Last week, during my routine jaunt to the park, I decided to swing by a coffee shop on my way home. Balancing my child in a stroller, a cup of coffee in one hand, and a bag of groceries in the other, I felt a familiar challenge—but one I’ve grown accustomed to. As I approached the entrance, I spotted a man coming out, and I thought to myself, great, I won’t need to awkwardly maneuver my way out while facing backwards, trying to avoid spilling my drink or dropping my groceries.
We made eye contact, and I smiled, believing we had reached a silent understanding. I was mistaken. He pushed the door shut behind him, allowing it to swing back and hit me, my stroller, my baby, and my groceries. As he sauntered away, with both hands free and seemingly without a care, he shot me a smirk that screamed indifference toward my situation.
I felt a surge of anger toward this inconsiderate individual, who I’ll refer to as Mark for the sake of this narrative. The neighborhood we share is now home to a new wave of parents—let’s call them the “I Don’t Care, Make Room for Me” brigade. This group also encompasses those who bring along every conceivable item they might need for their child as if preparing for a three-week expedition, just in case the apocalypse strikes on their way home. For simplicity, I’ll refer to them as the “Inconsiderate Parents.”
To clarify: oblivious Brooklyn parents = Inconsiderate Parents. The not-so-great guy who slammed the door in my face = Mark.
I have this cheap $20 umbrella stroller that I use when I know I’ll be in a crowded area. It’s not the most comfortable for my son, nor does it handle particularly well, but at least I can navigate through stores or restaurants without requiring everyone to part ways for me. It folds up compactly—hence the name. I prefer not to be an inconsiderate presence in public spaces. Unfortunately, the Inconsiderate Parents feel no obligation to consider who they may be inconveniencing with their oversized strollers.
They roll into packed brunch spots, expecting to find a table ready for them, with no intention of folding their monstrosity because their child is peacefully sleeping inside. These strollers are spacious enough for an adult to rest comfortably, making them a menace in crowded settings.
They stomp in, likely stepping on the toes of several patrons, knocking bags off chairs, and elbowing Mark in the process. Oblivious to the chaos they create, they are too preoccupied with protecting their expensive stroller from a stray drop of butter. Then, they park the stroller next to Mark, and its handle protrudes into his personal space throughout his entire meal. This infuriates Mark, who thinks, “Parents are so wrapped up in themselves,” and what’s with this colossal stroller? Ugh, I can’t stand them.
As if it weren’t enough for Mark to deal with a stroller invading his dining experience, he exits onto a narrow sidewalk only to find himself stuck behind another one. Have you ever tried walking through a busy area during rush hour with someone wielding a large golf umbrella? It’s an obstacle course. A giant stroller in a crowded neighborhood feels just as unwieldy—effective, but utterly inconsiderate.
Mark finally manages to bypass the Inconsiderate Parents and decides to stop at his favorite coffee shop for a much-needed pick-me-up. Enter me, the well-meaning mom with my small, inexpensive stroller, carefully navigating around the other customers. Unfortunately, Mark doesn’t see my modest stroller or my friendly demeanor. Instead, he perceives another oversized stroller and an inconsiderate parent. He waits an extra moment, relishing the opportunity to slam the door in my face, as if that will somehow redeem his frustrating morning.
Thanks to the Inconsiderate Parents, many of us parents are unfairly profiled by Mark and others like him. Now, if you have a baby, you’re automatically seen as a nuisance. Doors aren’t held open, sidewalks aren’t shared, and the common courtesies that one would expect for a tired mother juggling a child and groceries vanish completely. I’m fed up.
Inconsiderate Parents, please be aware of your oversized strollers. Yes, having a baby is a significant life event, but that doesn’t mean you deserve more space. In Brooklyn, space is limited. And while I know you live just a stone’s throw away, there’s no need to lug around a suitcase-sized diaper bag filled to the brim with supplies as if you’re preparing for a month-long trip. It’s simply excessive.
It may seem contradictory for me to urge these parents to act more considerately so that I can receive better treatment, but I’m merely advocating for basic courtesy. I always hold doors open for individuals carrying things—whether it’s a baby or a box. And Mark would have likely held the door for me that day if the Inconsiderate Parents hadn’t already encroached upon his space.
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Summary
The article discusses the frustrations of navigating public spaces as a parent with a stroller, particularly when encountering inconsiderate parents who use excessively large strollers. The author shares personal anecdotes and highlights the impact of these behaviors on others, advocating for more mindfulness and courtesy among parents.