But if you're going to be in there for hours doing the weekly shopping, please make arrangements to keep the child happy or let someone watch them.
Hours!? Jesus, man... are you refitting a carrier group or something!?
I am, for all intents and purpose, a "step-parent". However, I have raised my two hooligans from 5 and 6 to 13 and 14 respectively. When first encountering a disciplinary situation, I reverted back to NAVINSTRUCTOR duty...and the words just kinda "popped out".....DROP! - PUSH UPS - BE-GIN....
Ever seen a 9 year old and his dad on aisle 5 at Kroger pushing 'em out b/c he couldn't keep his hands off his brother?
Or in the parking lot of Gamestop doing "Up-Downs" and "Butterfly kicks" b/c they didn't get what they wanted?
My two are VERY well mannered young MEN, they show respect when it is given. They open doors for others, say Yes/No ma'am/sir, Thank You, Pardon Me, and so forth. They have learned through attrition that certain actions, decisions, and behavior are NOT tolerated.
Never laid a hand on them, never had to. I drop along with them, and while they're whining about being too tired, or "it hurts" and I'm pushing 'em out smiling and singing the praises of P.T., I really think it concerns them that: A) I am a complete lunatic, and if the temper was actually ever really lost, would go nuclear and Denton would be a burning hole in the ground, or B) That I am in better shape than them and they better pack a lunch...
On a side note, I have heard my wife tell another mom in the mall...."Lady, either you can get a hold of your kids, or I'm gonna get a hold of YOU!"...shortly leading to said children and woman exiting the area...
I have seen the exasperated single mom trying to get some groceries before heading home with two curtain climbers going nuts....and her looking like she wants to blow her brains out...usually I'll send one of my boys over with a couple suckers and ask if the kids can have 'em, usual reply if "yes" and the screaming becomes a series of slurping sounds, and mom looks like suicide hotline has been avoided...
It's called SITUATIONAL AWARENESS people. And for the MEN on the forum, it is our DUTY to help/protect those that are trying but are incapable of doing so themselves. Keep that in mind, and the next time you see someone who is TRYING, reach out, and DO SOMETHING. No matter how small it may seem, a showing of humanity every so often can be greatly rewarding. Especially when you get home and the kids tell "Mommy" how helpful "Dad" was and she "rewards" your chivalry...