Parents are often told the world is a child’s classroom, and there’s no better way to build confidence and independence than by letting your kids do things for themselves.
But should the teaching be at the expense of others? That’s a question mom Ash was asked after posting about her one-year-old at the supermarket checkout.
She did her weekly grocery shopping with her partner and toddler at her local supermarket, and a seemingly ordinary Sunday morning went viral. She posted the video, which has over 1.5 million views and thousands of comments and replies, innocently as a parenting moment.
The text in the video reads, “Pov: the line behind you is growing, and people are looking at you, but you don’t care because your child is learning and rushing is what gives young children anxiety.”
Ash is seen teaching her child the names of the fruits and veggies and encouraging him to pitch in and help.
The clip is captioned: “Sunday mornings – this supermarket is designed for families. Kids trolleys/carts, and even checkouts that are low down ♥️ Take a step back if you think this is moving too slow; I think we make a pretty great team #toddlerlife.”
Although the clip has a happy Sunday morning vibe, viewers were angry that Ash wasn’t being considerate of other people’s time by ignoring the line behind her.
Commenters stressed that it’s okay to take one’s time when it comes to our children and not always to rush them – as long as when in public, it doesn’t affect others. But that was also a point of debate.
“Being aware and considerate of others is another important lesson for our kids,” one said.
To which someone clapped back, “So is patience.”
Another added, “I always have loved the saying ‘strangers should not have to parent with you’.”
And a third wrote, “This is why they make developmental toys that they can use at home without being inconsiderate to others.”
Finally, there was this repeated perspective: “Social awareness would be more important to teach at this moment. Hope this helps.”
Ash maintained her optimism about her teaching moment, despite supportive comments being in the minority.
“There’s usually several self-checkouts available, not like you’re holding up the whole queue so I don’t see an issue,” read one reasonable comment, to which the mum replied, “It’s a large supermarket so there are over 15 checkouts – plus we’re going fast in my opinion haha!”
There were some who appreciated her parenting, with one saying, “I rush all the time and tell my daughter ‘come on, be quick’, but no, you’re right! I’m gonna make people wait from now on. She gets one childhood.”
Ash thanked her by replying, “You’re one of few who got the true message here.”
There was more support with this comment: “I love this. Kids deserve to take up space. They have just as much right to be there as anyone else!”
Finally, this viewer congratulated Ash: “But this is like, a normal speed? And the kiddo looks so happy to be helping ???? You’re doing everything right!”