Shopping at Walmart

Tonight, we needed to grab a few odds and ends- the kids pack their lunch, and we were out of jelly, baggies, and juice boxes. Since they're right near H & R Block, we went to Walmart. As we were turning down the cereal aisle, this woman walked next to me- bleach blond hair, drawn on eyebrows, designer jeans, designer jacket, stiletto heels- trying to look like she's 10 years younger, but making herself look 10 years older.

She's tottering along in the heels, and jeans that were probably a size too small (they didn't look too small, but she was kind of tottering like she couldn't bend her legs at all- like the jeans were too stiff, too tight, or both), and a cart emerges behind her. Pushing the cart is her daughter.

Who, like mom, is wearing too much makeup, designer jeans, designer jacket, and.. tottering along in open toed stiletto heels. She could not have been older than 10 or 11. She was definitely younger than Raegan, who will be 13 soon. We estimated her to be probably 5th grade, so a bit older than Chris, but not by much.

I was just floored that this young girl would be so made up, and wearing heels she could barely walk in, while wearing what she was. I just couldn't believe any parents out there would actually sexualized their child like that.

We ran into them again a few minutes later, then once more when we were checking out. They were right next to us in the next aisle checking out, and I noticed the child also had a professional manicure- french tips, air brushed design, and gems on them.

Normally, I'm not a judgmental person- ok, let me rephrase that. Normally, I try to ignore the first judgment call that comes to mind. It's hard for anyone not to make a judgment when they see someone for the first time. It's human nature. I try not to let it color how I view a person, though.

I was just flabbergasted. While the mom was having a hard time walking, the daughter was having an even worse time walking in those heels. They had to be about 3 inches, at least. Nothing about the way she was dressed said "child" to me.

Her makeup was well done- it was done by someone who knew how to apply it. Maybe way too much of it, but it wasn't a first time try at it.

That child is going to wind up in a horrible position if that's how she's been raised. Makeup, tight pants, stiletto heels.. she's going to be an easy target. Poor kid.