Helen Martin’s Blog

I don’t have to deal with my children throwing tantrums while we’re shopping any more than I might at other times. Of course they do it occasionally, but it’s because they are too tired or frustrated or just plain ornery. And they don’t actually think it will get them anything - anything they’ll like, that is.

Sometimes I’ll see a sympathetic smile from someone who I can tell has been there. An older woman glances over and smiles and her face says, “Oh I remember that; I understand,” and it brings me real comfort. Her babies are grown and I think I see a melancholy look in her eyes. Like she misses these days I am having. My baby is trying to wiggle out of one arm as I try to get my screaming toddler up off the floor with the other. And she misses this!

I guess that isn’t so crazy. On those days when I’ve had enough sleep and am in the right frame of mind, I can smile at a tantrum, too, (though I turn my head to conceal my amusement.) But interestingly enough, the more on top of things I am, the fewer and farther between the hissy fits are… Mmmnn, I might be onto something here.

I am going to enjoy it while it lasts, freak shows and all. And someday I will wistfully observe a similar scene as I have endured and hopefully transmit some silent encouragement in that mom’s direction. Until then whenever I see a kid testing his mom loudly in public, I smile widely and say, “Hang tough, Mom!” It’s more of a battle cry than a comfort, but she needs that, too. And it’s where my heart is now.