I expected this to happen ages ago.

I'm sure I've received 'looks' from strangers, judging me and my interactions with the kid. I know I was stared at for breastfeeding in semi-public. I try not to care what others think about my parenting decisions. In their eyes, I probably do wrong a lot of the time: He's wearing too little or too much; he's getting the wrong food; he should be asleep at this time of day; he shouldn't have a pacifier, it's bad for him; he's screaming, why isn't she giving him his pacifier? and so on.

At least, these strangers have kept their mouths shut. Until today, that is.

See, the kid has taken to screaming in public. Loudly. It's very shrill and it's very annoying. He doesn't need a particular reason. He just likes doing it - and I'm afraid he likes that people notice him. (It's not because he's throwing a tantrum. That's different, but he's quite good at that, too.) At 19 months, there is not much reasoning you can do with him - except to tell him to quit screaming. At home, he's sent to the tiny hallway to calm down. Being out and about, I don't have that option. Today, I've had to leave several shops because he wouldn't stop. Taking him outside worked a charm - no audience, you see. While I was on my way out, the woman sitting at the checkout gave me some helpful advice: "Can't you just at least say something to him?"

Thanks for assuming I haven't tried that. It all boils down to control, doesn't it? In my imagination, I can hear them behind my back: "She can't control that kid, just like she can't control her pupils."