I went to Sainsburys today (actually I think MN probably made me do that as well).
I was waiting at customer services to take make their stupid faux crocs (they only lasted one wear - just incase Mr Sainsbury is googling).
There was a mum with a toddler at the front of the queue with lots of shopping. I dont know why because you dont usually see a ton of stuff going through the tills at customer services. But anyway she had a fractious toddler with her who had a packet of sweets in his hand.
A couple of times she tried to take it off him but he set up a fussin' and a wailing so she just gave up and concentrated on getting all the shopping packed and sorted.
There was a woman in front of me who just started yapping on really loudly along the lines of 'OFGS! look at that! Just ignore him, take the sweets off him. I mean WHO is in charge!' She wasnt talking to the mum (oh no) she was talking to the air and then trying to get the others in the queue involved. A few others were making vaguely agreeing noises.
Again with the 'thats the problem isnt it? People just dont tell their kids now! FGS stop giving in to him!'
She turned round to me (she DID turn round, I am not just saying that) and (this is the mumsnet bit) I said
'I think it is really rude to comment on someone's parenting when they are standing in front of you like that' in a firm voice (eep).
She said 'I dont think she can here me'
So I said 'I dont care, its rude, dont do it'
I didnt shout or swear or nuffin!
I firmly believe I was channeling the might of MN in that moment in an East London supermarket.