As a woman, you understand how hard it is when your baby is making a fuss in a public place, even if you’ve never had a baby. Show your support with these tips for staring at the noisy duo in a way that shows that you think motherhood is beautiful and important, even when it’s bumming everyone out.
Snap your head up at them and then smile affectionately.
You’re on the train and the baby on the lap of the woman across from you has finally quieted down. Suddenly, he starts shrieking again. Look up from your book and then smile softly as you watch the mother try to soothe her child. Make sure she sees it. You are now one in your frustrated womanhood.
Raise your eyebrows and make an “aww” face.
Your mouth is already agape at the man sleeping with an exposed penis on the other park bench, so why not build off that momentum and put on an adoring “aww” face at the baby throwing a scream-tantrum mere feet away? As you purse your lips and coo, both baby and mother will appreciate your empathetic, almost motherly nature.
Peer over at them and nod appreciatively.
Someone is bawling in this restaurant, and it ain’t you. Glance around until you spot the culprits: a mother trying to rock her tiny baby into silence in the corner. As you peer over at them because the crying just won’t stop, nod your head to show that you totally understand that motherhood is a challenge, but a beautiful challenge. From God.
Lightly tsk at both mother and child.
A good way to express your playful annoyance at that baby in the bookstore is to look at them and make a repetitive “tsk, tsk” sound. The mother might see humor in your gesture—you aren’t really annoyed, of course, just feigning playful disapproval at this cherubic creature—but with any luck she’ll take the hint and leave. Ha ha, little children.
Next time you see a baby crying in public, don’t let it go unnoticed. Give the baby and its mother the attention they so clearly crave, and prove that you appreciate new life—even at its most deafening.
