The point is that you have not paid for what you are consuming, and your lack of self-control is amusing. I have seen this behavior twice in a local suburban grocery and will never understand it. If you have been hung up with appointments, take "Junior" to lunch before going to the grocery store. Take a break from YOUR errands by paying attention to him, chat with him as he stuffs his little face with chicken nuggets and there is a very likely that he won't act up. Chances are he won't bug the crap out of you for junk food, and you may not buy it either because you won't be shopping while hungry. Are people really this dense nowadays?
Originally Posted by
BamaVol
Would you be as horrified to see me drinking a cold bottle of soda as I shopped? Sometimes you get thirsty and checking out is still 30 minutes away. It's not like I'm going to stash the empty behind the Cheez-its. Technically, it's not mine yet. But, I'll continue until a shop employee objects. I think I've adequately expressed my intent to pay by opening it.
As far as kids eating in the store, it may not be the first stop of the day. Maybe Mom's gathering up a few staples after 4 hours in a Doctor's waiting room. And it's 2 hours past Junior's regular lunchtime. I know some people would strongly object to a demonstrably cranky kid in the store. I think opening the box of graham crackers is preferable. Kids aren't machines. Finding the on/off and volume switches isn't always simple.