5.15.2008

Wish me luck

Update: Whoo Hoo! False alarm. The big bad lady's door was closed today! We had a super friendly dietitian instead. We will overlook the fact that they were having computer and printing issues, thus taking for-eeever and making me late in all other errands....resulting in a late pick-up of the girls after school. But what else is new in my time-keeping flaws? It is a characteristic that I am continuously working on. And you thought I had it all together, didn't you?



I have an appointment today with an office I am not particularly happy with lately (a current trend). At the last appointment I was going over some paperwork with this woman and she told my boys two or three times to be quiet. Now, I really don't mind if somebody corrects my kids if they are really misbehaving, honestly. On this occasion they were sitting at a little table in the room playing with blocks and cars. They were using a louder voice than I would have liked, but they weren't running around, screaming or similar behaviors. I have seen them way more active-believe me. The first time she said it I felt slightly embarrassed- maybe I just wasn't paying attention? When she told them several other times, I was becoming frustrated. Logan was also corrected for pulling at a poster on her wall (attached with Velcro), and trying to walk behind her desk while I was signing paperwork. He's one.

This is an appointment where bringing your children is required-all of them young. Why would I willingly bring them if I have to sit through paperwork? So, why isn't this a more "kid friendly" environment? Why isn't there an area where they can play while parents talk with the professional?

I do not allow my children to run wild through the offices, but when I am there for over an hour discussing and looking at paperwork, and there are signs everywhere "No food or drink"--and it's past 2:00 p.m.....well, we are going to have some issues. I thought the boys were doing well in those circumstances. The problem is that I felt myself getting frustrated at my kids for not meeting her expectations. I also totally stopped listening at the end, and missed some important bits of knowledge (future procedures).

While I was there, I considered gathering my things and going, but I didn't for a silly reason. I had unpacked things from my bag for the kids and we had coats/hats/etc. and it just wouldn't have made a "smooth exit". Make sense? If I could have just picked up my purse and taken their hands...we would have left after telling her that I could tell that we were inconveniencing her. Or something else cleverly stated.

This time I am better prepared. I won't feel the pressure. If we do get the same woman (which we may not), I will respond appropriately if she wrongly corrects them. I am going to really, really warn them before we go in...and reward them immensely when we walk out. Go me!

3 fabulous friends:

Rhea said...

I feel for you. Sounds like an awkward situation. Like you, I get irritated when someone starts disciplining my kids...because I feel like I really do a pretty good job. I try to keep my kids from being obnoxious or loud or wild in public.

Sounds like this place was not set up well and didn't have kid-friendly staff. I'm so sorry, because it makes things harder on you too...and the kids. Not a fun situation.

Bilary said...

I HATE situations like that. Seriously, some people need to really take a pill when it comes to kids. I hate the glares. They are kids, for crying out loud. Next time, take a can of soda with you, look right at the "No food or drink" sign, shake it up, and open it - pointed right in her face. Then casually walk out. That'll teach her to mess with you!

Of course I am kidding, but it would be funny to leave gum stuck somewhere or something like that. I shouldn't ba allowed to be a mother because I am worse than the kids!!!

You are definitely taking a higher road than I would. You go!

LiteralDan said...

That hasn't happened to me yet, and while I might be tempted to talk tough, I can't promise I would say something cutting and clever to someone I'd have to awkwardly see/be dependent on later.

I'd probably just look at her and say something tersely but not unfriendly, like "I've got them under control... thanks though!" And then I'd immediately turn to the kids and remind them about yadda yadda yadda. Then when I left I'd teach them about how adults can be cranky some days, too.