Most of us have been in this situation at least gosh I hope at least some of you have or else I’m going to feel like an awful parent- you’re out in public (and more than likely it’s a place where children are supposed to act..well anything BUT like little children) and one of your children starts a gargantuan tantrum.
The screams are blood curdling, accompanied by flailing arms and kicking legs. It’s truly a sight to behold.
Now onlookers usually fit into 3 categories:
1. Pretend as though nothing is happening and continue as usual.
2. Look at the parent and child and nod knowingly, sometimes giving a “I feel your pain” smile.
3. Look at the parent and child with utter disgust.
Today I encountered something completely different. A woman telling me, “My but you have so much patience!” I wonder if she meant it as a compliment on my ability to remain calm while my 2 year old WAKES UP THE DEAD! or whether she meant my child is a complete brat and how could I possibly stand for that sort of behaviour. I’m inclined to think the former because, well …isn’t it just OBVIOUS??
What do you do when you see a parent trying to console the inconsolable, tantruming child? What would you like someone to do for you (if anything) when you’re in that situation?
