Parenting
When you’re managing four energetic boys all under six, you quickly learn to devise inventive ways for them to release their energy. We recently found an exciting opportunity and decided to participate in our first family 5K. The event encouraged children of all ages to join in, and participants were asked to dress as superheroes in the battle against cancer. Naturally, my boys opted to don their favorite ninja turtle costumes. Each child received a shiny red cape, the weather was delightfully sunny, and the boys relished the cheers from fellow runners who looped back past us on their way to the finish line. It was nearly a perfect day.
However, it seems that every outing reminds us of how much of an inconvenience our large family is to others. As we approached the finish line, we heard a voice from behind: “Thanks for taking up the whole lane. I appreciate it!” We turned around, curious, since we weren’t blocking anyone. I was walking on the far right, carrying the baby, while my husband was a few feet ahead, pulling two boys in a wagon, and another child was biking a short distance in front of us. We were clearly only occupying two-thirds of the lane.
When we glanced back, the guy was a bit further back, and he repeated his comment, clearly aimed at us. We thought he might be joking. My husband asked, “Are we in your way?” The runner zipped past on our left, retorting, “Yeah, thanks a lot.” I couldn’t help but call after him, “This is a kids’ walk for cancer!” but he continued running, finishing a few yards ahead of us. My husband approached him afterward for a real conversation, but the man ignored us and walked away, leaving us both frustrated. We spent the entire ride home discussing the incident.
This isn’t an isolated event for us. Like the time a man on his phone scolded us for taking too long to choose canned crab while managing our full cart of kids. Or the instance when I was chastised for taking time to strap all four children into their car seats by someone impatiently waiting for my parking spot. It’s become clear to me what a menace we are to society. Therefore, I’d like to extend my apologies.
I’m sorry I didn’t account for you, the complete stranger, while planning my family.
I regret that your needs weren’t my primary concern.
I apologize that my commitment to car safety does not improve your parking experience.
I’m sorry that those oversized shopping carts at Walmart resemble a Zamboni, encroaching on your aisle space.
And to that runner, I genuinely apologize if my audacity of bringing my children to a family 5K added precious seconds to your impressive 59-minute finish time. How inconsiderate of me!
Clearly, I need to learn a lesson. If you’d like to keep my family off the streets and out of your local grocery store, please sign the petition at www.gokickrocks.com.
With your support, we can ensure large, happy families filled with adorable children remain at home where they belong. We could then devote our energy to looking after the elderly and disabled instead.
This article first appeared on September 16, 2014.
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Summary
Managing a large family can often lead to public misunderstandings and frustrations, as showcased through various encounters during a family 5K event. The author humorously apologizes for any inconvenience her family may cause, while also addressing the societal perceptions of larger families.
Keyphrase
large family inconveniences
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