What's the worst thing you have seen a child do in a supermarket?

[tigwig]

I was at Asda today and there were 2 kids aged around 3 and 4 sat on the floor and they had helped themselves to the tube yogurts. The youngest had ripped opened a few boxes, tipped them out and was eating one! I looked around trying to spot a possible parent but no one was taking any notice. A staff member then walked up to them and took them off the kids but still no parent. I thought I have to see who they are with and waited a bit further down, making it look like I wasnt being a nosy cow. Then a woman who had been stood at the end of an aisle near enough to see what they were doing decided to pick the youngest up and put him in the trolley, then walked off without a care in the world! I thought it was disgraceful to allow your child to do that. She should have been made to pay. Dont you think?

[Richard1966]

Supermarkets are like big adventure playgrounds to young (under 5) children. They are not responsible, but i agree the parents should take control and take responsibility for any mess caused.

[JR369]

Not in a supermarket but it's disgusting when I go to outdoor shows and see parents just walking so far behind or in front of their kids that you couldn't tell whether the child is with them or someone else or are too busy and engrossed doing something that their kids have wandered off without them knowing. My kids have to be physically holding my hands AT ALL TIMES and I'm constantly interacting with them teaching and showing them things having fun whilst also watching in front of them as they could be about to step on broken glass or dog poo or something. This is good parenting.

[Stephen_G]

Not s supermarket but a sports shop (I apologize in advance if you're eating).

A small child squat down and defecate whilst screaming her head off for her mother (Who incidentally, couldn't have given a XXXX for the wellbeing of her child because she was flapping her gums to another woman). When the mother located the child she said something along the lines of "Why didn't you come and find me"

Another selfish customer ignored her sons pleas and allowed him to pee himself because she was trying on clothes. She marched him up and down the shop a couple of times in his soiled jeans until such time she bought him a pair of jogging bottoms to change into.

[China Doll]

I think it's more reflective on the parents rather than the children how naughty a child is in public, I don't think it's generally the childs fault. There is also some thought to be given to children who have genuine difficulties like autism etc... which must be very hard on some parents when they are out shopping with them and all other people see is a 'naughty child'.

[boxtops]

I know some parents have no choice than to take their youngsters shopping, but to suddenly not become responsible for them while they are in the shop really annoys me. I was crashed into by a small person skidding down the aisles the other day playing slides - my fault, of course.

[China Doll]

Unruly children get 'the look' from me... As do the parents... Thus far, no casualties... Just! ;0)

[sherrardk]

I do my shopping online but I will do a small shop with the children now and then on purpose. I feel that if they don't know how to behave in a supermarket/shop then I wont be able to take them with me if I really needed to. Bit of a nightmare at the moment as the two youngest are at the stage where they won't go in the trolley but are a pain out of the trolley.

[B00]

Can't you put reins on them Sherr? Then loope them on your wrist, the reins i mean, not the children!

[bimbo123456]

I always make a point of saying something positive to parents who are encouraging their children to take part. ie finding stuff, looking for things on the shelves. It takes a little longer but makes so much difference. Imagine being in a shop with people who were 15ft high all around you. Size differential makes a bit difference.

[B00]

Good Lord, where do you live bimbo that folk round you grow to 15 feet???