Mommy Fights

The kids were extermely fussy today.

Since it is WAY to cold to play outside, I loaded them up and headed to the mall play area.

The kids always have a ball and we get to eat lunch with Daddy!

I don't go to this play area often because it is quite a drive and I usually leave upset with someone. Today,  I was determined I would not let some cranky mommy aggrivate me into ending playtime sooner than planned.

The play area has a stationary car that you climb up into.

Caleb loves the car.

So today, Caleb was trying to get into the car when a young girl came over and distracted him so her sister (who was 5 or 6) could get in first. Then, she would not let Caleb touch the car. If he happened to get his hands on it, she pushed him away.

Now, I understand that they are just kids and arguments come with the territory. I also think they should learn to work it out themselves, without Mommy jumping in every time. Now, if it is necessary, I have no problem asking another parent to regain control of their child, should the situation call for it. At this point, it was not one of those situations.

I sat, silently, while Caleb attempted to regain his spot inside the car only to be pushed backwards at the last second. I encouraged him to find another place to play after the little girl pinched his arm although I really was hoping he would stand up for himself. And, He did. 

He politely walked up to the car and said,  "please, play. Please?"

Her reply? "Noooooooooooooooo!"

When she turned her back for a split second, Caleb saw his chance. He hopped right into the passenger seat and refused to move. I watched my determined little boy, arms crossed, not budge as she wiggled and squirmmed trying to knock him out of his seat. Her sister even got on the hood of the car for assistance. It didn't help. 

The car hogging girl had had enough. She grabbed Caleb's feet and before I knew what was going on, flipped him, head first out of the car. Luckily, Caleb is strong, and very much the gymnastic-y type. He flipped and landed safely. He even gave me a thumbs up for safe measure.

The dad only caught his daughter flipping Caleb out of the car. He fussed at her. Then, because he was outside the play area, asked his wife to pack up the kids... they were leaving. He explained to his wife that the young girl was being mean to the little kids again and he wasn't going to allow it. I was so glad that I didn't have to step in!

The wife, didn't see the issue the same way her husband saw it.

Angry, she snatched up her things and walked toward me.

"You need to teach your child some manners!"

I was blank.

 And, frankly, it was probably for the best.

Security escorting you from the mall is not a good example for your children.

(Neither is Santa's elves asking you to leave... but that's a story for another day...)

She stormed off.

All the children played happily together for the next hour and a half without incident.

I watched as Caleb asked kids if he could play with them.

I was happy when he didn't shove his way to the front of the line for the slide.

I was proud of my little boy who never acted on his frustration with the young girl.