Moms Talk: What Do You Think When You See Older Kids In Strollers?

Each week, the Alpharetta Milton Moms Council answers questions from other moms. Once we do this, we open up the discussion for readers to post their opinions as well. We would love to hear what your opinion is and hope that you will add comments to the bottom of the page.

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This week, the topic focuses on a website that was stumbled upon by a mom. It posted pictures and had post after post of people writing about how awful it is when they see older children riding in strollers. People wrote comments about kids being lazy and how unacceptable it was. The mom who found it has a special needs child who looks completely normal on the outside, but often needs a stroller. She wondered what the moms council thinks when they see children in strollers. 

Q: What do you think when you see a child who is in a stroller at the age of 7 or above?

A: I have to say I have never given a second thought or glance to an older child in a stroller because I feel that if they are in one they are in it for a reason and who am I to judge. I have a 7 year old that struggles with Reactive Airway Disease and on extremely smoggy and hot days it is hard for her to breathe when she is outside and if she has a bronchial attack it is off to the ER we go. When we took our daughters to Disney World a year ago it was in the summer, which is hot and muggy in Florida, so I did what any mother would do: I rented a stroller for our daughter to ride in so she would not go into a full blown bronchial attack while trying to navigate the amusement park. So if I pass you with my 7 year old in her stroller now you know why...she's not lazy she just needs a little help once and awhile. -Lori Salata, mom of 2

A:  I started my motherhood career being entirely too opinionated (but not as opinionated as I was BEFORE I had kids). I am happy to say that I have mellowed greatly thanks to all the less than perfect traits my children have exhibited over the years, and my less than perfect parenting that went right along with them. I now have a much greater "We're all doing the best we can" attitude towards parenting. (Yes, there are exceptions to this rule however....).

But even in my most opinionated days, I do not recall seeing an older child in a stroller and thinking they're lazy, or the parents are lazy. I don't even think I would think about it. I think a parent needs to hold their head up high and not worry about what others are thinking. Either those other people "get it" or they don't. Either way, you're not going to change them, in your brief encounters, so don't spend your energy on it and know you're doing the best you can for your child(ren). -Audrey Greenwood, mom of 3

A: I don't have any personal experience with needing assistance for any of my children, but I cannot say that I have ever questioned why an older child would be in a stroller. I assume if they are there, there is a good reason or a need. Most older children wouldn't want to ride in a stroller if there wasn't a real necessity for it. When you are in a crowded environment or the weather is bad, I can certainly see having some type of aid to get around would be helpful. I would have never considered the reason to be a lazy child or parent!- Teri Harrison, mom of 4

A: I have a child who is 9 and whenever we go to a zoo or an amusement park, I always have to rent a stroller. We do it due to medical reasons. I have never thought twice about a child who is in a stroller but is older than toddler age. Even a perfectly normal, healthy child will get tired sometimes. I do not see a problem with them riding in a stroller either. They are kids. Let them be and do not be so critical of them. -Tammy Bester, mom of 3