We were eating in a restaurant for lunch today and there was another family (I think) there with two small children, about 18mo and 2.5-3yo. The woman, who I assumed was mom, was there with two men in ties (they looked like maybe brothers?).
The 2-3yo was screaming. Not I-want-my-way screaming. I-am-going-to-throw-up-if-you-don't-help-me-calm-down screaming. For 30 minutes. The woman and two men continued to talk as if nothing was happening. DH and I weren't really close to them, but we couldn't talk to each other because both of us were getting very on edge about this kid. Both of my kids were starting to get anxious as well, and DS kept saying he wanted to go see the kid, he needs his mommy, etc. Mom was just ignoring him and eating her lunch.
Then she takes him outside. Except that she came back in about 15 seconds later without him. I couldn't figure out what she did with him! I know they were parked right in front of the restaurant because I saw them get out of their car, so maybe she put him in the car thinking she would see him from the window?! Both DH and I got very nervous, and DH was chomping at the bit to go say something to her. I just hope that she called someone to come pick him up or something because the only other thing I can come up with is that she stuck him in the car. It's 20 degrees and snowing today.
I had no proof that she did anything neglectful, so I didn't really feel like we should say something to her, but now I am kicking myself for not at least asking if she needed some help or something. I mean, I know people ignore tantrums as a tactic to get them to stop, but this screamed neglect to me.
WWYD?
The 2-3yo was screaming. Not I-want-my-way screaming. I-am-going-to-throw-up-if-you-don't-help-me-calm-down screaming. For 30 minutes. The woman and two men continued to talk as if nothing was happening. DH and I weren't really close to them, but we couldn't talk to each other because both of us were getting very on edge about this kid. Both of my kids were starting to get anxious as well, and DS kept saying he wanted to go see the kid, he needs his mommy, etc. Mom was just ignoring him and eating her lunch.
Then she takes him outside. Except that she came back in about 15 seconds later without him. I couldn't figure out what she did with him! I know they were parked right in front of the restaurant because I saw them get out of their car, so maybe she put him in the car thinking she would see him from the window?! Both DH and I got very nervous, and DH was chomping at the bit to go say something to her. I just hope that she called someone to come pick him up or something because the only other thing I can come up with is that she stuck him in the car. It's 20 degrees and snowing today.
I had no proof that she did anything neglectful, so I didn't really feel like we should say something to her, but now I am kicking myself for not at least asking if she needed some help or something. I mean, I know people ignore tantrums as a tactic to get them to stop, but this screamed neglect to me.
WWYD?
. This could have been what the issue was. I don't understand though why she didn't pick the baby up, and try to comfort.. hmm.. at any rate, I wouldn't have comfronted the mother directly, only if the baby was outside in the vehicle alone.
