Yesterday we went to the park because it was so beautiful outside. Hadley runs straight to the tire swing and I put her on it. We start swinging and she’s screaming “Higher! Faster!” So I spin her a little and push her faster. She lets go of the chains and falls through the middle of the swing. Hey, it happens. You let go, you fall. She’s covered in dirt, it’s even on her face, and she’s crying. She’s a tough kid so I don’t freak out. I just bend down and start to comfort and hug her. Out of nowhere come TWO other mothers freaking out.
“She was going too fast! Oh, honey, you have to hold on! It’s important to hold on! You can’t leg go or you’ll get an Ouchie.” says one in baby talk voice while leaning in way too close. The other woman nodded in agreement and was sort of air hugging Hadley from a distance.

An “ouchie”? My child is not an idiot. Baby talk to your own kids but not mine. I’m certain it makes them dumb. While the baby talker was telling Hadley what to do, Hadley had stopped crying and wanted to get back on the swing so I started to help her get back on.

“Wow, she’s tough!” said the woman. “I wouldn’t let her back on! Those things are so scary!”

This entire time I was just smiling occasionally not saying anything for fear that something really mean would come out of my mouth. I HATE WHEN OTHER PEOPLE TRY TO MOTHER MY KID. I am RIGHT there and am perfectly capable of doing it myself. Meanwhile, I’d like to mention her little demon was running around the playground with a long pointy stick.

This really has become a huge pet peeve of mine as it happens daily. Right now it is neck and neck with my hatred of the word ‘panties’.