What would you have said?
We were all at the mall. Jonah was playing at a play area with another child who was around 3 years old. He just followed Jonah around everywhere copying what Jonah did and he didn’t seem to mind.
Jonah was shrieking with delight. The little boy started shrieking along with him (until his mother “shushed” him).
There was no such “shushing” from me. Jonah is happy. He is in a public PLAY AREA for toddlers while interacting with other peers and having a great time. It’s not like… a library or anything.
Finally, it was time to leave. Jonah bolted. No shoes or nothin’. He just took off at a dead sprint.
I finally caught him and was in the process of putting his shoes on him when a random older gal walks past us and says:
“I swear, he’s doing that on purpose… (shrieking).”
I was still trying to figure out who that comment was directed at when Jonah took off again.
But I know the look. I know the voice intonation. I know the reaction.
“Judgement. Bad parenting.”
The inference was “Get your kid to behave!”
“…damn annoying.” is the only part that I caught before I was out of earshot.
I did not have time for a ‘frank’ conversation just then, but a few choice words hung at the tip of my tongue before I remembered Jonny was with me as well, and with his inquisitive mind, I didn’t want to make it more of a deal then it was for him so I let it go.
We were late for Jonah’s therapy and I did not have time to deal with that kind of ignorance just then.
It gets REALLY old, you guys. I’m sure you have all gone through the same thing at one point or another.
What is your response?
Sigh. One day people will learn.
(Thanks to Autism Awareness Shop)