COATS!

It REALLY is hard being a parent.  Not only because you try to be the best parent you can be to your children but also because you do all you can to make everyone happy; I even find myself trying to make strangers happy.  Sound strange?  I am just trying to be the best me, but that never comes without judgement.

Last year our doctor was spreading the word that children should NOT wear their heavy winter coats while in their car seats. It can diminish the integrity of the safety belt system.  PLUS it looks really uncomfortable.  I would not want to sit in a 5 point harness safety system with a heavy coat. Would you? So, my children don't.

Last night after a wonderful day spent at Enchanted Village we went out to eat.  We parked near the restaurant and decided it would take longer to put the kids coats on and go inside as opposed to just running inside.  So that's what we did.  Our children in their warm sweaters were removed from their car seats and taken into the restaurant where we enjoyed a wonderful meal.

As we were leaving one man yelled "where do you think you live Florida?" and someone else shouted "Put a coat on your kids".  I felt like a HORRIBLE parent! Jason and I with babies in tow ran out to the car (which was already warm and heated up, thanks to my automatic starter) strapped the kids in and came home.  I just can not get the yelling and judging out of my mind. 

 Then, today we went to the grocery store.  It is a rather blustery cold day, a day where a winter coat should be worn.  The kids went from the house to the heated car without a coat.  When we got to the store I put their coats on before we went inside...but again I found we were outside and cold for a longer period of time putting them in their coats than if I just ran in the store. So you tell me...what is a parent to do? Am I wrong?