Took dcs to see Santa today. Think 'naice' middle-class, National Trust type venue. Was ticketed so we turned up at the allotted time with approx 20 other kids & respective parents / grandparents.
They usher us in to a room, kids sit on floor, adults on chairs around room. So far, so lovely. Kids all very excited. Most adults taking pics of their kids and Santa. A woman then pipes up VERY loudly 'Do NOT take pictures of my child!!' to an older guy across the room. The man says that he was just taking pics of his granddaughter not the woman's child. She says, very aggressively 'I do NOT give you permission to take photos of my child!!! Stop it immediately!!'
The bloke taking pics looked very bemused and reiterated that he was taking a pic of his grandchild. To be honest, it was very dark in the room and judging by the angle, he would probably have got the back of his grandchild's head. The woman's child wasn't really in shot. He said this and the woman just shouted at him more. He got rather upset, said he was leaving before he got cross then it all looked like it was kicking off. My DH (ever the peacemaker) said that they were spoiling what should be a lovely event for the kids, couldn't we act like adults? The older man left to find his wife, visibly upset and angry. The shouty woman then sat looking like someone had taken a shit in her handbag for the whole event.
There was a horrible, strained atmosphere until Santa stepped up and then it was all about the kids anyway.
Now, before you say it, I immediately thought about adoption/child protection issues (I work in a school, this is par for the course). But this woman was so aggressive, seemed like she just wanted a fight. She turned a lovely, innocent event into a near bloody fight.
The event guide actually thanked DH for diffusing the situation afterwards but I felt really sorry for the older bloke. I saw him and his family outside later....he looked bloody angry and shook up. The shouty lady was seen leaving her kids (aged about 9 and 6) to charge around unattended while she had a mulled wine and listened to carols.
I have just realised how dreadfully middle class this is, but if I'm honest, I immediately thought of MN when this happened. Who was BU in this situation?
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To think this woman overreacted?
112 replies
Theluckiestagain · 14/12/2014 19:45
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prettywhiteguitar ·
14/12/2014 20:16
I love how every rude arse on mn has possible mental health issues 
it wouldn't post and then did lots!
fluffling ·
14/12/2014 20:27
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
fluffling ·
14/12/2014 20:28
This reply has been deleted
Message withdrawn at poster's request.
ScrumpyBetty ·
14/12/2014 20:28
Just throwing this out there- I know it's a bit far fetched- but maybe it was a famous child? 
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