Stork Parking

The topic of special parking places for expectant mothers or new mothers (at places like Babies 'R' Us but increasingly at other places) turned into an interesting debate on one of my internet discussion lists. So, I did a little googling and found that it generates some pretty serious debate all over the place. I dare say I'd half expect comments like the ones by the dolt who wrote this article because he's a guy who probably already feels that women get too much anyway.

Okay, now let's talk about this ‘expectant mother’ ideal. What I'd like to know is, do all expectant mothers get an expectant mother hangtag for their car mirrors? If not, how do we know that the woman who parked in that spot is really an expectant mother? What month of pregnancy do they have to be in, in order to use the space? Do they have to be ‘showing’ or do we just take their word for it? And how come a pregnant lady is allowed a really good parking space, but a mother carrying an infant along with two or three other tots isn't?

And if a woman is so very pregnant that she needs to park as close as possible to the shopping mall, maybe she shouldn't be driving a car or going to the shopping mall at all. Maybe she should be off her feet, staying at home and resting.

If we give expectant mothers special parking places at the mall, then why not give them special seats at the movies and sporting events? They should be entitled to the best tables in restaurants, too. Expectant mothers shouldn't have to wait in lines, either. So I think we should pass a federal law that all expectant mothers get to go to the front of every line everywhere — post offices, supermarkets, Disneyland rides — everywhere. And I think all public restrooms should be made to accommodate the mother to be. That means holding at least one stall open for expectant mothers only. How's that?

But some of the replies posted by young, adult, able-bodied women on my list just floored me! These women were bragging about parking in those spots and felt justified in doing so. Take a gander at these comments:

• Call me what you want, but I park in those expecting mothers spots and the parents with sick children spots as well. I will be an exspecting mother one day and children do get colds and when I do have children, I am sure they will get a cold or two. Save the hate mail. I do it and it is so convenient.
  
  
• LMAO, I have to admit I've parked in those spots a time or two. It was either that or park way back on the highway. I've never seen those spots at stores other than Babies 'R' Us and when I'm going in there I'm going to spend money on a friend who's registered there and expecting. So I figure, I'm spending $60-70 bucks each time, and if you multiply that by the 8 baby showers I average per year as a "SINK" (Single Income No Kids), that equals out to approx. $560 per year. And that's how I justify parking in those spots a couple times per year. I figure it's ok, you've paid for the 30-45 minutes, depending how long the line is.
  
  I know I know, shame on me, and perhaps one day if I'm blessed to have children I will have a greater appreciation of the true purpose of the spot. We'll see!

Pardon me but I'm just appalled! The thing is that parking in one of these spots would never even cross my mind and these hiefers have well thought out reasons why they have every right to do it. How lazy can you be?

At Babies 'R' Us, I think it is a cute idea. I think expecting and new mommies will shop there enough to merit a special parking place - and it is a nice gimmick for the store. At malls, I know if I were pregnant or had a couple of toddlers/infants, I'd more than appreciate it.

Sure, I would like the closest park possible too. But, a few years ago, I noticed that quite a few senior citizens frequented a restaurant I used to go to on Saturday afternoons. I guess I had a "mindfulness moment" and decided, "I don't need to park close to the door. I see packs of seniors here every Saturday and they can appreciate the spot more than me." Lord knows that when I get older, I'd like to meet my friends for lunch and not have to park in the west hell section of the lot.

I feel the same way about pregnant women and the same way about mothers who are trying to run errands with the kids in tow. It kinda scares me when I see a mother with a cart, a baby carrier and a toddler trying to maneuver a crowded parking lot ('cause kids break away and people drive recklessly) so I wouldn't mind seeing designated parking up close because I'd hate to see an "accident."

I'm actually a little disturbed by the selfishness voiced by so many people who disagree with it. I could understand if there were some cold, legal philosophy behind it but these folks are ranting as though a few designated parking spots are a personal affront. This is a courtesy for citizens who need a little extra help. I really don't understand the backlash.