Free-Range Kids

[Mishi]

Dear Mama,
When I saw your kidlings walking to the counter by themselves, I was a little apprehensive. I was expecting something else entirely. You sat close by and gently reminded them to use their manners, gave them more than enough money for their order and were very reassuring. Your children are a delight! They waited patiently, spoke clearly and politely, and they were conscious of other people. They didn't get in anyone's way, thanked the people that complimented them and were just perfect little darlings. You smiled at and gently accepted the criticism from an older women and didn't snark back.
You made my evening, thank you!

[AmbrosiaWriter]

Parenting: You're doing it right!

[rose_metal_nz]

Parenting: You're doing it right!

Cannot agree more. What a delightful change

[Food Lady]

This post makes me happy. However, you know we all love the carnage, so did you post about this?:

You smiled at and gently accepted the criticism from an older women and didn't snark back.

[Mishi]

Nope, there wasn't much to tell beyond a cranky older lady walking over to the young-ish mama, saying something like "I'd never let my kids do that! They're too young for that! You're lazy and irresponsible!" then walking away with a bad case of cat-butt face when the mum just smiled at her. Lots of people complimented her and her kids though, so hopefully that more than makes up for one rude person.

[AmbrosiaWriter]

Nope, there wasn't much to tell beyond a cranky older lady walking over to the young-ish mama, saying something like "I'd never let my kids do that! They're too young for that! You're lazy and irresponsible!" then walking away with a bad case of cat-butt face when the mum just smiled at her. Lots of people complimented her and her kids though, so hopefully that more than makes up for one rude person.

Wow! When I was a little kid my parents felt A-OK letting me wander around the store all by myself, and when I say wander, I mean they didn't even have line of sight on me. They knew I wouldn't destroy or bother anyone, and when I found something I wanted (typically candy or a box of goldfish or something) I would go to the end of the aisles, walk down them looking down each one for either my mom or dad.

Did that make my parent's irresponsible and lazy? That they parented me well enough that I acted like a responsible teenager in the single digits rather than a spoiled boil brat?

I don't think so!

[MamaMootz]

Nope, there wasn't much to tell beyond a cranky older lady walking over to the young-ish mama, saying something like "I'd never let my kids do that! They're too young for that! You're lazy and irresponsible!" then walking away with a bad case of cat-butt face when the mum just smiled at her. Lots of people complimented her and her kids though, so hopefully that more than makes up for one rude person.

And I always let DD go to the counter by herself from the age of about 4 and up, to do something like get the Frosty that came with her Wendy's meal. I was close by to make sure she was OK/didn't get run over by some adult SC (it happens a LOT). But it was important for her to feel independent and grown up.

If you don't give the children independence and teach them social skills and good manners, how on earth are they supposed to learn?