An Overly-Expectant Mother

(I work as a cashier in a popular clothing store. During the daytime we often have stay-at-home moms come in. In the area I work in, they are often very out of touch with reality. This one customer comes in alone with four small children in tow. I am the only cashier on the floor and I am about to do my regular check on the fitting room.)

Customer: “I need you to watch my kids while I go find a bathing suit.”

Me: “I cannot watch your children. You need to keep them with you.”

Customer: “Why not? You’re standing here anyway. Just watch them. I’ll be a minute.”

Me: “Ma’am, take your children with you. Leaving them alone is a liability that the store does not assume.”

Customer: “It’s just for a minute! Watch them for ONE minute!”

Me: “No. Keep your children with you or I will have to ask you to leave. You are not allowed to leave your children in the store unattended.”

Customer: “Oh, for crying out loud! Do any of you people understand what customer service is about? Where am I supposed to leave my children to shop?”

Me: “With a babysitter. There is also a drop-in daycare center two blocks away.”

Customer: *throws her hands up* “You’ve ruined my day. I guess moms aren’t allowed to shop!”

Me: “You can shop with your children. We allow children in the store if they’re with their parents.”

Customer: “Sometimes I need a break, too! Why is that so much to ask?!”

Me: “Well, that’s what the daycare centers are for. You could always try one of those.”

Customer: *storming away* “I guess I’m not allowed to shop now that I have kids!”