I work as a supervisor in a small clothing store at the mall. I was the only one at the register when a woman came in with her child—probably around five or six years old. While we completed a standard return and purchase, the child played with a bracelet set.
When we finished, the mom said, “Okay, give the bracelet to the lady, let’s go.” The child handed it back, I thanked her, and they left. A few moments later, the child came running back into the store looking for the bracelet. The mom followed, and the child began crying. I figured she’d handle it—it wasn’t my business.
But then the child ran behind the register, digging through bags and clothes. The mom stood on the other side, exasperated, saying in a soft, coaxing tone, “Come on, we have to go.” I told her, “You’re welcome to come back here and get her,” but she didn’t respond.
I had sharp pins and security tags back there, and other customers waiting. When the child tried to hide behind me, I gently blocked her with my arm. She screamed like I’d hurt her.
The mom glared at me and said, “Well. That was embarrassing.” Then the child ran around the store again, crying and screaming on the floor. The mom just stood there.
I understand the idea of letting kids have their tantrums, but I thought you were supposed to remove them from the situation.
I had to email my District Manager just in case the woman claimed I hurt her child.
Later, I got a warning from my DM—not because I did anything wrong, but because we’re not supposed to touch customers’ children. Apparently, the company would rather be sued than have us personally liable.
A few days later, the same mom and child came back. The child started pulling on mannequins while the mom stood across the store. I looked at my manager and said, “Dibs out.” She stepped in and asked the child not to touch the displays.
The mom tossed a shirt on the counter and said, “Well, I didn’t see anything today anyway.” My manager now thinks she’s trying to provoke a lawsuit. She may be banned if she returns.
This was my first “viral” post online. Some comments made me lose faith in people, but others reminded me I’m not alone in the struggle of working with the public.
