My wife and I were sitting in our car, getting ready to go home after shopping at Superstore in Elmsdale on Thursday evening (Nov 15). A woman, man and young child came out of the store and got into their vehicle which is parked near us in one of the designated “maternity” spaces. The woman is obviously NOT pregnant (as a matter of fact…with the gut on the male, he appeared much more likely to deliver any day) and the child was at least a year old (if not older)….and lastly, in no obvious way was the woman restricted in her mobility as, at one point just before entering the vehicle, she playfully (and quite effortlessly) swung the child around her at arms length while smiling and laughing.
First off, I’ll say, that as an over 40 year old male with no kids I am certainly no expert on childbirth, but I would assume that the whole purpose of these maternity spaces would be for the convenience of women whose mobility is restricted due to the effects of pregnancy (i.e. difficult pregnancy….or very near to due date….or recuperation after delivery…etc). So why is this lady who is obviously NOT pregnant nor recuperating after delivery parking in the spot. I’ll tell you why…… because she’s a lazy selfish bitch. No big surprise in today’s world of me “first-ism”….but what about someone who actually needs the spot. So essentially this lady had a kid….and now apparently has the right to use this spot for life….nice.
This article appears in Dec 6-12, 2007.
Well, actually, those spaces are for expecting mothers or people with small children. Not having any I guess you wouldn’t know how difficult and dangerous it can be to move through a crowded parking lot with one or more small children and several parcels/grocery carts. I think these spaces are great if used properly….however if there were 2 adults and only one child it was not being used properly!
Actually you are wrong…MATERNITY means just that PREGNANT MOTHERS, just because you have a kid doesn’t mean squat. Sure if the kid is still so young they need to be carted around in a stroller or Papose…an infant that is younger than 1.5 years old sure I could give you that but nothing older. Lori…do you perhaps use the Maternity spots so that you and your 5 year old can grocery shop with less hassle? I won’t bitch you out over it…just that you really should stop if you are, seriously it’s for expecting and just had.
Ummm….I don’t have a five year old but if you read the signs closely they say “EXPECTANT MOTHERS AND WITH SMALL CHILDREN” Seriously, I know this because my mother uses them because she says she’s making up for all the years she was prego back in the 70’s and had to walk miles….in snow up to here bla bla…but she’s crazy!LOL Anyway I say if you have small children park there!!!!!! What’s the big deal anyway????? If it’s a safer route use it! If I had small children I would!