To that nasty woman in the grocery store:
If I’d not been so shocked, I’d have opened my rather opinionated mouth and let you have a piece of my mind. However, I was having trouble even believing what I witnessed.
You yelled at my little girl and called her “you little brat” then had the nerve to give me the evil eye, as if I were in fact some inbred, uncaring mom who lets her kids run wild.
It must be so wonderful to have such a clear and easy ability to fully judge a situation with just a moment’s experience. How have you not moved to an exclusive neighborhood where when you shop you pay no less than $18 for 4 ounces of olive oil? I should feel so blessed that you came down from your mountain to grace us little people with your presence and pass along your unearthly powers of observation and judgment.
By the way, where were you earlier in the day when my little girl decided a category five hurricane was in order when she didn’t get the flavor yogurt she wanted because we ran out? You most certainly must have been aware that we were at this particular store because it sells that exact brand and flavor she wanted so she could once again be happy.
Had you been there during the car ride when her brother threw his snack trap and hit her square in the face, you might have figured she had a few pent up frustrations. But I forget myself, of course you must know this. You were so certain she was a little brat.
How about when I was unwilling to take her out to lunch, instead opting to make a nutritious meal at home? It wasn’t what she wanted, so I’m clearly a terrible mother, right? I deserved that evil look.
So when her brother stepped in front of her as we stood in line, and her frustration was at a high for the day, she pushed him to the ground. Of course, you’d know her brother is fully aware that even if he is completely unharmed, a full out cry is absolutely necessary to garner attention.
So in your infinite wisdom you chose to call my little girl a little brat and not my little man a seasoned manipulator. Wow, you’re so good. And here I thought it was just sibling rivalry fueled by feeling frustrated after a day of letdown. How can I thank you for setting us all straight?
But you know best and that is why you felt it was both necessary and appropriate to yell your displeasure at my 3 year old and glare at me, in front of at least 15 other people.
You know, when I think back on it, I realize those folks were probably looking at me not to determine you were right, but wait to see my reaction.
I’m kind of sorry I let them down.
{ 5 comments }
Oh this irks me to no end! Maybe you’ll see her again and can let her have it!
Melissa {momcomm} recently posted: Blog Critique- Reflections Along the Way
Not cool. I hate it when people assume that all children (whether 0 or 17) are terrible people that need to be yelled at. It’s all ignorance! You know you’re a good mother, and honestly *that* is what matters!
Liz recently posted: Messes can be made anywhere
I like the part where you reward her hurricane tantrum by taking her to the store to buy more. Brat, indeed…
Twitter: Heligirl
April 20, 2011 at 5:47 pm
For the record, I don’t reward. The meltdown over the yogurt was the last straw from a day of feeling let down. The thing that causes the tantrum is rarely the actual cause. Tantrums typically come as their cups of disappointment spill over. She’d had a rough day. I needed to grocery shop so decided to make sure to pick up her banana yogurt so the next day we’d have some when she asked. Thank you for giving me the chance to clarify that.
Heligirl recently posted: Mile in My Shoes- Lady
Doesn’t it suck when we are so shocked by someone’s comment or action that we are frozen in time? I feel for you. At least you’ll be ready for her next time with 100 witty, razor sharp retorts; and a left hook if they don’t work.
Susan recently posted: A Reiki Healing Experience