parents acting childish in public

Maren had her first gymnastics class today.  This post isn't about that and I didn't get any pictures so I will post on her next week.  Anyway, there was a pregnant lady there who had 2 girls in the class.  She was getting on their case the whole time about listening and doing the activities and such.  Keep in mind these girls are 3 or maybe 4.  She was bribing them and threatening them and shrieking at them.  Nothing she did changed how the kids acted.  And honestly, most of the things the kids were doing weren't a big deal at all, they just weren't doing the exact way the mom wanted them to do it.  Then after class, she was in a hurry to get them out the door and she was practically throwing a tantrum to get them to listen to her. 

And I was embarrassed. 

Not because of her, but because of myself.  I have been that woman shrieking at and begging my kids to just do what I ask.  Not only does it not work, it's not necessary.  Whatever the girls were doing was not distracting anyone else.  They weren't putting anyone in danger.  They were just being creative.  Is it really a big deal if the girls don't want to participate the whole time?  I have a feeling the mom feels more strongly about gymnastics than I do.  The class is just something fun for Maren to do--a Christmas present from her grandparents.  I want her to enjoy it and not have it be something she dreads.  And she did love it!

I'm not writing this to criticize the mother, but more to remind myself about what actually matters and what doesn't work when interacting with your children. I said this in an earlier post but being pregnant has this magical ability to dim a woman's perspective on life.  Everything is stressful--even if you don't realize it.  You feel like your patience is gone and you're mad at your kids all of the time because they are being extra naughty.  The truth is, you are just tired and hormonal. 

If I had known this woman (who knows, maybe she's always like this), I would have given her a hug and told her it gets better.  Maybe next week I will.  It's amazing the difference I feel from 8 months ago!

I hope this will also be a good reminder someday when my kids are old enough to fully participate in competitive sports.  I am a pretty competitive person but I really don't want to be the intense parent pressuring my child to the point of misery in something they could have enjoyed. 

Here's to hoping I never throw a public tantrum again!  I just need to chill out!