parenthood

First, I am not a parent nor will I be. Second, I had a lovely childhood and appreciate my parents for how they raised me. Thirdly, I speak of generic folks I do not know.

As a teacher I deal with a lot of children. They are, for the most part, fine. Sometimes I find them annoying, sometimes they are surprisingly witty, and sometimes I feel neutral about them (which is odd if I am indeed interacting with them). I taught preschool for a fair chunk of time- meaning I know about 2, 3, and 4 year olds and their development stages quite well (have you ever been in charge of 6 3-year-olds at naptime? No? Well, I have). Sure, I do not have my own child but honestly no one thinks your child is a great as you do. Deal.

With that being said I will now say that I have a low tolerance for public displays of children. Okay, not so much with the children but with the parents. When you have a child you become a parent before all else. Sorry. It's a fact. If you didn't want that perhaps having a child wasn't a smart move. Of course you are a human, an individual, a person. I think it's great for you to continue your life as a person. But please remember that your child is not your pal. S/he's a CHILD. This person does not need to attend concerts for bands s/he does not know (especially if s/he is under the age of, oh, 8). Your child shouldn't be expected to last hours at a fancy restaurant so why bring them? Please just hire a babysitter.

Today I was at a store and was almost run down by a 9 year old boy in charge of the shopping cart. The mother simply smiled like, "oh, what can you do?" Well, lady, you can start by not allowing your child to be in charge of a cart if this is how he acts. I don't run people over and if I did I would be asked to leave the store. Being 9 years old is a reason but being a mother who just thinks it's okay is no excuse. It's annoying. Please act older than your child. I do not think such actions are cute or should be tolerated solely on account of the child being a child.

I really don't mind kids. It's a personal choice we must all make and that's fine. I do mind the entitlement that some parents feel simply for having reproduced. Yeah, just about anyone can reproduce and it's honestly not helping my situation any because you did it. I don't find your child to be the cutest thing ever, regardless of if s/he is laughing or crying.

Bottom line: please be responsible.