As if I didn’t experience enough frustration while shopping yesterday, I took both kids on over to Publix after school for a “few” items (Mistake #1…Maybe I am a glutten for punishment). Of course my intention was to go in and quickly get a few things but then I remembered I had a Winn Dixie Coupon good for $5 off a $30 or more purchase (The Publix I go to accepts their coupons)…so of course I had to make sure I had at least $30 worth of groceries (Mistake #2) so I decided to take a look around (Mistake #3).

As time passed, the more restless they became (Warning sign #1 that things were going to get bad) and I thought it would be ok (Mistake #4). My daughter had to go to the bathroom REALLY BAD (Warning sign #2) but it thankfully seemed to pass. We were on the final stretch and headed to the bakery for their special treat, Publix’s yummy chocolate chip cookies but they had none (Warning sign #3). We are at the register and I am unloading my items and my son grabs a bag of donuts, so my daughter, who thinks that she is her brother’s mom, takes the bag away from him (Warning sign #4)…… and the melt down begins….

My son started screaming and crying as I’m paying and wouldn’t stop. The cashier is sweet, trying to calm him down to no avail. I pay, so it’s time to go. I put him in the shopping cart and walk to the other side of the store (of course I choose the furthest register from my car) while screaming at the top of his lungs and crying all the way out as everyone (or at least it felt that way) watched. I tried not to look at them, partly because I was trying to calm him down and the other part was because I didn’t want to see the looks on their faces. I mean, I have been a spectator when other shopper’s children have melted down and I (depending on my mood I guess) either judge (which I know is bad) or I sympathize with them. I didn’t want to see which looks I was getting…

But I walked out with my head held high but internally feeling low. However, it happens and it really is no big deal! It’s just a part of life. This wasn’t the 1st time and I am almost sure it won’t be the last (unless I never take them shopping with me ever again – but that’s not going to happen). Maybe next time it is happening to someone else I’ll be more sympathetic instead of judgemental.

Has this happened to you? How do you deal with melt downs?