Your Oversized Stroller Is a Hassle for Everyone Else

home insemination Kit

Last week, I swung by a coffee shop after a day at the park, juggling my child in a stroller, a hot cup of coffee, and a bag of groceries. It’s a bit tricky, but I’m used to the challenge. As I approached the door, I spotted a guy coming out and thought, great! I won’t have to awkwardly back out while trying to keep everything balanced. We locked eyes, and I smiled, thinking we had a silent agreement to be courteous. I was mistaken. He pushed the door shut hard enough to almost knock me over, leaving me to manage my stroller, baby, and groceries. As he walked away, carefree and smirking, it felt like he was saying, “Forget you and your stuff!”

I’ll admit I wanted to punch this guy, but oddly enough, I understood where he was coming from. Let’s call him Mark. We live in the same area, surrounded by a new wave of parents I like to refer to as the “I Don’t Care About Your Space” crew, or simply, Jerks.

Just to recap: oblivious parents = Jerks. The not-so-nice guy who slammed the door = Mark.

I have this cheap $20 umbrella stroller that I use when I know I’ll be in crowded places. Sure, it’s not the best ride for my kid, but I can maneuver it through a store or café without causing a scene. It folds up small, which is key because I don’t want to be a bother. But these Jerks? They don’t care who they inconvenience with their massive baby vehicles. They waltz into a packed brunch spot expecting a table, not even considering that they might need to fold that monstrosity up.

They stomp in, likely running over some poor diner’s feet, and park their stroller right next to Mark, completely oblivious to the chaos they’ve caused. The long handle of their stroller is practically invading Mark’s personal space, ruining his meal. He’s thinking, “Why are parents so self-absorbed?” And honestly, what’s with those gigantic strollers?

Then, Mark finds himself stuck behind another one on a crowded sidewalk. It’s like navigating through a busy city during rush hour with a giant umbrella—completely unnecessary and super annoying for everyone else.

After a frustrating morning, Mark heads to his favorite coffee shop, hoping for a peaceful moment. That’s when he sees me, and instead of noticing my small, considerate stroller, he sees a colossal one and assumes I’m just another inconsiderate parent. So, he purposely waits an extra moment before slamming the door in my face, vindicating his awful day.

Thanks to the Jerks, parents like me are getting unfairly judged. Just because I have a baby doesn’t mean I’m a jerk, but now everyone thinks I am. Doors aren’t held open, people don’t step aside, and the general niceties are gone. And honestly, I’m over it.

Listen up, Jerks! Be mindful of your oversized strollers. Yes, having a baby is a big deal for you, but that doesn’t mean you get more space. Brooklyn is cramped enough as it is. And you really don’t need to haul around a carry-on sized diaper bag filled with enough supplies for a three-week trip, either. It’s just silly.

I know it may seem hypocritical to ask these parents to be more considerate so others will be nicer to me, but really, it’s just about common courtesy. I hold doors for people with their hands full, whether they’re carrying babies or boxes. Mark would have held the door for me that day if the Jerks hadn’t already ruined his mood.

For more insights on parenting and self-care, check out this insightful post on home insemination. Plus, if you’re exploring home insemination, you might find this Babymaker At Home Insemination Kit really helpful. And for anyone expecting, this resource on pregnancy is fantastic!

In summary, oversized strollers are not just an inconvenience; they contribute to a culture that makes other parents feel judged and disrespected. A little mindfulness could go a long way in making our community more accommodating for everyone.