There Should Be Parenting Classes

  I saw an epic parental fail today at the Children’s Museum, a testament to selfishness and spoiled behavior. Child A got the last shopping cart at “Our World” (a room that has a child-scale grocery store, post office, sound studio, restaurant, and more—very cool). Child B got there a second too late and also wanted to cart. Mom A noticed this and asked her child if he would share with Child B. Child A acquiesced and gave the cart to Child B. Child B’s mom didn’t say anything when this all went down. Okay, I would have forced Alexis to say “thank you” or turn down the shopping cart, but overall not a big deal.

  However, about 10 minutes later, Child A was still patiently waiting for a shopping cart. Child B was playing with the cash register while keeping one hand on the shopping cart, so as to not let any other children play with it. Mom B is watching him do it. Mom A encourages her son to go over and ask Child B if he can use the shopping cart, since he is using the cash register instead. Mom B has been watching the entire time. Child B yells “mine” and runs away with the shopping cart. Child A starts to cry at this time and Mom A has to console her son. You are probably guessing Mom B does nothing. False! In fact, she goes over to her child and (I am almost sorry I was in earshot of this) says “Good job! Don’t let other kids take what is yours.”

   
  Huh? Is Mom B praising her son for being rude and egocentric? I should be prepared for this kind of thing, but usually even misguided parents are making some kind of effort.

  
  I admit I didn’t say what I wanted to say to Mom B in this situation; I took the passive-aggressive route. Alexis had somehow wrangled a shopping cart through all this drama between Children A & B. I told her (loudly) that her turn was over and it was Child A’s turn with the shopping cart since the carts are there for everyone to use. Bless her heart, she gave it directly to Child A and said “here you go! It’s your turn now!” I knew deep down Mom B wasn’t paying attention and wouldn’t have cared even if she was paying attention. But at the end of the day, I am glad I had the child who shared and was proud of being a good friend. At least on that day at the Children’s Museum.