How a 30 Second Conversation Changed Everything!

The other day, my daughter had her 15 month check up. It was an appointment filled with shots and blood work...lets just say it wasn’t enjoyable in the least bit. It was a long morning, so after I decided to run to Target to get a few things with both kids in tow; because Target makes everyone happy, right?!?!

Wrong, not my kids apparently! Five minutes into the Target trip, both kids are having a total meltdown. One is mad I won't let her stand in the cart and open up the box of granola bars and the other is upset I asked him to move to the side of the aisle while another mama and her baby walk by. So here I am, in Target with two screaming kids. I grab the remaining items I need and head towards the check out; both are still crying as loud as they can. The frustration is starting to set in and I feel myself getting really sweaty as the cashier is making small talk. I finish paying, still with two screaming kids and decide what the heck, may as well head over to the Starbucks line, since no one is in it.

I order my soy coffee frappuccino and a kids white hot chocolate for my son. The kids are still not happy campers and as we are ‘patiently’ waiting for our drinks, the woman behind me came over to me and said “Good job mama, I’m watching you with your kids and you are doing great. You are a good mama and you got this. I know what days like this are like, I once had two littles that were that age and now they are in high school.” I looked at her and cracked a smile and tried to hold in tears at the same time. I grabbed our drinks and thanked her for her kind words and told her it meant a lot as it’s been a long morning. As we walked away, my son gave her a thumbs up and she gave him one back. We shared one last smile that only another mama would understand. In that 30 second conversation she gave me the confidence that I needed and reminded me that I am doing a good job.

She gave me so much confidence that the kids and I walked out the ‘in’ door. Whoops! So next time you see a stressed out mama, let her know she’s doing a good job; you will make her day, maybe even her week! So thank you to the mama in the Starbucks line, you knew exactly what I needed at that moment.

- Tressa -