When Random People Try to Help You Discipline

We've had a rough week, that boy and me.

The frustrations have been high and the screams high-pitched. We're battling naptimes, refusing them mostly, testing boundaries and pushing limits.

He sure is lucky he's cute, otherwise I might threaten to hang him up on the clothesline. (sidenote: I would not actually hang him up on the clothesline.)

He had one of his mini-fits in the grocery store again. He was sitting in the cart, yelling because he wanted to scan the eggs at the self-scanner and I wouldn't let him. The clerk came over and patted him on the head saying "Are you being a bad boy? You should be a good boy." I managed to keep my jaw from dropping to the floor and just looked at here like she was an alien from another planet (which I believe she may have been) and finished checking out. I didn't say a word to her, but wish I had.


So, here you go, Random Grocery Store Checker Lady: My child is not 'BAD' nor will I ever label him as 'BAD.' Children make choices, some good, some BAD, and that is what he's doing. It's up to ME as his PARENT to teach him the difference. And I will do so by example, not by harsh, deprecating words. His behavior is a choice, and yes, it is a BAD choice, but that does not make him BAD. It's certainly not your place, to tell my son he is a BAD BOY. So please, the next time you see a child screaming, smile at their mom, because she is doing the best she can. Don't make matters worse by trying to aid in the discipline of a child you don't even know. Thank you very much.

I feel much better now.