I feel like I am "that" mom all the time. We go out and I feel like I am a walking spectacle. My boys are very active, and while they're not being "bad," they are definitely not walking by my side quietly.
They race around more than they should, they all try to talk to me at the same time and no, they're not quiet, and they laugh and play with each other, often very loudly. Sometimes they argue with one another and get loud and embarass me. I try...oh, how I try...to reign them in and calm them down. But they are just very, very, very high energy and I get looks. I don't allow them to be a nuisance, but just their very presence is probably a nuisance to some. I see moms with very demure, quiet children (usually girls) looking at us like they are animals. Trust me, I do not accept bad behavior, but it's a fine line and there are moms who I think would think their behavior is bad, depending on the nature of their children. I cannot change their personalities and it's futile to try.
We went bowling with friends yesterday and in the lane next to us were two moms with two daughters each. The girls seemed more like little adults to me. Each took a turn, they'd turn and give a sweet little smile if they'd done well, and then sit back down. They were SO QUIET! Our boys, OTOH, would hoot and holler and high-five each other after each ball, pretend they were rock stars and play air guitar with lots of theatrics, and just TALK loudly. I can only say "Shhhhh!" so many times. They're not misbehaving, they're just being kids. At least I think so.
Kristen
mama to 3 wild and crazy boys - ages 16, 13 and 11