I once read a book titled, "Snappy answers to stupid questions". It was filled with witty answers for ordinary and obvious questions. Well, sometimes I wish I had some book like that for all the stupid questions I get asked as a parent. Once you enter the club of parenthood, it seems like you become the target for all kinds of un-welcome questions from all and sundry. But mostly these are other parents whom you could only call acquaintances at schools or other child-related places.
When I say 'strange questions' I mean totally weird personal questions. And not just about personal finances or your pay check. It would be about the child's height, complexion or colour and anything relating to general appearance.
I remember being asked this question when I was waiting to see the pediatrician (thank God for spell check). An elderly lady who was waiting with her grandchildren asks me:
Lady: "Is she your daughter?"
Me: Yes (smiling)
Lady: But she has such lovely hair.
Me: Heeeeheehee (Smiling. But thinking, yeah right! )
Another incident was when a fellow parent at school commented on my daughter's tooth.
Lady: She's grown so tall. (she was seeing her after about 3-4months)
Me: Yeah... (smiling)
Lady: But she was so much cuter earlier. I think its her teeth. You must get it checked. I think she's been having that gap for a long time right? (referring to the gap formed by two fallen front teeth)
Me: ......... (smiling, how can one reply to this nonsense?)
It is at such times that I wish I had witty comebacks to shock such well-meaning strangers and others. Its not like these people have any ulterior motives behind their obviously rude remarks. But I am beginning to think that there is some value in maintaining an etiquette in public.
I pity the plight of mothers of short and puny children. They must have a tough time. I am not going anywhere near the plight of parents whose children are physically or mentally challenged. I am just trying to say I wish people were a bit more considerate when the child was near by. Personal questions to adults about adults is one thing (bad and has to be dealt with separately) but I wish the children were spared.
When I say 'strange questions' I mean totally weird personal questions. And not just about personal finances or your pay check. It would be about the child's height, complexion or colour and anything relating to general appearance.
I remember being asked this question when I was waiting to see the pediatrician (thank God for spell check). An elderly lady who was waiting with her grandchildren asks me:
Lady: "Is she your daughter?"
Me: Yes (smiling)
Lady: But she has such lovely hair.
Me: Heeeeheehee (Smiling. But thinking, yeah right! )
Another incident was when a fellow parent at school commented on my daughter's tooth.
Lady: She's grown so tall. (she was seeing her after about 3-4months)
Me: Yeah... (smiling)
Lady: But she was so much cuter earlier. I think its her teeth. You must get it checked. I think she's been having that gap for a long time right? (referring to the gap formed by two fallen front teeth)
Me: ......... (smiling, how can one reply to this nonsense?)
It is at such times that I wish I had witty comebacks to shock such well-meaning strangers and others. Its not like these people have any ulterior motives behind their obviously rude remarks. But I am beginning to think that there is some value in maintaining an etiquette in public.
I pity the plight of mothers of short and puny children. They must have a tough time. I am not going anywhere near the plight of parents whose children are physically or mentally challenged. I am just trying to say I wish people were a bit more considerate when the child was near by. Personal questions to adults about adults is one thing (bad and has to be dealt with separately) but I wish the children were spared.
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