Mum writes open letter on Facebook to the shoppers who called her ‘irresponsible’ for letting her toddler cry.
Devastated mum Sammi Ovington, 23, had the day from hell when passers-by called her “irresponsible” for letting her tot cry while she shopped.
After three-year-old Skye had a public meltdown, shop assistants and bystanders in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, made some very hurtful comments.
Young Skye has autism spectrum disorder, pica and hypermobility syndrome, which can make public outings a struggle.
After the traumatic ordeal, Sammi took to Facebook to shed light on the cruel judgement of the public.
She said: “To the lady in Paperchase telling me Skye was naughty, I’m irresponsible and I shouldn’t give her things before I’ve paid for them, thanks for your input.
“Pica is a disorder where she feels the uncontrollable need to eat non edible things.
“Skye’s thing is paper. I’m sorry she ate the barcode before we paid but she isn’t naughty and I am not irresponsible.”
Next, Sammi addressed a Wilko staff member: “No I wouldn’t rather take my child who is in the middle of a meltdown outside and come back in a minute.
“I think that’s what you would rather me do and I am disgusted with your attitude.”
To the woman doing her groceries in Sainsbury’s who told her that Skye was too old to be in a buggy.
Caring mum Sammi responded: “Skye has hypermobility syndrome. Walking long distances for her is painful.”
Finally, Sammi had a message to unsympathetic members of the public.
She said: “To the people just staring at me, whispering to each other and the blatant judging of my parenting, I hope your children don’t have bad days like this.”
“I will not apologise if she is an inconvenience to your shopping trip!”
Note added by Sammi to her original post – “My child was not left for 2 hours crying whilst I just carried on with my everyday shopping. The time Skye spent crying I was sat on a bench just cuddling her to make her feel safe which was when I was approached by the Virgin guy as stated in my post. When she calmed down I ask Skye if she wanted to go to Wilko to find a new bunny toy and she said yes, so off we went. Got to the shop and it started again so was trying to be as quick as possible finding her a new toy to comfort her. *Please note Wilko have dealt with the issues raised quickly and professionally* See this photo? This was taken whilst we were out shopping. That’s her new bunny. Does it look like I left my child in distress for 2 hours and did nothing?! The whole point of my post is to think before you judge! Thank you for all comments/messages of support. “
Sammi sounds like a great mum doing the best she can. Why can’t we just support each other?
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