AIBU to expect to find a "Parent and Child" space when I go to the supermarket?

[BikeRunSki]

I tend to shop at a huge Asda. We live in the countryside and it is our nearest supermarket.

Since DS was born 19 weeks ago, I guess I have been about 10 times. I always check out the Parent spaces and, so far, have never found one free. So I end up parking at the very far end of the car park where I can find two or three spaces together so I can open the car doors to get DS's car seat out and carry him miles to the shop. A lot of the time there have been cars in the P&C spaces that I suspect are not actually P&S cars (two seaters, sports cars with luggage all over the back seat).

On about half my visits there have not been any of those trolleys that I can put his car seat in either.

I have asked customer services if they could consider adding more P&C spaces or policing the existing ones. They have not been interested and have suggested that I shop at different times of day, although all my vists have been at different times of day! (well morning or afternoon, DS hasn't really got into 24hr shopping yet).

I would shop online, but they won't come to us.

The flip side is that our local economy is thriving as I can't be bothered with the big supermarkets any more. But they are handy for things like cans and breakfast cereal.

About a week ago I had this problem at a big retail park near us.Had my 3 dds with me (4 months ,4 and 5 yrs old).
I was looking for a space in p&c when a couple pulled in infront of me nicking the last spot.TBH this pissed me off anyway but then I noticed they had no child .
I wound down my window and said to the man that he'd obviously missed the signs etc,was very polite considering.He replied I know my wife's just had an opperation on her leg,and off they went.She didn't even have the decency to limp .
Felt like saying yes and my daughters had 30+opperations on her airway and lungs so fuck you you selfish fucking bastards.
We are blue badge holders but I have never used it as I don't think dds disability restricts her mobility and the disabled spaces are in short enough supply as it is.
I don't think it's really on to use the spaces whilst pregnant either if you are otherwise o.k. I know what people mean about it being hard to get out though.I got wedged in my door a few months back trying to squeeze my 8 month bump out.Had to get back in and park somewhere else.

not sure I agree with the idea that all physical disabilities are immediately obvious.

ds1 is waiting for a blue badge, but I'm rather dreading the eveil looks I will probably get when I try parking in disabled spaces! The untrained eye is unlikely to see how his limbs all bend in the wrong directions, or that he has sod all motor control, because he CAN walk. Falls over every ten yards, is often in pain, or absconds out of sight, but he can walk.

No, I'm sure you are absolutely right about the taxi driver, Riven. I'm jsut worried how many people are going to look at us and wonder where the wheelchair is!

rofl!

hungrierhippo it is at Tesco and Asda. Some companies include it on their sign, some include it in their policy. I think generally they do allow pregnant women to use it to - between the size and most of get some level of PGP the extra space is useful.

kerala I have got to that stage, I use a scooter now when I go shopping, although my local only has wheelchairs and they put more strain on my back than walking! It's easier to go with my parents anyway.

I think the OP is missing the point - making sarcastic comments to fat lazy f*uckers using P&C spaces is a fantastic sport. granted, loses its edge when your 19 week old baby clearly can't understand you

There is nothing that cheers me up more than voicing my opinion to my parroting DSs in a car park............

Me- well howdy do. Look at that lazy lady using the family spaces. She doesn't have boys and girls with her. That's very naughty.

Ds1 - why is she lazy mum?

Me- cause the wide family spaces are close to the Sainsbury's door. It makes it safe and easy for mums and dads to get their boys and girls into the shop. That lady is clearly bone idle, she just wants to park close to the door because she can't be bothered to walk across the car park.

DS1 - yes. the car park is dangerous for boys.

DS1 will (90% success rate) yell at the top of his voice across the car park (or sometimes even in the shop) 'Is that the lazy lady mum?'

Happy days

PS I consider P&T a bonus

Highlander my fav is, in a very helpful/concerned voice "You've left your baby in the shop/ car" (depending on where you catch them

Hidden disabilities like J's cause no end of trouble at our Sainsbury's. I can't count how often I've been screamed at - one guy said he was going home to get his camera to take a photo of my car!

We have a badge, but nobody can see why just by looking - and I'm buggered if I'm going to show them J's photo on the badge.

Parking causes so so so many problems.

givemesleeporgivemechocolate even when it is obvious people will still put their oar in. A friend of the family was the first person in the West Midlands to be diagnosed with Sickle Cell and she has been badly affected by it because of them not knowing straight away, she can only bend one leg and that's only a tiny amount and one leg is a lot shorter than the other. She can't walk far and obviously needs space getting in and out of cars. People look at her, see she's not in a wheel chair and give her abuse for being in a disabled spot!

Crap isn't it.

Ah, I'm glad I don't shop at the big retail stores, too much like hard work. If dd had to limp convincingly, she'd be bound to dislocate something.

Sorry but hear I go again, Can I just correct a few of you, These are 'Parent & child' spaces! Not 'Mother & toddler' spaces.