Took my teenager, who was out of contacts. We have always frequented Walmart partnered docs, for several reasons. Convenience, quality of care, and 1-800-contacts partnership. We've always had great luck and our Colorado Walmart eye doc even caught an unusual eye condition in my child. So, went today to the Spring Lake Walmart to have my oldest seen. Along with me, I had 2 year olds and a six year old. You see, I'm a parent, and have to bring children with me on errands. Nature of the beast. And it's not exactly fun for any of us but I try my very best to contain them and be respectful as we are out and about. But two year olds are gonna act like two year olds. No doubt about it. So we walk in and there's a magazine rack with southern living magazine, some plants, and a shiny, springy, metal Santa. You can take a guess as to what the children gravitated towards. Yes. The springy Santa. As I filled out the paperwork, I made sure they were being gentle. They didn't start out that way but I was using it as a "teachable moment" and the Santa was in no imminent danger. The doc then came out and told them not to touch it. Huh. There is absolutely nothing in the waiting room except southern living magazine and this amazing thingie they have been admonished to not touch. Put yourself in my shoes for a moment. Can you feel my pain? My nightmare began. It was not pretty. Or fun. I tried. Really, I did. I got a southern living magazine. I pointed out the houses. We looked at the doggies in the k9 advantix advertisement. All the while the doctor would come teetering out in her high heels and give the look. Moms, you know the one. The look of disdain. The one that says "why don't you control those kids?" with just a glance. And it made me feel terrible. I don't wake up in the morning with the goal of making your life miserable. My children don't wake up with the goal of breaking your Christmas decorations. If your goal is to attract families, which, being partnered with Walmart, I would assume IS your goal, I have some advice. Get one of those cubes with the metal wires and wooden beads, at a bare minimum. Maybe get a TV and have it on CNN. If you notice a mom struggling, switch it onto PBS kids. She will be grateful, trust me. Maybe get a subscription to Highlights for Children. Or, ignore all my advice, and remove your shiny pretty no touchables. Maybe crack a smile, even. As for me, I'm just gonna go ahead and find a more family friendly optometrist for next time. This one made me feel unwelcome. read more