I hate to sound like the grumpy old lady, talking about parenting, a topic that I don't have first-hand experience in (this is my disclaimer)...BUT, I'm sorry...I have to vent. I just think there are some things that are common sense. I know we're not all born with that gift...but when you don't teach certain things to your children, like respecting others' personal space, you have to know you're borderline neglectful.
The other day I was at my doctor's office. I was talking to the receptionist, Lara, when a cute 3-year old walked-in and immediately approached me without saying a word to yank my hoodie's zipper...and wouldn't let go. I had to pry her little hands off of me. I was a bit stunned at her aggressiveness for such a tiny person and even more baffled to watch her mom witness the whole thing and not say a word. "Maybe she was in a daze and missed what her daughter did?", I thought to myself, trying to give her the benefit of the doubt.
A few minutes later, the same niña went to Lara's desk area and grabbed a toy truck (they keep a small stash of goodies behind the counter) without asking for permission. The receptionist called the little girl over and told her that she could play with the toys...as long as she asked first. She calmly explained that going behind the counter was off limits. The little girl nodded her head in agreement. The mom, along with everyone else in the waiting room, heard the exchange. The mother didn't seem the least bit concerned with the situation and just continued to flip through her O magazine.
That agreement was short-lived. A few seconds later, she was back for more. She snuck behind Lara's chair, who was busy talking to a colleague, and grabbed a children's book from behind the counter. Lara saw her from the corner of her eye and interrupted her conversation to scold the child again. "Please return that book. You didn't ask for it", she said. The 3-year old returned the item and ran back to her mother's side. The receptionist was fed-up with this intrusive little girl but clearly more frustrated with the mother who wouldn't say a peep to her child. She had had it. "Miss, can you please keep an eye on your child", she said. The mom kept reading and ignored her completely. "Miss, I need you to keep your child away from this area", demanded the annoyed receptionist. The mother didn't even acknowledge that someone was speaking to her and finally called her daughter over. "Caroline, stay right here", she said quietly, without ever making eye contact with Lara.
I was in disbelief. I felt like shaking the mom and asking her if she realized what a disservice this was to her daughter's development. How could you think it's ok to not have boundaries or respect for other people's space? ¿
