Sep 24 2008
Dear Walmart Shoppers…
I happened into a Walmart store on a Friday evening at approximately 9:00pm almost 5 years ago, and after that visit, swore to never go back. I have nothing against Walmart (or at least didn’t at that time, but am thoroughly disgusted at their treatment of the Shank family, but that is another issue).
I understand that their prices are low and that the convenience of 24 hour shopping is tempting, but if you have small children who should be in bed at this time and are “acting out” due to being at Walmart and not in their beds, you should cut them a little slack, or come at a better time.
The amount of abuse I witnessed in the 30 minutes I was at the store broke my heart. My son was 3 months old, and yes, he was with my husband and I. He was asleep in his stroller. If he had started crying, I would’ve known that he was hungry, and/or tired and would not have taken this “inconvenience” out on him.
I saw children yelled at, yanked, smacked, and literally thrown or slammed into carts. It was an outrageous display of abuse from all types of mothers and it totally disgusted me. It’s been 5 years and another child since that first and only visit to Walmart and I do not feel any differently.
I told my husband that any further trips to Walmart would result in a trip to jail for me. If I had to witness any of that again I would seriously hurt one of those moms, and would feel just in doing so.
Treat your children kinder and know their limitations on time and sleep, and if a late night trip can’t be avoided, at least expect your children to “act up” and make your trip as quick as possible.
Sincerely,
Disgusted Mother
Interesting post. I am a mom and I take my son only to stores before 7pm and make sure he’s fed before we leave.
I am not claiming that it is Walmart’s fault. I’m simply stating that I have never seen such an abundant amount of abuse to children (not at the mall at Christmas time, any grocery store I’ve shopped at, or at other mass retailers) as I did on this visit to this particular Walmart. The Target directly across the street from the Walmart in question is my absolute favorite store. I was so offended that I will not go back for fear of witnessing it again.
I am distressed enough by the fish in containers without seeing child abuse
I always go shopping around my son’s nap schedule unless it’s the mall and I know he will fall asleep in his stroller. Some moms are plain selfish.
I have lots of babies and I have always hated those emergency trips late at night. Said 6 year old child gets a major cough attack in the middle of the night and as the only parent at home, I am off to the store dragging all sleeping babies with me. Even the older ones are cranky and a handful at having their sleep interupted. I personally try to ease the discomfort for them by purchasing them a treat to basically buy their compliance. I know it is bad but when you are going to the store with anywhere from 5 boys to 3 boys, you do what you have to do. As for cutting kids slack. Hey they are called children for a reason. Patiently teach them how to properly behave and in time they will behave this way. Yelling, dragging and all the other things will not teach them anything.