The Parental Walk of Shame

I am sure every parent has done it. The Walk of Shame, fleeing the store as fast as possible with a screaming child refusing to behave.

Well the other day, I had my turn at the walk of shame. I was at Costco. Knowing full well my daughter had missed her nap, I thought if I indulged her with the abundance of samples, smiles and promise of pizza at the end, it would all work out to be a pleasant trip. She was doing good. A little feisty, but quiet enough to not be noticed by many, all the while her brother is smiling and waving to everyone possible.

Now I think when spoiling your child, now and then is fine, but lines need to be drawn. Like for our family, you can't run around the store without shoes on. Which sadly for me was the last straw for my little "angel" the Grouch.  Sitting at the table with her pizza, she wanted to take off without shoes on. My answer of "No" sent a loud scream from her lips. Not just one, but many blood-curdling screams. And of course came all the stares of everyone around us. Every single person who has nothing better to do, but continue to stare and watch the show.

I jumped up ready for my grab everything and run motion, when I was stopped. A Sweet lady about the age of my own mama came up to me and said, " Oh I remember that. My youngest is in high school but I remember doing that with all three of my daughters." I slowed a little feeling much better, but still quick as my daughter let out another shriek.  Then I turned to see a man dressed like he was made of money, holding his 2 year old son. He smiled as well and pointed to his child in a gesture of "He does it too. I understand."

When I finally made it too the door ready to leave, a sweet elderly couple answered, "You don't rush dear. All parents go through this."

I was almost in tears when I made it back to the car. Not one, but three times, someone was sweet and reached out in my moment of panic and frustration. I want to say to those three, THANK YOU!!!! Thank you for the encouragement. Thank for not standing there and staring like was spectacle, even when I looked like one.

Why don't we do this more often when parents are in public dealing with unruly child? Especially for the mother juggling groceries and children? Why do we stare and not offer encouragement, even if it is just a smile.Next time this happens offer a kind grin. If you can give the struggling parents a few words of encouragement.

Bless someoneday

Toodles