I have told this incident many times, and it came up again when I met my friend for lunch on Monday.
Yes, a deep impact was made by this:
Two years ago, at a supermarket in a shopping mall:
I was standing behind this lady who had a bunch of groceries. While she was paying the cashier, I noticed a boy, maybe about 5 rolling on the floor, just beyond our paying counter. I noticed she was stealing glances at him and concluded he must be her son, and I thought, ...
"How could she just let him do that? Why doesn't she do something?"
Then some time last year, Jusco:
I usually put the boys on the shopping trolley so that we don't have to run after them at the supermarket. When we were leaving, Grandma pushed the trolley with the boys out first while I queued to pay for our stuff. While the cashier was attending to me, I was appalled at hat I saw next. And it came straight to me:
I am That woman!
My boys were rolling and laughing on the floor and grandma was giggling in embarrassment.
In Cantonese, she said, "What to do? They refused to stay on the trolley."
I quickly and quietly paid for my stuff, and then with a smile told the boys, "Come on. Let go."
Now I know why That woman did not do anything.
I understand perfectly now...
Motherhood struck a very deep and different chord in me.
4 comments:
If you are then so am I.
However I'm not embarrased by it at all. Most people who are looking at you and your tantruming/ running/ giggling child aren't necessarily thinking "Do something", many remember what it was like and are probably feeling rather sympathetic at how hard it is to do simple things with the kids in tow.
Besides, the way I view it, kids need to learn how to go to the supermarket, be aware of sharing space with others, learning to say excuse me if they bump into someone etc etc. How else will they learn if they are always restrained? And the rest of society needs reminding that kids will be seen and heard so get used to it!
The worst onlookers are usually older men who never had a hand in raising their kids. One time this old bloke scowled and muttered something rather rude to me when A was being a little exuberant in a shop. To which I calmly replied that she was little and still learning to manage her feelings without tantruming and that it was a shame that this was a skill he hadn't learnt after all of these years. He said nothing further and a nearby woman applauded.
All the best,
hissychick
Well said hissychick.
Sara shows her tantrum too in public at times. Was I embarass? Frankly no. For one, I want her to learn to control her screaming/tantrum and not to expect to get what she wants all the time. And secondly I dont care what people think unless it is really bothering them like being in a cinema. Otherwise, hey she is just a kid.
hahahah....opppsss...
we are quick to form opinions arent we...must say I am guilty of that too!
Always used to scrowl at parents who allow their kids to scream and cry during dinner....until I have a kid who does the same too and I wish I didn't judge too hastily coz NOW I HAVE TO DO SOMETHING about the screamgin too!
Thanks, Moms.
Actually, for me it was a matter of hygiene. I suppose if I am psychologically prepared that the boys would be getting dirty and we can wash up after that I'm ok. But at a shopping mall where throngs of people have walked that way and now you're rolling there it's like "Eeek!"
The throwing tantrum bit, I'm ok. I am usually not too stress by it, maybe because it's something I've become so used to. Hahaha...
But it's so true. People who have no kids and have never had to take care of one would not know what to do or how to respond to little ones who are under stress and also their parents. ;)
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