The dreaded public tantrum – what parent doesn’t cringe when their child really lets go in a public space.  It can feel so embarrassing because we feel everyone is watching...and judging our parenting skills. 

A mom from Hopkins told me the other night that she really dreads her kids fussing in public for just this reason, so she made a mental note that she wouldn’t stare at another parent dealing with an out-of-control child.   Recently she was in a grocery store and saw a child really screaming, fussing, and giving his mom a hard time at check out.  She went over to the mom and said, “Would you like me to bag your groceries for you while you help your son?”  The mom looked completely surprised and stunned, and realized the woman was serious.  She was grateful, said “yes” and the woman bagged her groceries for her.

The child settled down, the mom thanked her, then mom and son left, much more composed.  The cashier then looked at the woman and said “Did you know that mom?”  She didn’t and the cashier responded, “Wow, really nice.”

That’s Say Yes to No in action.