Mothers!!

[Caran]

Went with OH to doctors today. (I go with him because he is deaf and misunderstands the doctor)
In the waiting room just in front of us was a young woman with a small boy about four. He was really running riot, all around waiting room, shouting, going under seats, coming between our legs etc. She was constantly on her phone, she would occasionally shout out if you don't stop it I will phone bampy. He didn't like that idea so would stop for a moment. Then start again. She told him to stop it again. He told her to FXXX OFF.
she just threatened him again with bampy. (Bampy is another name for Grandad) which made me think maybe he hadn't got a father figure in his life. She never put her phone down. The child eventually played with some toys in the corner. He kept asking his mum some questions which she totally ignored. By now I was getting annoyed, I wanted to tell her to put her phone away and give her son some attention but I chickened out.
After they went in a few people commented on how loud she was and what a nightmare the child was. I felt sorry for him, he had no attention from his mother.

[naomi24]

The unacceptable behaviour of the child aside, if she felt the need to threaten him with someone else’s disapproval (in this case the grandfather’s), I would question her parenting skills.

[ummmm]

Just like a mother says 'wait until your father gets home'

[naomi24]

Indeed.

[albaqwerty]

I stopped myself from uttering that phrase.

One particularly fraughtful day, many moons ago, when all they seemed to do was niggle at each other I'd had enough.
Albeit, this was when we were at home and not out somewhere, Mr Alba came home and asked where the boys were.
Told him they were in our bedroom having a time out.
He asked why our bedroom, told him, their toys aren't there.
It was only for 10 minutes before anyone jumps down my throat.

[murraymints]

ah but they could have found your toys ! ;-)

[albaqwerty]

Mr Alba kept it to himself Minty !! :-D x

[murraymints]

no comment !

[albaqwerty]

the one and only time one of mine told me to eff off, (he was about 13) I gave him the silent treatment for the rest of the evening.
He couldn't bear it.
(was eating me up too tbh, but needs must)

[cupid04]

Mobile phones have to be switched off at our surgery.

[Eleena]

Caran, it's something I see a lot too. We know parenting is hard work, and that you get precious little time to yourself. But! I can't help but feel sorry for these children. When does a phone come before a child? Children need interaction and stimulus, they need to be listened to attentively and to feel loved. There's times when nothing you do is right, times when they're tired and yours tired, it's hard work to parent properly. Putting a phone before a child though is very sad.