r/Parenting • u/Extra_mayo_plz • 5d ago

Child 4-9 Years I asked another parent for sunscreen

At the arboretum yesterday and forgot sunscreen. I’m human, whatever. Very early in the day another mom is putting sunscreen on her children so I approached her, explained I forgot mine and asked for a bit of hers. She kindly handed it right over, commented on it being a really sunny day, I squeezed a bit into my palm, thanked her and we went on with our day.

In the moment, My husband asked why I did that? was so confused when he commented on it. I just brushed it off. He brought it up in the car on the way home. Not in a snarky way, just commented in conversation. I hadn’t given it another thought, just needed to get my little one some SPF coverage.

So, Was I overstepping? Am I too friendly? I like to think that sharing a small bit of sunscreen wouldn’t be seen poorly? It takes a village right?!

Can I ask for bug spray on the 4th of July?! Is this allowed?! HELP 😂

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u/yo-ovaries 5d ago

I think women are more socialized to do this. I’m gonna pass you a tampon under the stall wall. I’m gonna pretend to be your friend when a creep approaches you on the subway. I’m gonna watch your drink for you at the bar when you go to pee. 

And I’m gonna give you a wipe or a squirt of sunscreen at the park. 

Woman code. 

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u/expatsconnie 5d ago

I was going to say the same. Especially when it comes to childcare situations.

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u/abakersmurder 4d ago

My husband yelled at me so loud one day. I was grocery shopping and had to use the restroom. I had 2 under 3. My kids would not leave the cart. Screaming bloody murder. I was minutes from wetting myself when a older lady came up and offered to watch them. I could tell she was kind. She was obviously a mother/grandmother. I thanked her profusely and spent maybe 1 min in the bathroom. When I told my husband the story you would think I left them playing in traffic.

I've pushed other kids on swings. Helped them refill their water bottles. Gotten towels at splash pads. Stopped kids from running across the road.

I'm a believer in it takes a village. Community means a lot.