An incident in my neighborhood grocery mart inspired this blog.

As my daughter and I were in the checkout stand of Leschi Mart, I was preparing to sign my charge account when I witnessed a child throwing a tantrum. This little girl, somewhere between the age of 3 and 4 was beyond furious that her mother vetoed her request for the brightly colored candy which was placed conveniently near the checkout counter. I have a sweet tooth, so I could sympathize. The Skittles, Jelly Beans, Orange Slices, Mike & Ikes, and chocolate bars danced before her small eyes and they were all within her reach. I could relate to her mouth watering desire, as I had been there as child, but in my day, no meant no. NO was a foreign word for this kid, she went ballistic! Raging tears strolled down her beat red face as her mother tried to contain her and lift her from the floor. The mother finally picked up her flailing body and deposited her into the shopping cart. This seemed to only increase the anger and thus the shouting and exasperating wailing vibrated throughout the intimate store. The mother tried her best to reason with little Melissa, “We already have your favorite ice cream treats for dessert.” Little Mel wasn’t having it and her belligerent fury escalated to the chant, “I hate you, Mommy! I HATE YOU MOMMY!”She was still restrained in the shopping cart and to the top of her lungs she screeched, “LOOK AT ME MOMMY.” She reached up and grabbed her mother with both of her chubby hands on each side of her face and said,”Did you hear me Mommy? I hate you, Mommy!!!”

Most of the patrons in the store looked away. But one brave Grandmotherly lady halted her cart and circled around the aisle until their baskets nearly collided. “Lady, I do NOT believe you should allow your child to talk to you that way.” Little Mel was in shock and chagrined by this stranger’s gall and reached for her mother’s secure love and protection.

As Taryn, my daughter and I left this sad, but so true commentary on children today, we came home and Taryn shared with me several videos from Toddlers and Tiaras.

Take a look for yourself. I think some of these parents need to open a can of whoop-ass on themselves.

Children truly live what they learn. And the first lesson should be respect.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8AUpcZ-x2k