Let's face it, parenting can be a challenging task, and grocery shopping with children can be an adventure on its own. Anything can happen, and sometimes, things may not go quite as planned.

In what seems to be an upsetting experience for one Sydney mum, things took quite a turn during a simple shopping trip to Woolworths. It appears that rather than sympathy for her son's stomach-churning situation, this parent was left feeling 'frustrated and flustered' after she was instructed by staff to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout.

There has been a controversy stirred by a mother's allegation that a supermarket employee compelled her to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout area. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

In the midst of scanning groceries, the woman's two-year-old child fell ill, resulting in an unfortunate incident involving vomit on the floor near the exit. The mother quickly tended to her child, apologising to staff members who had witnessed the encounter. However, she was left extremely disappointed when, instead of providing assistance, the staff insisted that she clean up her son's mess herself.

As she shared her ordeal, the mother explained that she was already struggling to manage the situation, having to wrangle both of her young children and worry about their safety near the busy front entrance. What's more, the staff didn't just expect the mum to clean up; they also reportedly had a worker stand over her to 'make sure' she did so, adding further tension to the already stressful episode.

The story resulted in controversy, with several comments calling out Woolworths for their lack of support for the mother.

'As someone who worked in retail, they should have assisted her by at least scanning her groceries while she tended to the kids,' one person commented. Others empathised with her plight, stating that 'kindness goes a long way’.

However, some expressed that the responsibility fell on the parent, arguing that it is their job to clean up after their child. 'It would be lovely if the shop staff offered, however, they're not obliged to, and it's 100% your responsibility to clean up bodily fluids.' one commenter said.

Strategies for Navigating Parenting Challenges in Public Spaces​

It’s not always easy to manage challenging situations involving young children. Here are a few strategies that parents and grandparents alike can adapt to make the process a bit smoother for all involved.

Positive Reinforcement​

It’s useful to use positive reinforcement whenever possible. For instance, praising a child when they respond in an appropriate and considerate way inside a shop can go a long way towards reinforcing a desired behaviour.

Plan Ahead​

It’s important to plan ahead and carry all essential items. Keeping in mind that children are also unpredictable, it’s useful to arm yourself with essentials, such as a change of clothing and wet wipes, just to be on the safe side. Additionally, where possible, it may be useful to leave a smaller child with a babysitter while completing a shopping task.

Communicate​

It can be helpful to communicate with the staff of the shop if a child experiences an accident. Having a conversation might go a long way, allowing the staff to understand the parent is just as distressed as the child may be.

Key Takeaways

• A mum claimed that a supermarket worker at Woolworths made her clean up her son's vomit after he became sick at the self-checkout.
• The Sydney mum shared her experience on a popular social media group and asked if she should complain to the supermarket chain.
• Reactions to her story were mixed, with some siding with the mum and others saying parents should be responsible for cleaning up after their children.
• The woman said she felt distressed and had to wrangle two children while cleaning up the mess and scanning her groceries.

We’d like to remind everyone, customers and employees alike, that kindness, understanding, and empathy play an essential role in making the world more pleasant. We hope such incidents serve as a lesson for all parties, and we extend our best wishes to the mother and her child.

So next time you're at the supermarket, whether you're an employee or customer, let's remember to extend support and compassion to our fellow shoppers. After all, we're all just trying to navigate through life one shopping trip at a time.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the staff should have offered assistance in cleaning up, or do you think it's the mother's responsibility to clean up after her child? We value your opinions and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to share your viewpoint below.

 

[Suzanne rose]

When my kids were young my son vomited in target. I asked a staff member if they had paper towels and a plastic bag and I cleaned it up , after I did the lady then came with a mop.
She asked if I needed water for him or a damp towel. So she offered me help but I cleaned it up while my son sat down .

I wouldn't expect it to be cleaned up by someone else, what if it's a virus that someone else can catch.

Retail workers are there to help customers with goods n services this does not include cleaning up bodily fluids

 

[SALyn]

When my kids were young my son vomited in target. I asked a staff member if they had paper towels and a plastic bag and I cleaned it up , after I did the lady then came with a mop.
She asked if I needed water for him or a damp towel. So she offered me help but I cleaned it up while my son sat down .

I wouldn't expect it to be cleaned up by someone else, what if it's a virus that someone else can catch.

Retail workers are there to help customers with goods n services this does not include cleaning up bodily fluids

This is the way it should be done, with the staff member offering the tools to clean up and then mopping with disinfectant. I'm sure the woman felt embarrassed and upset enough as it was without being made to feel like a criminal.

 

[cheviegirl34]

Let's face it, parenting can be a challenging task, and grocery shopping with children can be an adventure on its own. Anything can happen, and sometimes, things may not go quite as planned.

In what seems to be an upsetting experience for one Sydney mum, things took quite a turn during a simple shopping trip to Woolworths. It appears that rather than sympathy for her son's stomach-churning situation, this parent was left feeling 'frustrated and flustered' after she was instructed by staff to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout.

View attachment 21116

There has been a controversy stirred by a mother's allegation that a supermarket employee compelled her to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout area. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

In the midst of scanning groceries, the woman's two-year-old child fell ill, resulting in an unfortunate incident involving vomit on the floor near the exit. The mother quickly tended to her child, apologising to staff members who had witnessed the encounter. However, she was left extremely disappointed when, instead of providing assistance, the staff insisted that she clean up her son's mess herself.

As she shared her ordeal, the mother explained that she was already struggling to manage the situation, having to wrangle both of her young children and worry about their safety near the busy front entrance. What's more, the staff didn't just expect the mum to clean up; they also reportedly had a worker stand over her to 'make sure' she did so, adding further tension to the already stressful episode.

The story resulted in controversy, with several comments calling out Woolworths for their lack of support for the mother.

'As someone who worked in retail, they should have assisted her by at least scanning her groceries while she tended to the kids,' one person commented. Others empathised with her plight, stating that 'kindness goes a long way’.

However, some expressed that the responsibility fell on the parent, arguing that it is their job to clean up after their child. 'It would be lovely if the shop staff offered, however, they're not obliged to, and it's 100% your responsibility to clean up bodily fluids.' one commenter said.

Strategies for Navigating Parenting Challenges in Public Spaces​

It’s not always easy to manage challenging situations involving young children. Here are a few strategies that parents and grandparents alike can adapt to make the process a bit smoother for all involved.

Positive Reinforcement​

It’s useful to use positive reinforcement whenever possible. For instance, praising a child when they respond in an appropriate and considerate way inside a shop can go a long way towards reinforcing a desired behaviour.

Plan Ahead​

It’s important to plan ahead and carry all essential items. Keeping in mind that children are also unpredictable, it’s useful to arm yourself with essentials, such as a change of clothing and wet wipes, just to be on the safe side. Additionally, where possible, it may be useful to leave a smaller child with a babysitter while completing a shopping task.

Communicate​

It can be helpful to communicate with the staff of the shop if a child experiences an accident. Having a conversation might go a long way, allowing the staff to understand the parent is just as distressed as the child may be.

Key Takeaways

• A mum claimed that a supermarket worker at Woolworths made her clean up her son's vomit after he became sick at the self-checkout.
• The Sydney mum shared her experience on a popular social media group and asked if she should complain to the supermarket chain.
• Reactions to her story were mixed, with some siding with the mum and others saying parents should be responsible for cleaning up after their children.
• The woman said she felt distressed and had to wrangle two children while cleaning up the mess and scanning her groceries.

We’d like to remind everyone, customers and employees alike, that kindness, understanding, and empathy play an essential role in making the world more pleasant. We hope such incidents serve as a lesson for all parties, and we extend our best wishes to the mother and her child.

So next time you're at the supermarket, whether you're an employee or customer, let's remember to extend support and compassion to our fellow shoppers. After all, we're all just trying to navigate through life one shopping trip at a time.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the staff should have offered assistance in cleaning up, or do you think it's the mother's responsibility to clean up after her child? We value your opinions and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to share your viewpoint below.

If I was that staff member I could NOT clean it up. It would make me vomit! Maybe staff could just keep an eye on her children & groceries for her while she cleaned it up! Staff should NOT have to clean up this sort of thing!!!!!

 

[CristinaV]

Let's face it, parenting can be a challenging task, and grocery shopping with children can be an adventure on its own. Anything can happen, and sometimes, things may not go quite as planned.

In what seems to be an upsetting experience for one Sydney mum, things took quite a turn during a simple shopping trip to Woolworths. It appears that rather than sympathy for her son's stomach-churning situation, this parent was left feeling 'frustrated and flustered' after she was instructed by staff to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout.

View attachment 21116

There has been a controversy stirred by a mother's allegation that a supermarket employee compelled her to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout area. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

In the midst of scanning groceries, the woman's two-year-old child fell ill, resulting in an unfortunate incident involving vomit on the floor near the exit. The mother quickly tended to her child, apologising to staff members who had witnessed the encounter. However, she was left extremely disappointed when, instead of providing assistance, the staff insisted that she clean up her son's mess herself.

As she shared her ordeal, the mother explained that she was already struggling to manage the situation, having to wrangle both of her young children and worry about their safety near the busy front entrance. What's more, the staff didn't just expect the mum to clean up; they also reportedly had a worker stand over her to 'make sure' she did so, adding further tension to the already stressful episode.

The story resulted in controversy, with several comments calling out Woolworths for their lack of support for the mother.

'As someone who worked in retail, they should have assisted her by at least scanning her groceries while she tended to the kids,' one person commented. Others empathised with her plight, stating that 'kindness goes a long way’.

However, some expressed that the responsibility fell on the parent, arguing that it is their job to clean up after their child. 'It would be lovely if the shop staff offered, however, they're not obliged to, and it's 100% your responsibility to clean up bodily fluids.' one commenter said.

Strategies for Navigating Parenting Challenges in Public Spaces​

It’s not always easy to manage challenging situations involving young children. Here are a few strategies that parents and grandparents alike can adapt to make the process a bit smoother for all involved.

Positive Reinforcement​

It’s useful to use positive reinforcement whenever possible. For instance, praising a child when they respond in an appropriate and considerate way inside a shop can go a long way towards reinforcing a desired behaviour.

Plan Ahead​

It’s important to plan ahead and carry all essential items. Keeping in mind that children are also unpredictable, it’s useful to arm yourself with essentials, such as a change of clothing and wet wipes, just to be on the safe side. Additionally, where possible, it may be useful to leave a smaller child with a babysitter while completing a shopping task.

Communicate​

It can be helpful to communicate with the staff of the shop if a child experiences an accident. Having a conversation might go a long way, allowing the staff to understand the parent is just as distressed as the child may be.

Key Takeaways

• A mum claimed that a supermarket worker at Woolworths made her clean up her son's vomit after he became sick at the self-checkout.
• The Sydney mum shared her experience on a popular social media group and asked if she should complain to the supermarket chain.
• Reactions to her story were mixed, with some siding with the mum and others saying parents should be responsible for cleaning up after their children.
• The woman said she felt distressed and had to wrangle two children while cleaning up the mess and scanning her groceries.

We’d like to remind everyone, customers and employees alike, that kindness, understanding, and empathy play an essential role in making the world more pleasant. We hope such incidents serve as a lesson for all parties, and we extend our best wishes to the mother and her child.

So next time you're at the supermarket, whether you're an employee or customer, let's remember to extend support and compassion to our fellow shoppers. After all, we're all just trying to navigate through life one shopping trip at a time.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the staff should have offered assistance in cleaning up, or do you think it's the mother's responsibility to clean up after her child? We value your opinions and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to share your viewpoint below.

Communicate? Please!! Is it so hard for staff to help the mother? Are they too good to do so? Staff should be ashamed for their actions or lack of. The woman has 2 small children with her and no one helps. I would not be happy with the lack of assistance. Reality check for all staff.

 

[Gsr]

I think it is the mother’s responsibility to clean up after her child. The same goes for dogs in Bunnings, if your dog leaves a mess on the floor, clean it up yourself. Staff don’t get paid to do this. I would always help by watching any children and assist by providing the necessary items needed to clean up any mess.

 

[VERJUN]

Let's face it, parenting can be a challenging task, and grocery shopping with children can be an adventure on its own. Anything can happen, and sometimes, things may not go quite as planned.

In what seems to be an upsetting experience for one Sydney mum, things took quite a turn during a simple shopping trip to Woolworths. It appears that rather than sympathy for her son's stomach-churning situation, this parent was left feeling 'frustrated and flustered' after she was instructed by staff to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout.

View attachment 21116

There has been a controversy stirred by a mother's allegation that a supermarket employee compelled her to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout area. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

In the midst of scanning groceries, the woman's two-year-old child fell ill, resulting in an unfortunate incident involving vomit on the floor near the exit. The mother quickly tended to her child, apologising to staff members who had witnessed the encounter. However, she was left extremely disappointed when, instead of providing assistance, the staff insisted that she clean up her son's mess herself.

As she shared her ordeal, the mother explained that she was already struggling to manage the situation, having to wrangle both of her young children and worry about their safety near the busy front entrance. What's more, the staff didn't just expect the mum to clean up; they also reportedly had a worker stand over her to 'make sure' she did so, adding further tension to the already stressful episode.

The story resulted in controversy, with several comments calling out Woolworths for their lack of support for the mother.

'As someone who worked in retail, they should have assisted her by at least scanning her groceries while she tended to the kids,' one person commented. Others empathised with her plight, stating that 'kindness goes a long way’.

However, some expressed that the responsibility fell on the parent, arguing that it is their job to clean up after their child. 'It would be lovely if the shop staff offered, however, they're not obliged to, and it's 100% your responsibility to clean up bodily fluids.' one commenter said.

Strategies for Navigating Parenting Challenges in Public Spaces​

It’s not always easy to manage challenging situations involving young children. Here are a few strategies that parents and grandparents alike can adapt to make the process a bit smoother for all involved.

Positive Reinforcement​

It’s useful to use positive reinforcement whenever possible. For instance, praising a child when they respond in an appropriate and considerate way inside a shop can go a long way towards reinforcing a desired behaviour.

Plan Ahead​

It’s important to plan ahead and carry all essential items. Keeping in mind that children are also unpredictable, it’s useful to arm yourself with essentials, such as a change of clothing and wet wipes, just to be on the safe side. Additionally, where possible, it may be useful to leave a smaller child with a babysitter while completing a shopping task.

Communicate​

It can be helpful to communicate with the staff of the shop if a child experiences an accident. Having a conversation might go a long way, allowing the staff to understand the parent is just as distressed as the child may be.

Key Takeaways

• A mum claimed that a supermarket worker at Woolworths made her clean up her son's vomit after he became sick at the self-checkout.
• The Sydney mum shared her experience on a popular social media group and asked if she should complain to the supermarket chain.
• Reactions to her story were mixed, with some siding with the mum and others saying parents should be responsible for cleaning up after their children.
• The woman said she felt distressed and had to wrangle two children while cleaning up the mess and scanning her groceries.

We’d like to remind everyone, customers and employees alike, that kindness, understanding, and empathy play an essential role in making the world more pleasant. We hope such incidents serve as a lesson for all parties, and we extend our best wishes to the mother and her child.

So next time you're at the supermarket, whether you're an employee or customer, let's remember to extend support and compassion to our fellow shoppers. After all, we're all just trying to navigate through life one shopping trip at a time.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the staff should have offered assistance in cleaning up, or do you think it's the mother's responsibility to clean up after her child? We value your opinions and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to share your viewpoint below.

I thought most stores had a cleaner on staff or handy to call on . What happens if somebody slips and injures themselves !! Who do they SUE FOR INJURY ? Thats the American way !!

 

[Catherines]

Let’s not follow America - we are in Australia, so American ways should not be our way of doing things.

The staff could have assisted with the necessary cleaning ‘tools’ offered to the mother or by taking care of the child/other children and her groceries. It is definitely not their responsibility to clean up a mess of this kind. A broken bottle or dropped product bought in the store, yes, but not this. I would get sick myself doing that.

 

[Leonard Hall]

As I was going through a Coles checkout recently I dropped a plastic carton of Tomato paste stuff and it went everywhere. The supervisor called for help and I went and picked up a replacement the price was around $6. When we had gone through the checkout my wife checked the bill as always because they often make mistakes. This time we had been over charged by $7 as they charged for 7 quiche items and we only bought 6, so I went to the desk and the same supervisor took my word for it and said she wouldn't check the contents of the basket and then refunded the $7 to my credit card.

 

[Lesle]

Let's face it, parenting can be a challenging task, and grocery shopping with children can be an adventure on its own. Anything can happen, and sometimes, things may not go quite as planned.

In what seems to be an upsetting experience for one Sydney mum, things took quite a turn during a simple shopping trip to Woolworths. It appears that rather than sympathy for her son's stomach-churning situation, this parent was left feeling 'frustrated and flustered' after she was instructed by staff to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout.

View attachment 21116

There has been a controversy stirred by a mother's allegation that a supermarket employee compelled her to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout area. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

In the midst of scanning groceries, the woman's two-year-old child fell ill, resulting in an unfortunate incident involving vomit on the floor near the exit. The mother quickly tended to her child, apologising to staff members who had witnessed the encounter. However, she was left extremely disappointed when, instead of providing assistance, the staff insisted that she clean up her son's mess herself.

As she shared her ordeal, the mother explained that she was already struggling to manage the situation, having to wrangle both of her young children and worry about their safety near the busy front entrance. What's more, the staff didn't just expect the mum to clean up; they also reportedly had a worker stand over her to 'make sure' she did so, adding further tension to the already stressful episode.

The story resulted in controversy, with several comments calling out Woolworths for their lack of support for the mother.

'As someone who worked in retail, they should have assisted her by at least scanning her groceries while she tended to the kids,' one person commented. Others empathised with her plight, stating that 'kindness goes a long way’.

However, some expressed that the responsibility fell on the parent, arguing that it is their job to clean up after their child. 'It would be lovely if the shop staff offered, however, they're not obliged to, and it's 100% your responsibility to clean up bodily fluids.' one commenter said.

Strategies for Navigating Parenting Challenges in Public Spaces​

It’s not always easy to manage challenging situations involving young children. Here are a few strategies that parents and grandparents alike can adapt to make the process a bit smoother for all involved.

Positive Reinforcement​

It’s useful to use positive reinforcement whenever possible. For instance, praising a child when they respond in an appropriate and considerate way inside a shop can go a long way towards reinforcing a desired behaviour.

Plan Ahead​

It’s important to plan ahead and carry all essential items. Keeping in mind that children are also unpredictable, it’s useful to arm yourself with essentials, such as a change of clothing and wet wipes, just to be on the safe side. Additionally, where possible, it may be useful to leave a smaller child with a babysitter while completing a shopping task.

Communicate​

It can be helpful to communicate with the staff of the shop if a child experiences an accident. Having a conversation might go a long way, allowing the staff to understand the parent is just as distressed as the child may be.

Key Takeaways

• A mum claimed that a supermarket worker at Woolworths made her clean up her son's vomit after he became sick at the self-checkout.
• The Sydney mum shared her experience on a popular social media group and asked if she should complain to the supermarket chain.
• Reactions to her story were mixed, with some siding with the mum and others saying parents should be responsible for cleaning up after their children.
• The woman said she felt distressed and had to wrangle two children while cleaning up the mess and scanning her groceries.

We’d like to remind everyone, customers and employees alike, that kindness, understanding, and empathy play an essential role in making the world more pleasant. We hope such incidents serve as a lesson for all parties, and we extend our best wishes to the mother and her child.

So next time you're at the supermarket, whether you're an employee or customer, let's remember to extend support and compassion to our fellow shoppers. After all, we're all just trying to navigate through life one shopping trip at a time.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the staff should have offered assistance in cleaning up, or do you think it's the mother's responsibility to clean up after her child? We value your opinions and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to share your viewpoint below.

They have buckets and mops out back would it have hurt someone to go get one and clean it up? She could have just kept ringing up her groceries and ignored it and then walk straight out but no, she did the right thing, but they could’ve friggin helped her. I wouldn’t go back to Woolworths again, when Id finished I would’ve asked for a refund of all my groceries. why? Because I’m petty like that

 

[Baz1960]

Yes. And probably for the rest of her life

 

[Surfndude56]

We all have perceptions about how things ought to be done but whilst out shopping you don't exactly carry items with you to clean up a pile of vomit. If they were prepared to give me a bucket and mop I would have been only too happy to do so as it is my child. Being asked to clean up someone else's vomit (irrespective of it being an adult or child) is very confronting but not only should it require simply a mop and bucket but also a mask and gloves (unknown bacteria and contaminants) as it is dangerous.

 

[maxesmum]

My kid,my mess. I would absolutely clean it up myself but I would be furious to be stood over by staff like I was a naughty child! They would have scored a few choice words from me,for sure.

 

[fullerg]

Her child - her

Let's face it, parenting can be a challenging task, and grocery shopping with children can be an adventure on its own. Anything can happen, and sometimes, things may not go quite as planned.

In what seems to be an upsetting experience for one Sydney mum, things took quite a turn during a simple shopping trip to Woolworths. It appears that rather than sympathy for her son's stomach-churning situation, this parent was left feeling 'frustrated and flustered' after she was instructed by staff to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout.

View attachment 21116

There has been a controversy stirred by a mother's allegation that a supermarket employee compelled her to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout area. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

In the midst of scanning groceries, the woman's two-year-old child fell ill, resulting in an unfortunate incident involving vomit on the floor near the exit. The mother quickly tended to her child, apologising to staff members who had witnessed the encounter. However, she was left extremely disappointed when, instead of providing assistance, the staff insisted that she clean up her son's mess herself.

As she shared her ordeal, the mother explained that she was already struggling to manage the situation, having to wrangle both of her young children and worry about their safety near the busy front entrance. What's more, the staff didn't just expect the mum to clean up; they also reportedly had a worker stand over her to 'make sure' she did so, adding further tension to the already stressful episode.

The story resulted in controversy, with several comments calling out Woolworths for their lack of support for the mother.

'As someone who worked in retail, they should have assisted her by at least scanning her groceries while she tended to the kids,' one person commented. Others empathised with her plight, stating that 'kindness goes a long way’.

However, some expressed that the responsibility fell on the parent, arguing that it is their job to clean up after their child. 'It would be lovely if the shop staff offered, however, they're not obliged to, and it's 100% your responsibility to clean up bodily fluids.' one commenter said.

Strategies for Navigating Parenting Challenges in Public Spaces​

It’s not always easy to manage challenging situations involving young children. Here are a few strategies that parents and grandparents alike can adapt to make the process a bit smoother for all involved.

Positive Reinforcement​

It’s useful to use positive reinforcement whenever possible. For instance, praising a child when they respond in an appropriate and considerate way inside a shop can go a long way towards reinforcing a desired behaviour.

Plan Ahead​

It’s important to plan ahead and carry all essential items. Keeping in mind that children are also unpredictable, it’s useful to arm yourself with essentials, such as a change of clothing and wet wipes, just to be on the safe side. Additionally, where possible, it may be useful to leave a smaller child with a babysitter while completing a shopping task.

Communicate​

It can be helpful to communicate with the staff of the shop if a child experiences an accident. Having a conversation might go a long way, allowing the staff to understand the parent is just as distressed as the child may be.

Key Takeaways

• A mum claimed that a supermarket worker at Woolworths made her clean up her son's vomit after he became sick at the self-checkout.
• The Sydney mum shared her experience on a popular social media group and asked if she should complain to the supermarket chain.
• Reactions to her story were mixed, with some siding with the mum and others saying parents should be responsible for cleaning up after their children.
• The woman said she felt distressed and had to wrangle two children while cleaning up the mess and scanning her groceries.

We’d like to remind everyone, customers and employees alike, that kindness, understanding, and empathy play an essential role in making the world more pleasant. We hope such incidents serve as a lesson for all parties, and we extend our best wishes to the mother and her child.

So next time you're at the supermarket, whether you're an employee or customer, let's remember to extend support and compassion to our fellow shoppers. After all, we're all just trying to navigate through life one shopping trip at a time.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the staff should have offered assistance in cleaning up, or do you think it's the mother's responsibility to clean up after her child? We value your opinions and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to share your viewpoint below.

mess. Its nit a hospital her child -

Let's face it, parenting can be a challenging task, and grocery shopping with children can be an adventure on its own. Anything can happen, and sometimes, things may not go quite as planned.

In what seems to be an upsetting experience for one Sydney mum, things took quite a turn during a simple shopping trip to Woolworths. It appears that rather than sympathy for her son's stomach-churning situation, this parent was left feeling 'frustrated and flustered' after she was instructed by staff to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout.

View attachment 21116

There has been a controversy stirred by a mother's allegation that a supermarket employee compelled her to clean up her son's vomit at the self-checkout area. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

In the midst of scanning groceries, the woman's two-year-old child fell ill, resulting in an unfortunate incident involving vomit on the floor near the exit. The mother quickly tended to her child, apologising to staff members who had witnessed the encounter. However, she was left extremely disappointed when, instead of providing assistance, the staff insisted that she clean up her son's mess herself.

As she shared her ordeal, the mother explained that she was already struggling to manage the situation, having to wrangle both of her young children and worry about their safety near the busy front entrance. What's more, the staff didn't just expect the mum to clean up; they also reportedly had a worker stand over her to 'make sure' she did so, adding further tension to the already stressful episode.

The story resulted in controversy, with several comments calling out Woolworths for their lack of support for the mother.

'As someone who worked in retail, they should have assisted her by at least scanning her groceries while she tended to the kids,' one person commented. Others empathised with her plight, stating that 'kindness goes a long way’.

However, some expressed that the responsibility fell on the parent, arguing that it is their job to clean up after their child. 'It would be lovely if the shop staff offered, however, they're not obliged to, and it's 100% your responsibility to clean up bodily fluids.' one commenter said.

Strategies for Navigating Parenting Challenges in Public Spaces​

It’s not always easy to manage challenging situations involving young children. Here are a few strategies that parents and grandparents alike can adapt to make the process a bit smoother for all involved.

Positive Reinforcement​

It’s useful to use positive reinforcement whenever possible. For instance, praising a child when they respond in an appropriate and considerate way inside a shop can go a long way towards reinforcing a desired behaviour.

Plan Ahead​

It’s important to plan ahead and carry all essential items. Keeping in mind that children are also unpredictable, it’s useful to arm yourself with essentials, such as a change of clothing and wet wipes, just to be on the safe side. Additionally, where possible, it may be useful to leave a smaller child with a babysitter while completing a shopping task.

Communicate​

It can be helpful to communicate with the staff of the shop if a child experiences an accident. Having a conversation might go a long way, allowing the staff to understand the parent is just as distressed as the child may be.

Key Takeaways

• A mum claimed that a supermarket worker at Woolworths made her clean up her son's vomit after he became sick at the self-checkout.
• The Sydney mum shared her experience on a popular social media group and asked if she should complain to the supermarket chain.
• Reactions to her story were mixed, with some siding with the mum and others saying parents should be responsible for cleaning up after their children.
• The woman said she felt distressed and had to wrangle two children while cleaning up the mess and scanning her groceries.

We’d like to remind everyone, customers and employees alike, that kindness, understanding, and empathy play an essential role in making the world more pleasant. We hope such incidents serve as a lesson for all parties, and we extend our best wishes to the mother and her child.

So next time you're at the supermarket, whether you're an employee or customer, let's remember to extend support and compassion to our fellow shoppers. After all, we're all just trying to navigate through life one shopping trip at a time.

Members, what are your thoughts on this story? Do you believe the staff should have offered assistance in cleaning up, or do you think it's the mother's responsibility to clean up after her child? We value your opinions and would like to hear your thoughts on this matter. Please feel free to share your viewpoint below.

her mess. Its nit a hospital !

 

[Bullwinkle]

I think it is the mothers responsibility to clean up vomit of her child. With any assistance offered by the store staff e.g. paper towel, plastic bag, water etc accepted with a smile and thank you from the mother

 

[Milica]

My kid,my mess. I would absolutely clean it up myself but I would be furious to be stood over by staff like I was a naughty child! They would have scored a few choice words from me,for sure.

Exactly - i have seem some staff who seem to think they have powers of more than a customer service worker, it is intimidating and feels threatening - just help the mother whether it be with her children, the shopping, and assist with the right tools so she can do the unexpected job, & don't give her one of your paper bags to assist!

 

[SGH]

I'm agreeing with most, her child, her mess. If that child has something contagious why would any one working in that store be willing to take a chance of catching it. Parents these days have to be ready for all contingencies including a child throwing up. Don't they carry nappies etc., then why not vomit bags you can buy then at most chemists.
COVID19 has made us all a little wary of dealing with body fluids.

 

[Mr Chips]

If your kids are sick or have a tendency to throw up (as a mother you would know that) then don't take them shopping for foodstuffs, please.

 

[terri]

Stores have dedicated cleaning staff on all day. Or at least they did where I worked. It's not great to clean up someone else's vomit but a long handled mop and a bucket can be useful. If it was my child, I would certainly have done it but it shouldnt be expected. Kids can produce vomit at unexpected and inconvenient times. There is no way of always telling.

 

[Nana Zorak]

I would never be able to help anyone in that situation for if someone else vomits so do I. It is a reflex in me that has put me in some precarious situations in the past. I feel for the mother but her first words after the apology should have been " Do you have a mop & bucket so I can clean it up?" But no she thought only of her embarrassment in the situation. Typical of today's mothers.