I never really wanted to take my kids to the mall play area. But now I get it. It’s desperation that does it to a mom. When all you want is for the temps to stay above 40 so you can hang outside, and then it snows again…you go to the mall whether you like it or not. Just to get out and have your kids get good and tired so they’ll nap well.
I would like to share what you always find at the play place at the mall (besides a bazillion germs). Stereotypical or not, it’s the truth…
The Parents:
The Hovering Over-protector – there’s always at least one. I used to be her.
The Competitor – usually many more than one (“oooh, he’s been crawling for months…”)
The Grumpy Grandma – today, we met a doozy. Mackenzie got in trouble for having Ellorie with her in the play area. I guess she’s too young to accompany her mom and older sister on this adventure… “This is for KIDS, not BABIES!!!” What???
The Shy Chatter – looking to make friends by making small talk. (I do it too.)
Mrs. Oblivious – while her child is biting and pushing, her nose is in a book…
The Army Sergeant – “NATHAN! NATHAN! MOVE OUT OF THE WAY! NOOOW…”
Queen of Denial – she thinks her kid is young enough to partake in the climbing fun, but he’s five feet tall, weighs 100 pounds and is constantly trampling toddlers and screaming in baby’s faces.
Okay, you get the idea. Just for the record, if you’re not pregnant while in attendance, you most likely will be before you leave. Everyone else is.
Cynical and bratty as I may be, I still like the play area because my kids love it. And now they’re sleeping…
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Ha! True that!
I always walk by and think “Gross!” Then about 2 minutes later I think, “Someday…I will be sucked in!”
I always walk by and think “Gross!” Then about 2 minutes later I think, “Someday…I will be sucked in!”
I always walk by and think “Gross!” Then about 2 minutes later I think, “Someday…I will be sucked in!”
I always walk by and think “Gross!” Then about 2 minutes later I think, “Someday…I will be sucked in!”
It’s true, it’s like a vortex…
I used to take the kids I was a nanny for to the play area… I was the nanny who sat back and was oblivious.
I remember thinking that I would never take my kid to one of those germ-filled play areas. Then I had a 2 year old and was facing 2 months of 115 degrees. Once you start, you really can’t stop! I think I was there every week last summer. Your mom descriptions are so dead on it’s crazy! I think I fall under the “overprotector” category… I’m working on it.
HAHA!! I love your post! After Jakob got rotovirus two years ago. . .I do try to avoid these places. Now, I am the over protector–only because my son is the one grabbing other kids faces. I am definitely not oblivious–but it sure is awful if Jakob makes contact. I hope “the claw” goes away soon!!
Ha! That’s so funny because it’s so true!! I’ve run into each of these!!
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