Strangers and Temper Tantrums

Dear Stranger,

Please do not stare when my child has a temper tantrum in public.

And while I have your attention, I'd like to make a few other points:

• My son is 2. It is perfectly normal for him to feel like the world is falling apart around him when his mother says "no" to a chocolate bar in the checkout line. Sometimes I feel like that too. And sometimes, I just buy the damn chocolate.
• I don't need your comments about how he must be in the "terrible twos", or how he's a "busy little guy".
• I'm not interested in a conversation about how awful or tough our children are; I like my son, and think he's pretty great. I like to speak positively about him as much as possible.
• I'm not a terrible mom because I don't have a tantrum that's equal in size to my son's to try and control his behaviour. (And if I did, perhaps that would warrant some stares.)
• ALL (conscious) children behave like this at some time or another. I am not more sure of any other fact.
• Your pity looks don't help. What does help, is just to walk on by like this isn't happening right now. Because I'm trying my darnedest to pretend like it isn't. Let me live in my moment of denial.
• If you're a mother, you've experienced this. Don't give me that "I would never let my child act like that in public" look.

So, next time you may experience my child having a tough time in public, just keep on walking. It's what's best for everyone. Trust me.

Sincerely,

Sarah