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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Starbucks as a Parenting Spot?

So I was reading mommy blogs and came across a post from a mom about "When we need a break". I won't share the link to save this mother from other mothers like me who thinks she's just a tad bit lazy. You see, this mother takes her kid to Starbucks when she needs a "break" from things and want to spend time with her child.



Hmm. I'm going to open myself to comment backlash by saying... of course it had to be a white mom who wrote this. White mothers are... umm... interesting if they think going to Starbucks counts as spending quality time with their child. Maybe other black, hispanic, asian, etc moms also take their kid to Starbucks but so far I haven't meet one.

I've seen this, I read about this but I'll never agree to using Starbucks as a parenting spot. Why would I take my child to Starbucks? What's the attraction? I just don't see it.

Maybe cause I'm a black mother, or maybe cause I'm a older mother or maybe cause I'm a West Indian culturally raise mother...whatever it is...I think spending time with your child means going somewhere child friendly and fun. Something that will stimulate your child and creates bonding memories.

I still try to have date wednesday with Daniel even if you don't go outside. I try and find something that puts the focus on him. Maybe we get something baby related, go somewhere baby friendly or just hangout out at home cuddling. But whatever we do I can tell you it doesn't come with a "One Grande Mint Mocha Chip Frappuccino with Extra Foam".

4 comments:

Anonymous
at: May 3, 2009 at 4:06 PM said...

Loved this post! Even before I had children, I hated starbucks. I've been there once, with my ex-boyfriend. I don't see what the big deal is! I certainly wouldn't bring a child there! Aneksi is too crazy for that place!

Mommy Niri says:
at: August 30, 2009 at 8:45 PM said...

Ok, I love Starbucks! My kids have all all gone to Starbucks but not for baby time, it was when mommy and daddy needed some time and they tagged along, or mommy needed some respite and have been thrilled about their drive thru.

If I wanted a little adult time I would definitely drop in but it is not all baby friendly in there with so many things my kids could drop, but they do have wonderful highchairs, clean bathrooms and diaper areas and they have a small collection of kids books to read. Plus the best "real" hot chocolate ever, served at kid's temperature and cheap for kiddie portions.

If you can't tell I am a BIG fan of Starbucks!

Miriam's Mommy says:
at: December 3, 2011 at 6:49 PM said...

Starbucks is not my favorite place, but I have taken my daughter there to spend time together...and I'm not White. Sure we do other things together like the park or farmers' markets, but I find that she loves our occasional Starbucks trips because she's doing something like mommy. She's 2, so she get's hibiscus iced tea (it's pink and she loves it) and so do I. We share a sandwich or treat and we sit in the cafe area and she gets to tell me everything she's thinking, even if I can't understand all of it. I think there's nothing wrong with this woman using Starbucks as a time out and perhaps you'd feel differently if you actually gave it or something similar like a local bistro or cafe, a try. It's not so much the place that matters. This mom has found a spot where nothing else competes with her attention for her little one.

Nikki says:
at: December 3, 2011 at 7:09 PM said...

I've been to Starbucks and no I dont feel any different now then I did when I wrote this post months ago. It's not a place for a child. That's my opinion