Spoiler alert: We’ve all done it. That internal side-eye. The invisible eyebrow raise. The smug “I’d never…”
Before I had kids, I judged parents like it was my duty — like I was out to save the world.
Turns out, all I was really doing… was watching a mirror I didn’t recognize.
Because while I was busy judging parents for “losing control,” I was out here losing mine — just dressed it up better, with caffeine and adult-sized tantrums.
Me: A Judgmental Queen, Diaper-Free and Fully Rested
Before kids? I had all the answers.
I also had hot tea, clean clothes, and zero clue what real tired looked like.
Let’s take a stroll down memory lane, shall we?
1. The Grocery Store Meltdown
I’d see a toddler screaming and rolling all over the Target floor for a toy. The parents give in — mostly because of all the eyes staring at them.
And me? I’m standing there, silently judging…
“I wouldn’t dare raise a kid like that.”
Meanwhile, I was driving to three different Starbucks just to get that one seasonal drink I needed to function.
Who’s spoiled? The only difference? I can’t roll on the floor anymore.
Not because I’ve matured — just because it’s frowned upon after age five.
2. Restaurant Chaos
Kids screaming? Food flying? Parents unfazed?
“No value for money. No respect for personal space!”
Meanwhile, I was ordering half the menu just to box it all up “for later” (translation: trash), sipping sugar-loaded coffee while gossiping like I owned the building.
Who’s really the problem here?
I just dress my chaos up in attitude and full sugar.
3. Airplane Anarchy
Kid kicking my seat or making loud noises?
Cue the look. You know it — that universal glare:
“Where. Are. Your. Parents?”
Meanwhile, I’m busy complaining about no legroom, dropping snacks, and asking my partner “How much longer?” every five minutes like I’m in flight prison.
That kid’s just being a kid.
I’m just a grown-up toddler… with earbuds and an attitude.
4. Bathroom Line Rage
At the airport. A mom and her child cut the bathroom line.
“It’s called a line for a reason. I have to pee too!”
Internal rage: activated.
Meanwhile, I’m the one who insists on going right before boarding — even if I just went. Sometimes during boarding.
Why? Because I might need to pee.
That kid holds it because he’s busy having fun.
I pee “just in case” — because anxiety and adulting said so.
5. Junk Food Judgy Eyes
I’d see a kid demolish fries, nuggets, a soda, and a cupcake and think:
“Future diabetes. Where are the vegetables?”
Meanwhile, I’m eating a “healthy” rice bowl buried under fried chicken, drowning in ranch, and chasing it with a triple chocolate lava cake I swore — like really swore — was my last one.
The kid had a little frosting.
I had the entire cake.
But it was my final-final one, so it totally cancels out.
6. Tablet Time Criticism
Kid glued to a tablet at a restaurant?
“Why can’t parents just engage these days?!”
Meanwhile, I’m up till 3 a.m. scrolling YouTube Shorts like it’s a job.
And I call it “quality time” when my partner and I sit at the same dinner table, watching totally different videos and laughing at totally different jokes.
Do I have the patience to entertain a child for hours?
Absolutely not.
But I do have the time… to silently judge strangers.
So, What’s the Point?
We all judge. That part’s human.
But next time you catch yourself silently parenting someone else’s kid from across the room, try this:
Pause.
And ask yourself: What am I doing right now?
Are you scrolling your 12th reel in a row?
Eating ice cream for dinner?
Avoiding that “Your screen time was up 34%” alert like it’s spam?
That pause? It gives you perspective.
Because the truth is — the chaos you’re judging isn’t that different from the chaos you’re living.
Lead with Grace. And Snacks.
Change doesn’t start with those parents.
It starts with you.
With empathy.
With humor.
And sometimes — with a side of fries.
So go ahead. Keep judging. Just make sure you start with yourself.
With love, sarcasm… and something delicious in hand.
Life’s Already Messy. Make It Fun.
The world is full of tantrums — some belong to kids, some to us.
But if you can find the humor, the joy, or even a tiny moment of peace in that chaos?
You win. Every single time.
So… are you ready to take the challenge?
To pause, think, laugh a little, and lighten up?
Good.
Because parenting is wild — but you?
You’re wilder, smarter, and way funnier than you give yourself credit for.
Smile more.
fullymommed 