You Learn Something New Every Day

When: Today, on our way back from the pool, 10 minutes past naptime
Where: Uptown 6 train

Evelyn screams vigorously for 2-3 full minutes because I won’t let her get out of her stroller and walk around the subway car. She has been playing with my sunglasses, but now throws them on the ground to show she’s serious. A minute later, she starts playing with the strap on her sandal.

Two stops later, a woman about to get off the train hands her a pamphlet from a local art show. The pamphlet has a flower on the front. As she steps off the train, this kind Samaritan turns and says, “You may think it’s tough love, but it’s bordering on child abuse. She obviously needs something to play with. Child abuse!” She then exits.

Approximately 30 seconds later, Evelyn hands the pamphlet to me because she's having too much fun playing with her sandal to keep track of it.

* * *

Lesson of the day: Only children whose parents mistreat them throw temper tantrums.

Fellow city moms beware: The next time your child is throwing a fit in a public place instead of in the privacy of your car because, well, you don’t have a car, a visit from child protective services could be just around the corner.