Moms in Time Out.

To that great advice columnist in the sky:

Dear Abby:

I am certainly aware of your recent departure from this earth but I need your advice none the less. Why is it that today’s young parents must insist on micro-managing and arbitrating their toddlers play time with other toddlers? Hovering around and policing play activity. Activity which might bubble up in to a mild disagreement. Maybe claiming playing rights with a certain toy. Possibly resulting in grabbing, pushing, and crying. General give and take. Push and shove. Normal child’s play.

After all, what can a four year old do to another four year old? Well, aside from biting. Hardly nothing. Each has the strength of a Gerbil. Non-threatening. Innocuous. Just sugar-fat pushing each other around.

Usually an altercation ending up in a hugging fest. The best of friends in about five minutes. And no thanks to intruding moms. All is Okay. All is well.

However, parents are like grand stands filled with partisan sports fans. Booing, cheering, and yelling things never heard in church. All in support of their favorite team. Emotions swelling to the breaking point. “MY son had it first.”
“No he didn’t !”
Yes he did!!”
“Well, you can just take that toy and…!!!”

And in the mean time, both toddlers are watching in horror how each mom is castigating the other. Fighting like litigants in a courtroom liability suit. Blaming, threatening, and shouting. OMG. Can’t we just get along?

Abby, what’s your best advice here?

VTR,
Okie in Land of Enchantment.

Dear Enchanted Okie,
Call Dr. Phil. I’m too busy doing nothing.

VTR
Abby