Running errands with your little ones is definitely not a parent’s favorite activity. Alas, it has to be done, though, and one can only help that our kids behave themselves in the crowded and tempting aisles of any store. Things can become more difficult if the child suffers from a condition like autism, or ADHD, as tantrums, meltdowns, and otherwise “bad behavior” often become escalated in crowded places.
Taylor Myers is a mom who knows this struggle all too well. Her daughter, Sophie has ADHD, and while they were shopping at Wal-Mart, she was having a particularly tough time keeping her distracted daughter in check.
“As I stood in the customer service line of Walmart to cash my paycheck with a cart of groceries(and some wine), Sophie sat/stood/did heads stands in the cart, whining over a bag of chips I took away and because she called me a butthole in line.” Taylor recalled in a Facebook post. “She's relentless. I know this. I live with it. Her ADHD and obsessive little heart gets on these subjects of things she finds unjust and wrong and it doesn't stop until she eventually falls asleep or something very dramatic happens to snatch the attention off the obsessed about subject.”
Despite Sophie’s “whining”, Taylor refused to give in and “reinforce bad behavior”. Taylor goes on to explain the numerous times she’s had to leave the store because of Sophie’s outbursts, and oftentimes she wasn’t even able to get what she needed. This time, though, she stuck it out for the groceries her family needed.
After telling Sophie to sit down for the “10th time” so she wouldn’t hurt herself, the woman in line in front of her turned around and said something Taylor couldn’t believe.
"oh, for Christ's sake give her a cookie so she'll shut up!" the woman yelled. Taylor reflects on all the ways she could have responded to the woman, “I could've responded in a nicer way. I could've explained to her that my four year old has pretty severe ADHD, I raise both my children alone, I'm doing my best, and had no choice but to wait it out for the groceries.” Instead, she settled on: "she's four years old and you need to mind your own f***ing business".
By the time Taylor got to register, she had tears rushing down her face and felt completely defeated. Thankfully, a kindhearted woman stepped in to help her. She distracted Sophie and kept her happy while Taylor checked out.
“Honestly, this woman could've been the antichrist and I would've had more appreciation for her kindness and compassion than I have for anyone else I've ever encountered.” Taylor recalled. “ It only takes one comment to break someone down. You never know what someone's going through....It also takes one small act of kindness to make a mama feel comfort and validation. Thank you to the woman in Walmart today, for showing that kindness to my children and I. Thank you for walking us out. Thank you for backing me up. Mamas have to stick together.”
What do you think about Taylor’s story?
