Please tell me you’ve been that mom.
I had to make an emergency evacuation in Target. I made an egregious error and brought this little mischief maker with me to do some Easter shopping.
My first mistake? We got into Target and she said “this way” and pointed to the food court. I heeded her demands and turned my cart. She was sitting and smiling sweetly.
My second mistake? She asked for popcorn and I knew it was a horrible idea. I tried to convince her to get a cookie and even a slushie. But this girl is determined. And she was so cute saying “popcorn”–a word I didn’t even know she knew. I fell for it, hook, line, and sinker (curls, blue eyes, and big smile).
For about one minute, she ate her popcorn and I chided myself for doubting her. I felt in control. I shopped for one minute before she started acting like Gretel, leaving a tiny popcorn trail. I calmly picked up piece after piece. I still felt like a capable mom.
Then we stopped for fancy socks for Easter. She has a sailor dress to wear. How sweet would white and lacy socks be? No socks and more popcorn spilled, I picked it all up. By this time, Maggie was frantic. She dropped her fake lipstick in the back of the cart and said “back there?” asking to sit in the back of the cart. I gave in and moved her to the back. This is when s#!t got real. Third mistake.
While talking to another mom, she dumped an entire bag of popcorn in the toy section. Why would I take her to the toy section?! And why hadn’t I taken the popcorn by this time?? The mom helped me pick up all the popcorn and while this was happening, Maggie tried to climb out of the cart. One hand filled with popcorn and the other arm with Maggie in a stronghold, she pulled my shirt down and was hanging onto my favorite necklace. Another mom with very well-behaving kids came by and just smiled. Her kids looked like little blonde cherubs.
Right around this time, Maggie spotted an Elsa microphone. “Let it go” she yelled. I grabbed it to her delight, marched to the checkout, and left. I only bought the microphone. Survival.
And now, I’m in the car, shaking. She’s singing into her microphone. She won and I lost and I realize I shouldn’t have bought her a prize for her behavior. But I needed out and it seemed to be what I needed to do to make that happen.
Dear God. Let me raise this little red-headed wonder. Please. Amen.
If you’ve been that mom, I can totally relate. And to my favorite Target store, I will never buy her popcorn again.
