time because you'll laugh but I'm slowly working up to 1/2 marathon status - maybe....

Kim said...

Oh, sadly, before becoming a parent, I have have snuck a peek or two at the situation. Did you try your love and logic of "oh, the tantrum you threw last week was SO much better!!" I'm guessing you weren't in the mood for that!!

Anonymous said...

Way to go! 7.5 miles, that is awesome. It's addicting, and it's funny what you can get used to. You'll be kicking my butt all over the place pretty soon.

Uncle Mike