To feel absolutely mortified

[IsThisIt1233]

Had a pop up shop today at my child’s school where you can try on uniform etc. Well both my kids decided today they would embarrass me and start running around and being silly. It was so stressful as I was getting judging looks from the other mums and I was getting really anxious and stressed, I tried talking and reasoning and even (quietly) threatening my kids there would be no treats and screen time but nothing worked. All the other kids were with their families behaving impeccably.

I feel like such a loser. I’m a single parent even though I have a husband (whole different thread). The most embarrassing part was that for a moment they both were calm so I saw a sales assistant and asked if we can have size up to try on when another parent (who I obviously didn’t see) started shouting that the sales assistant is helping her, I feel like such a loser as other parents heard her and were looking at me. I must have looked a right state.

I broke down in tears in the car (never once have I cried infront of my kids and don’t again). My kids were laughing as I was crying! Don’t know how to even react to that. I feel like a complete mess I can’t cope.

my kids are 4 and 8

Op all parents have had moments in public where we want the ground to swallow me up. I'll tell you one of mine.

When my daughter was about 2 we parked the car up and went for a walk with the dog in a nice quiet village. Well she suddenly decided to throw an almighty tantrum about not being able to go into one of the gardens that we were passing and that was it. I had a big dog on the lead (he was good as gold thank god), and a 2 year old that I couldn't get to walk any further, I tried carrying her but she was screaming and kicking and with only one hand I just couldn't do it. I just burst into tears in the end, I was so embarrassed and tired of the constant tantrums. An older man passing took pity on me and walked the dog back to my car for me whilst I carried my daughter. I was so grateful but absolutely mortified.

What I'm trying to say is everyone has these moments and I can promise you others won't give a second thought to what happened to you today.

I am fairly confident that is anyone was judged by other people, it was the parent being snippy.

Even then they likely all forgot about it approximately 30 seconds later.

You were also so focussed on what your kids were doing, you didn't notice all the other feral little darlings, any more than their parents noticed your family.

OP, kindly, I think you've overthought this. They've acted up, the woman's snapped a bit. We don't know your children but cognitively I just don't imagine 4 year old was laughing at you crying. They were probably justs still laughing and being silly.

Gently, it sounds as if you need support.

Hopefully this story will make you feel better.

When I was 17 I had a job as a cashier in a discount shop. One Saturday, it was packed. A young mum came in, wheeling a pram with a baby, and holding her toddler daughter's hand.

The little girl started getting worked up- there were lots of bright lights, and plastic toys and sweets, the shop was very busy. She eventually pitched a fit and screamed

'MUMMY GIVE ME WHAT I WANT OR I WILL PUNCH YOU!!!'

Everything screeched to a halt. Everyone turned and looked.

The mum just quietly but firmly took her daughter's hand and led her out of the shop. No toys, no sweets, no nothing. She did not negotiate with the terrorist 😂

I didn't judge the mum at all because her daughter misbehaved. I was just impressed by how she had her shit together and didn't crumble under pressure and embarrassment. She was obviously a good mum, even if she was being sorely tested.

It sounds like you managed to do the same, even if you needed a cry in the car afterwards.

You're doing great. You're a good mum. And yes, I still think of that story quite often!

@sadsack78 thank you for sharing this. I wish I could be a bit more put together like the mum sounded x

Do you know what I think when I see kids running round like this with a parent unable to get them under control?

‘That poor parent, and thank F* it’s not my child doing it for once’

I completely sympathise as you do feel all eyes are on you when it happens, but I am sure most people will have been in that position and will not have been judging you.