I used the line today!

[LiveLoveLearn]

Well, I used it.  I knew, as a mother to a shy 3 year old and a rambunctious 1 year old (2 on Friday!) boys, that the opportunity would present itself, more likely sooner rather than later.

This morning, I dropped DS1 off at preschool and took DS2 grocery shopping.  After shopping, we got back to the van where I KNOW I buckled him in.  I was on the cell and had to hang up to get the dang-darnity thing clipped.  I double checked it.  It was latched.

A few miles down the road, as I'm going 45 mph, I hear DS2 making a strange noise.  Look in the rearview mirror and he's standing on the seat, unbuckled, scared half to death.  I fight the impulse to slam on the breaks and I put on my hazards, slow down, and look for somewhere close to pull off the road.  The nearest place happened to be a gas station.

I pull in, put the van in park, and go around and open the door.  Behind me, I hear a woman gasp and say "You're a filthy (expletive) to let a child that young ride without being buckled in."  I looked over my shoulder, gave the look of ice and said...  "What an interesting assumption."  Turned back to DS2, lectured him about not undoing his buckle while Mommy is driving, buckled him back in and off we went.

I was so happy that I remembered to use 'the line' that I almost forgot how scared I had been!
Thanks E-hell 

**Edited because my subject line had included what sounded like a brag, so I removed it :0

[macysnail]

Wow good for you!  I can't believe how well you were able to maintain your composure. 

[strawbabies]

I can't believe she got all high and mighty on you, but used that kind of language in front of a child.

[jais]

I can't believe she got all high and mighty on you, but used that kind of language in front of a child.

I agree.  I would have had a hard time using ONLY the line. 

[LiveLoveLearn]

I admitt, there was a lot more I wanted to say to her, but I loudly lectured to DS2 that he was never to do it again.

I can't believe she got all high and mighty on you, but used that kind of language in front of a child.

I know.  I was actually thinking that what she called me applied more to her for speaking that way.  "Well, yes, my child is unbuckled, which is why I stopped to buckle him back in.  Which I managed without cussing at him, thank you."  Darn it, of course now I think of the perfect response.  I was still shaking from the site of seeing my one year old standing up unbuckled when she said that, so I'm surprized I got anything out at all!
She did seem rather put off at 'the line' though - kind of befuddled.

[amanda_tlg]

I think 'the line' was made for issues involving relationships, weight and child-rearing.

[ch1pch0p]

Wow! Good for you maintaining your composure with her. I definitely would have wanted to say something else -- especially after the way she made it personal!

[unicornbee]

What an assumption is right... I know both my younger brothers had a habit of unbuckling themselves. With my baby brother, when that happened my mom would ask me (I was 7 or to buckle him back in. I guess when on her 4th kid she stopped freaking out so much...

[LiveLoveLearn]

I guess when on her 4th kid she stopped freaking out so much...

See, DS1 is shy and reserved.  He wouldn't be daring enough to do it.
DS2, however... sigh.  He's a daredevil.

[Wonderflonium]

I'm really impressed. I would have wanted to scream things at that woman that shouldn't be said in front of a child.

[Ticia]

Hehe, my girls both get really upset if I forget to buckle them in all the way. It hasn't happened often, but with three kids it's bound to happen once in awhile. Heh. They'll start to yell "Mom, I'm not buckled!" before we start to drive away. I've been really lucky with them.

[Lady Vavasour]

I admitt, there was a lot more I wanted to say to her, but I loudly lectured to DS2 that he was never to do it again.

I can't believe she got all high and mighty on you, but used that kind of language in front of a child.

I know.  I was actually thinking that what she called me applied more to her for speaking that way.  "Well, yes, my child is unbuckled, which is why I stopped to buckle him back in.  Which I managed without cussing at him, thank you."  Darn it, of course now I think of the perfect response.  I was still shaking from the site of seeing my one year old standing up unbuckled when she said that, so I'm surprized I got anything out at all!
She did seem rather put off at 'the line' though - kind of befuddled.

I think you already gave the perfect response

[sparksals]

I think 'the line' was made for issues involving relationships, weight and child-rearing.

That's an interesting assumption. 

[heathert]

I think 'the line' was made for issues involving relationships, weight and child-rearing.

I thought it was for whenever someone is "assuming" something that is wrong and making a rude comment based on that assumption.  If that's the case, I believe this situation would apply.

Heather

[amanda_tlg]

I think 'the line' was made for issues involving relationships, weight and child-rearing.

I thought it was for whenever someone is "assuming" something that is wrong and making a rude comment based on that assumption.  If that's the case, I believe this situation would apply.

Heather

I only meant that with those particular three subjects are the ones people feel the need to "butt in on" when they have no experience and/or knowledge with the situation. Assumptions made about diets, marriage and kids, etc., usually made from complete strangers who have observed your life for a whole 47 seconds.