Special Parking for Families with Small Children

[Jay2]

(yeah, someone urinated in my Cheerio’s that afternoon, and I was kinda ticked when I posted…)

It’s a nice thing to do. Why not treat moms with small children with special consideration?

If they make exceptions for moms with kids, what about the women without kids?.. or having spots for men who are going “buying”… not shopping… (know what I need, and in/out in 10 minutes)?

It just compounds the “PC craziness”…

If you meet the ADA requirements for Handicapped priviledges, you get the sticker/hangtag/plates. If you don’t, why does being pregnant/with kids make you any more special than anyone else?

 

[jmcrae]

We have parents’ parking in most of the big malls in Calgary - I like the idea - it makes it easier for families to go shopping.

Moms with kids are always special - that’s why we stand up for them when they come into the room, and why we give up our seats on the bus for them.

 

[st_lucy]

I thought that this article related to the subject. One of the reasons they should have these parking spots. Because children should do all short of things but the fact is they are tots and do fail to listen from time to time. At least mine did.

foxnews.com/story/0,2933,301507,00.html

 

[maria29]

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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I still see it as disrespectful to the stores laws as its their private property and they have the right to create special spots for people. Just like they have the right to say 15 items or less at a register. Or 5 items or less at a register with cash only. I don’t see the difference. I still respect the store and their “rules”.

Again I like having the special spots next to the cart returns because that way I don’t have to leave my little one alone in 100 degree car for more than a second by himself.

 

[Tracyms1974]

Hello, again!

 I wanted to say something about the disability issue.  I would say that this special parking is not so much for the parents.  The parents are not the ones getting the special treatment, it's the small children who are getting the special treatment.  I think they deserve it too.  Small children by definition are not disabled, per say, but they are definitely at a biological disadvantage when you compare them to adults.  Two major disadvantages are 1.) they are a lot shorter.  Any car driving through a parking lot will see an adult and know to hit the breaks way before they will see a toddler who got away from mommy/daddy/auntie/uncle/etc.  Second disadvantage:  Toddlers are not as smart as adults and cannot be expected to be.  They may or may not know to run out of the way of a car coming toward them.  All that said, I think stores who make the choice to have this special parking should be applauded.  

  One reason I didn't include expectant mother parking is because I knew that this parking already existed and it seemed pointless to vote for or against something that already exists.  Of course some of you said that this special parking for non-pregnant parents of small children is available in some states, and I think that's great!  I live in South Carolina and have only seen the exp. mother parking.  

  I would also like to mention weather.  I can't remember who was talking about the ice on the ground in North Dakota, or somewhere, but any town, city, or state like this where inclement weather is a usual thing should strongly consider making this parking available, maybe even mandatory.  It would be in the best interests of the safety of these customers.  

  I have enjoyed reading all of your responses, and this has been a fun poll.  This does not have to be the last post, but in case it is, I had a great time.  Y'all enjoy your children, now.  I know I enjoy my sweet Emily.  She's a ball to hang out with.  God bless all of you.

Tracy

 

[idrum677]

I have to say that there needs to be more businesses that support moms and family life. In this particular area, there are only a couple (literally) that have special parking for expecting moms or moms of infants. I am a mom of two and expecting number 3. It is not for safety reasons as much as ease. My husband works a lot (sometimes travels) and I do all the errands. Being in New England and with nasty weather on a regular basis, it makes it hard to lug in two kids from the farthest point in the parking lot in the rain and snow to get a couple of small items from a store (or do a major food shopping). Many times the store carriages are broken and people do not drive carefully as mentioned before. I do not think there should be a limit of children, but maybe an age suggestion (ie younger kids vs. 10 year olds). I feel for moms out there doing this day to day…needless to say I am exhausted after a day of running around, going to school, etc. Businesses need to recognize the needs of their patrons and help make their experience a good one.-Sarah