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To the parents in those in between places: thank-you.

There’s nothing more comforting than solidarity from your fellow parents when the going gets tough. 

Even more so is when a complete stranger sees that you’re in a Tough Gig and they pass you some of their warmth and “it’ll be okays” in the form of a smile or a word of encouragement or an offer of help. Sure, their perfectly timed generousity or kind smile might be the very thing that tips you over the edge into a Public Cry, but it really is so dang pure.

Having someone that you don’t even know simply understand where you are in the moment is so underrated. Humans can be pretty terrible (looking @ u, Trump), but sometimes they can also be wonderful and these are one of those times when you can really see them shine. Especially more so when you’re feeling vulnerable parenting during a tricky situation in plain sight, e.g. amongst your fellow supermarket shoppers.

To those kind-hearted, non-judgemental parents in public spaces: you’re all the real MVPs.

To these parents who understand, who empathsize, who  are compassionate to their fellow balancing-on-the-edge-of-survival strangers: thank-you. 

To the mum who offered to load all of my groceries into the car when my daughter was a little newborn and crying her head off as I tried to wrangle her into the capsule: thank-you.

To the dad who returned my shopping basket for me as I wrestled the queen of WWE herself (who apparently does not enjoy giving up shopping baskets) and said, “I have one the same age, they’re quite a handful aren’t they?”: thank-you.

To the checkout worker who encouraged me to go home and pop the TV on so that I could get a moment of peace: thank-you. Sometimes all you need is a stranger reminding you that it’s okay to stop the relentless pursuit of being an unattainably Perfect Parent.

To the mum with two small kiddos in the doctors waiting room the other day who went and found me a wad of tissues to mop up the blood on Miss 18 months’ forehead (long story short: toddler vs a wooden ledge didn’t end well, but she’s fine) while we waited for it to be glued: thank-you.

To all of these parents and the many more that I’m definitely forgetting because baby brain is a real phenomenon: thank-you for making me feel seen and understood. Thank-you for giving me hope that I’m not the only one who has rubbish moments. Thank-you for showing me that I’m not alone in these isolating, yet often painfully obvious spaces.

(Upon reflection, I now see that most of these instances tend to occur either in or outside a grocery store. What is it about being within a 100m radius of a Countdown that makes kids like this?)

There really is something remarkably special about these small acts of kindness. To these strangers - you go, Glen Coco!

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