Special Parking for Families with Small Children

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If you are talking about special spots in a public parking lot, I’d say no. It would be too hard to enforce and probably cause all kinds of other groups to come out of the woodwork needing special parking arrangements.

Now at my parish (and many others around here), we have special sopts reserved for expectant mothers and families with newborns. I think that is a lovely idea for the church to do, but don’t think it would go over at all well for the general public.

Most families I know have no trouble navigating parking lots. Especially with the wonderful strollers and baby carriers we have these days.
 
Charitychick said:
Yes, with reservations. I had one pregnancy in which I had sciatica and one in which I a lot of pain in my pubic bone joint. In both cases, walking was very painful. But, in regard to my pregnancies without these symptoms, I would definitely agree with you. It’s esp. hard when you have a baby and a toddler or multiple toddlers. 🙂

In our local shopping centers, the spots are marked for pregnant or accompanied by toddlers parents. So both are honored.

It’s okay with me–esp in the winter when there is so much snow and ice.
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I had a more difficult time when pregnant, too, so I would use the parking spot more then than with small children. There is no law enforcement, though, as an above poster mentioned. Maybe that problem could be solved with a temporary handicapped plate during the last months of pregnancy. I knew a girl in college who had a temporary plate when she sprained her ankle. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to get one if you had severe pregnancy symptoms - which in my case and it seems yours, were much worse than a sprained ankle. My main problem is that I would get very light headed without warning! I could drink a lot of water - then I had a limited time to get out and get things done before I’d pass out again.
 
MaryB23 said:
Personally, I’d rather see more cart corrals because I usually try to park next to one of those. I can usually get a cart right away (unless the store is super about bringing their carts inside) and I can take the cart back without going too far away from my car (where my older kids are usually buckling themselves in).
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I hear you there, except that here the carts are often too hot if they’ve been sitting out for long. Then I have to tote the kiddo inside to find a cart anyway. The bigger I get, the harder it is, and I can’t let him walk yet because he’s so into cars that he won’t go anywhere. He just stands and watches everyone driving back and forth down the aisle. Hopefully by the time the new one comes I’ll be able to get him to “help” me with the carrier and hold onto him that way.
 
**I profess to not getting this?🤷 **
I always park on the side of the buildings if possible so I don’t have to take the kids into the parking lot. It’s also easier to pull my big van out.
I carry the littlest, hold the hand of the second littlest, the other “ducks” line up in pairs behind me, youngest to oldest bringing up the rear.
If not buying much, I use the double stroller.
**Now, I do appreciate the maternity parking when far along. Although the 2 - 3 slots are almost always already taken, it’s very nice not to have to traverse icy pavement in winter on those swollen feet when one gets to be rather unbalanced towards the last 3rd of a pregnancy.🙂 **
I don’t see a need for special parking for families.
**I would however appreciate parking slots that can hold more than a wee hotwheel car. That’s MY biggest problem. The parking spaces are too narrow and the rows are too close together, making navigating my 12 passenger van rather tricky at times. There’s at least 2 stores in town that I haven’t shopped at since we bought it because the parking is nightmarish. Then there’s the whole not being able to open the door wide enough to pull the carseat (we use it like a carrier when they are itty bitty) in and out or get a big, fat preggo belly out!:mad: **
 
Where we live in PA the spots next to all cart returns are the ones reserved for people with kids. I personally like this idea because that means I don’t have to leave my toddler alone in the car for more than one second to return the cart.

For the people who ignore the signs and park there anyways, I think its horrible that your showing such disrespect to the store and to a mom/dad that may really need that slot.
 
I’m not sure what to vote for. I know that I have thought many times that it would be nice for there to be a parking spot for pregnant women with small kids/babies shopping alone :p, preferably by a well stocked shopping cart return (lol, asking for much huh?) Carrying a baby carrier while pregnant and holding on to a toddler while watching for traffic isn’t that fun, especially if you had to park far away, there are no carts, and you need to buy too many things to put them in the double stroller. I know I have wished I could have a closer parking spot or at least shopping carts in the area to transport the kiddos, at least until I get into the store and can get one of those special carts for more than one kid if available. Sure, when you are pregnant you need to walk/work out but if you are balancing a box of diapers or a big pack of paper towel in one hand while you push a cartload (with kids) on the other, all the time trying not to throw up, pass out, or go into labor, then yeah, it helps to not have to walk a long way 🙂 I always thought it would be a good idea for doctors to give out temporary handicap tags for this if possible. I do sit and wait for parking spots in the right spot at times, but sometimes it takes too long and I am on a time constraint (kids will get very cranky if way past nap time, got to get home cook/tidy up, etc).
On the other hand, I can see why people may think it is something to deal with and not get special treatment, because there are others that have other needs too that don’t have tags. I don’t know 🙂 Regardless, it would be nice.😃
 
Not to come across as a “bad guy” or a Grinch…

Being pregnant, or having kids is due to choice.
Being or becoming physically disabled (usually) results from influences out of your control.

This argument opens up such a “can of worms”… and so many variables that is it pointless.

My stand is that physically disabled persons (regardless of how they got in that state) deserve the courtesy of convenient parking and access. They are paying daily/hourly/minutely for their particular affliction, and if being close to the store makes their day easier, I’ll give that to them.

If you’re pregnant or have a brood “in-tow” you have chosen to have these particular “inconveniences”, and are subject to the difficulties inherant… your affliction is somewhat temporary.

Retailers that provide special treatment for “afflictions of choice” are just compounding a problem… a pregnant/mommy could circle the parking lot for an additional 7 minutes - and eventually find a close spot. A truly handicapped person is going to spend the same 7 minutes just getting out of their car and into their chair!
 
Jay2 said:
Not to come across as a “bad guy” or a Grinch…

Being pregnant, or having kids is due to choice.
Being or becoming physically disabled (usually) results from influences out of your control.

This argument opens up such a “can of worms”… and so many variables that is it pointless.

My stand is that physically disabled persons (regardless of how they got in that state) deserve the courtesy of convenient parking and access. They are paying daily/hourly/minutely for their particular affliction, and if being close to the store makes their day easier, I’ll give that to them.

If you’re pregnant or have a brood “in-tow” you have chosen to have these particular “inconveniences”, and are subject to the difficulties inherant… your affliction is somewhat temporary.

Retailers that provide special treatment for “afflictions of choice” are just compounding a problem… a pregnant/mommy could circle the parking lot for an additional 7 minutes - and eventually find a close spot. A truly handicapped person is going to spend the same 7 minutes just getting out of their car and into their chair!
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Again where we live the special signs are always next to the cart corrals. So as a woman who is shopping by herself and child you think its ok for her to have to leave her child in the car by himself for 1-3 minutes to go return a cart? In 100 degree weather?

I am curious for all the people who have issue with this do you also have issues with stores having a 15 item or less lane for checkout too? Or do people “ignore” that rule too?

BTW as a pregnant woman if you are suffering you can get a handicap permit (temporary), so I guess since people will only repesct that I too need to park close if I can’t walk well while pregnant and park in the spots designated for pregnant mothers, this will work too.
 
maria29 said:
Again where we live the special signs are always next to the cart corrals. So as a woman who is shopping by herself and child you think its ok for her to have to leave her child in the car by himself for 1-3 minutes to go return a cart? In 100 degree weather?
Honestly? I don’t return the cart. I park it as best and as safely as I can near my van and leave. I do not leave my littles in the car by themselves.
I am curious for all the people who have issue with this do you also have issues with stores having a 15 item or less lane for checkout too? Or do people “ignore” that rule too?
I don’t, but yes people ignored it more than used it when I worked as a cashier.
BTW as a pregnant woman if you are suffering you can get a handicap permit (temporary),
Well yes and no. Technically the dr can do it under very limited and extenuating circumstances. Most pregnant women do not qualify.
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I think Jay came off a bit… strong, but int he end I agree with him.
I do not think of pregnant as a “chosen affliction” or an affliction at all for that matter, and I have some pretty rough pregnancies.
I can also say that I have come across LOTS of people who most certainly do have self-imposed disabilities. (drunk drivers sufferring the crippling effects of a wreck for example, smokers with emphzima (sp- sorry!) on oxygen machines, obesity to the point they can’t walk around the store or from farther distances in the parking lot) Last I checked though, we are to offer mercy and be charitable regardless.
Honestly, Jay, I agree with you in the end, but your logic doesn’t hold for me. The precedent for “afflections of choice” was set a long time ago. And many handicap/disabled stickers are for temporary disabilities.
To me this is no different than opening doors for ladies, offerring ladies the last seat, and certainly pregnant ladies, and so forth. I wouldn’t demand it, but it is certainly nice when the rare curtesy is extended to me.
 
At first, I thought all of this was just the stores being thoughtful of pregnant women and kids, a bit of chivalry which often seems to be dead in our society. That’s what initially appealed to me. The more I think about it, the more I think it’s just another marketing scheme. Families with babies will spend more money than families without kids, generally speaking. The stores I’ve seen these spots at are warehouse stores, baby stores and grocery stores and we live in an area with a ton of shopping centers. I only know of three stores that have these special parking spaces. These stores would obviously benefit from “getting on the moms good side” seeing as women do more of the shopping and spending. (Remember, this is just generally speaking. I know there are some men who do the shopping for their family --my FIL used to).

Burst my own bubble with that thought.:ehh:
 
We have “Parents with prams” spots at some supermarkets or shopping centres. They are nearly as wide as disabled spots so I think that the major benefit is avoiding a child swinging the door open and belting the car next to you.
 
maria29 said:
Where we live in PA the spots next to all cart returns are the ones reserved for people with kids. I personally like this idea because that means I don’t have to leave my toddler alone in the car for more than one second to return the cart.

For the people who ignore the signs and park there anyways, I think its horrible that your showing such disrespect to the store and to a mom/dad that may really need that slot.
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The spots around here are closer to the front of the store, not the cart returns.
I hardly think I am “showing disrespect to the store” for the amount of money I spend there. As for the parents…I toted around all 3 of mine when they were toddlers, never had “parent” parking, and in fact never gave it a second thought. I taught my kids to stay with me, hold hands, etc. No big deal. Why should it be a big deal today? Being a parent is not a disability, so stop making it one!

I do park in pharmacy “convenience” spots sometimes at the grocery store, usually when it is raining. That is because in my 20+ years of shopping I have maybe twice seen someone there ONLY for pharmacy. Usually they walk out with big carts of groceries and pharmacy. If they can walk around the store to shop, they can walk 2 more spaces down to their car!
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It’s a nice thing to do. Why not treat moms with small children with special consideration? They are imaging God in his creation.

Being pregnant and having small children is a very challenging (but, rewarding time) in a woman’s life. I think it’s a very pro-life thing to do.
 
**wait! did I miss something? guess so?🤷 **
are we talking only for those who meet these three requirements:
female
pregnant
AND with small children?
If so, then no, I’m not for it at all.
While pregnant is sure a nice idea.
If the issue is to help those with little ones though, then being female or pregnant is irrelivant. Daddy’s have little ones too and for those ladies with, for example - twins, they would appreciate it just as much after the baby is born as during the pregnancy.
 
I am not really for it. The biggest argument seems to be the shopping cart issue. The way I see it, if a child is small enough to ride in the cart, then they are small enough to be carried. Carry them to the cart, do your shopping, load your groceries into your cart, walk back to cart return with child still in cart, carry child back to car. If they are big enough to not be in the cart (carts at Safeway have a 2 year old limit), then they are old enough to walk next to mom.

I go grocery shopping with all 3 of mine quite often. Kyle rides in the seat of the cart, Xander and Kaylin walk next to me. They hold onto my back jeans pocket when my hands are full. They know if they aren’t holding on, then we aren’t going anywhere.

If my kids are misbehaving, or are having a bad day, I just don’t shop or I wait until dh is home so he can stay with them. Sure, the grocery store is more packed in the evening, but I can deal with that more that I can with my kids being bratty. Part of being a parent is knowing how to juggle, and how to pick your battles.

The expectant mom parking is a joke where I live. Everytime I see someone use it, it is someone who isn’t expectant. More often than not I see strong young men and women who are too lazy to park a few spaces further. This is really frustrating when you are 42.5 weeks pregnant. Then again, my doc said to park as far away as possible and get in my exercise. (I understand how complicated pregnancies would need/want closer parking).
 
Kanda said:
I am not really for it. The biggest argument seems to be the shopping cart issue. The way I see it, if a child is small enough to ride in the cart, then they are small enough to be carried. Carry them to the cart, do your shopping, load your groceries into your cart, walk back to cart return with child still in cart, carry child back to car. If they are big enough to not be in the cart (carts at Safeway have a 2 year old limit), then they are old enough to walk next to mom.
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I have a belly, a 1 yr old, and a 2 yr old (closer to 2 than to 3), so its not as simple as carrying them both and placing them in a cart. Worst case scenario I carry the 1 yr old and hold on tight to the 2 yr old’s hand, but she has a way of slithering out. For me to walk like that I would wait until there were no cars in the area. I much prefer to have her safe in a cart, or to find a parking spot where we don’t have to cross a busy parking lot. When my 1 yr old was too small to be seated in the cart, I would bring the carrier. There was a period when I was pregnant with the carrier and the second baby. I had to bring my stroller if there was no cart in the area or if I had to buy a lot, and push the double stroller and a cart with stuff. During some periods of the year my dh works long days, 7 days a week, so waiting on him wasn’t much of an option. I wouldn’t trade any of my little blessings for the world and having them is worth any and every extra sacrifice one may have to do, but I can remember thinking how nice it would be to have a parking spot closer to the entrance. Pretty soon I will have 3 under 3. God provides so I’m sure there will be ways to get everything done, but I know it would probably be nice to not have to park way out far away from everything when I need to buy stuff with them.

It would be nice, but not something I would demand.
 
I voted yes. When my children where very young, DD 4 and DS new born, it was so hard especially in the cold winters of ND, USA where you literally had 3" of ice on the ground for 4+ months, trying to get the children from point A to point B with out falling or worrying about the on coming vehicules. My DD always stayed close, but when you are carrying a baby carrier and trying to hold onto a 4 year old’s hand all while trying not to slip and fall and watching the cars who are all to often not as cautious about the very small child who is walking. I remember having to park all the way in the back of the parking lots due to the lack of parking.

So I remember saying often how I wished they had mother parking. The town I live in now has this wonderful parking for mothers and I always leave it free for those who need it.
 
Tracyms1974 said:
Hello Everybody!
Code: 
  As a mother of only one child, I was curious to see what parents of two or more children thought about the idea of having special parking places for themselves and their children for safety reasons.  As we all know, just because people are in a parking lot doesn't mean they automatically drive better.  Therefore, what we're voting for or against is parking spaces close to the store, etc. so that parents can get their children in the establishment as quickly as possible.
This ought to be a fun discussion!

Tracy
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Hi,

Our Wegmans have special parking spots for this purpose and I think it is great!!! When my children were smaller I loved it. They are older now so I cant use them:(

My kids have run out in parking lots and almost got hit by a car:eek: So, having experienced that I do think stores should have this.👍
 
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