A simple trip to the store

Why I am even calling it a simple trip when I ventured out with both kids to get boring cleaning items is beyond me. But, I did it - I took my kids on the most boring shopping trip ever. We all survived and they did great until we got to the checkout line. Why do they always lose it in the check out line? Surely my kids aren't the only ones that do this? Finn was upset that the cashier was putting our items in a bag for us. He got really upset about it and cried/screamed for about 20 seconds. Have you ever had a 2.5 year old? If so this probably makes perfect sense to you. Then he stopped. Hooray! It was a short one! Yay!

But before I could fully celebrate this in my mind I hear someone say "JESUS!" in a condescending tone. You know the tone. The one that means, "lady you need to take better care of your kid" tone. Oh no he didn't, oh yes he did! Hmmm, what should I do. I consider this (which is progress). Another lane opens and the man behind me moves to that lane leaving the "Evangelist" directly behind me. When I started to hear my heartbeat in my ears I knew that I couldn't take it any more. I turn around and confront him (of course I did).
Me to him: you were inappropriate yadayada, you are being childish yadayada
Of course he must defend himself. His below the belt response is that "I'm a better parent than you".

Really? 

I was taken off guard completely by this comment. This comment made me realize how important it is for us to support one another as parents. Why do we say things that tear people down? People like this man are all around. They give "the" look at the restaurant. They glare when your kid makes a peep at church. They are the ones that huff and puff when your two year old is emphatically letting you know they need to pee on a flight during takeoff. They are the ones that you overhear whispering that they hope they aren't seated beside you and your children on a flight. They are the ones that are seemingly blaming the innocent child for misbehaviors. THEY ARE ALL AROUND (and I like to confront them).

But do you know who else is everywhere? The one that gives you the understanding smile and offer to let you go ahead in the checkout line. The one that catches your child as they are about to take a big tumble and you can't get to them fast enough. The one that gives you complimentary drink coupons on the flight when they see you are on there with 2 kids by yourself. The one that helps distract your child so you can take care of the other one who is upset. The one that offers to help you get your huge 2.5 year old into the Ergo on a steep hiking trail. The one that says "don't worry I have kids/grandkids". These people are EVERYWHERE and they outnumber the others. Thank goodness. They outnumber the others. You have seen them, right? Now, I'm no damsel in distress but these people are amazing and there to offer what you need when you need it. 

So, when you are out and about and encounter that judgy one be sure and look past them to find the other one, the understanding one. Or, confront the judgy one and hope they realize their mistake and morph into an understanding one ;). Good luck out there.

Quick Q&A
Did he make you question your parenting abilities?
No. I am not writing this asking for confirmation that I am a good parent. I don't doubt my parenting abilities - I have kept my children from accidentally killing themselves and/or each other many times. That alone is success. 

Do you regret confronting him?
Heck no! 

Pic from the shopping trip. Pre mean man encounter.

Finn was so proud that he was able to do that with his shirt.