hoppytoad
04-17-2003, 10:39 PM
Okay, I normally don't post here, but I just wanted to tell everyone that if you see a parent out in public that you think is actually doing a great job with their kids, TELL THEM! It can really make someone's day.
Last week, I was on my way home from WA to PA, on an overnight flight with my four year old son and nine month old daugher. When we landed in Chicago to switch planes, both of them were sleeping. Emma was in the sling, and Carter had to walk AND carry his backpack, since my arms were full with other stuff. He was absolutely miserable that he had been woken up, and he cried and screamed all the way from the gate to the bathroom. I had to change his pants there since he'd had an accident while sleeping. So, picture this, I have a screaming four-year-old, a nine month old in the sling, and four bags to keep track of. All the while I was trying to keep the kids from touching the wall, the floor, etc. I managed to change him, while he was fighting it the whole time. FINALLY, we got all situated, washed our hands, and left. As I'm walking through the airport, a lady rushed out of the bathroom, trying to catch up with me.
When she said, "Excuse me", I thought she was going to ask me what was wrong with my son, or what had happened, etc. Instead, she said, "I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate how gently and patiently you handled your son back there. You don't get to see many parents who are like that." I was so touched I wanted to hug her!
Anyway, this wasn't written to brag, really. Just to tell you to speak up if you see someone in public treating their kids with respect, for once. :hippie
Last week, I was on my way home from WA to PA, on an overnight flight with my four year old son and nine month old daugher. When we landed in Chicago to switch planes, both of them were sleeping. Emma was in the sling, and Carter had to walk AND carry his backpack, since my arms were full with other stuff. He was absolutely miserable that he had been woken up, and he cried and screamed all the way from the gate to the bathroom. I had to change his pants there since he'd had an accident while sleeping. So, picture this, I have a screaming four-year-old, a nine month old in the sling, and four bags to keep track of. All the while I was trying to keep the kids from touching the wall, the floor, etc. I managed to change him, while he was fighting it the whole time. FINALLY, we got all situated, washed our hands, and left. As I'm walking through the airport, a lady rushed out of the bathroom, trying to catch up with me.
When she said, "Excuse me", I thought she was going to ask me what was wrong with my son, or what had happened, etc. Instead, she said, "I just wanted you to know that I really appreciate how gently and patiently you handled your son back there. You don't get to see many parents who are like that." I was so touched I wanted to hug her!
Anyway, this wasn't written to brag, really. Just to tell you to speak up if you see someone in public treating their kids with respect, for once. :hippie