We’re all in this together…
I recently spoke to a friend of mine. An amazing mother.
She told me the story of a trip to a local park in Sydney where the council pulls from a bus wonderful activities for children of all ages to experience.
She took her twin boys along even though she had an inkling that they might be a bit ratty and tantrums might be brewing. She was right.
Both boys were so difficult that she decided that it was home time. That’s when the tantrums started.
Apparently she left the park with a laden backpack on her back, one son screaming under one arm, unceremoniously dragging her other son by the wrist behind her and bumping the pram towards the car with her hips.
It may sound funny but it wasn’t to her. She was distraught by the situation. She was embarrased, frustrated and utterly exhausted.
She passed lots of people on the way to the car (she was now in tears) and most of them were watching with interest.Not one offered help.
She said to me in our conversation that if someone could have just helped push the pram it would have made the world of difference.
People can be cautious about offering strangers help especially in parenting situations. But what’s the worst that can happen if you do offer? The person says no.
And I think it’s important to remember that it could be you next time. Wouldn’t it be easier if we were all in this together?
Emma Anderson Childcare professional and mother to Jasper
