Nasty Beach Lady

Well, it finally happened. I met a friend of Miserable Old Lady and Evil Restaurant Man: Nasty Beach Lady (or, for ease of reference, NBL).

Surely some of you have met her. She sprawls out in her chair, lounging and trying to read a novel and devouring chips while her unruly children run around like wild animals, nearly drowning in the lake and getting into fights with each other and with other kids. And she has the gall to get mad at them for it, screaming at them while a cigarette dangles from her lips. Given the sound of her voice, she’s probably got beer in her travel mug, but I can’t be sure.

Evil Restaurant Man

Following up on yesterday’s post, which involved a Miserable Old Lady chastising a child in a public play place for – oh no! – playing, today, I will introduce you to someone that I bet many of you have encountered in various incarnations:   Evil Restaurant Man.

Yes, this is the guy sitting next to you and your child in a restaurant who occasionally turns to give you not-so-subtle disapproving stares when your child breaks her silence, as if you’re the worst parent ever.

A Little Dirt Doesn't Hurt

Yes, this is a cliché, but it’s also quite true ….. and you’d be surprised how many parents think this philosophy is insane.

Case in point:  we were at a McDonald’s play place a few weeks ago.  For those not fortunate enough to have been to one (haha), kids must remove their shoes before climbing around inside the little tunnels and must wear socks.  Of course, as with any rule, not everyone adheres.