The moment my husband and I became parents, our sense of adventure took a backseat – especially when it came to malls.
We found one that ticked all the boxes: ample parking, family-friendly facilities, and an all-around safe space for our firstborn.
And now, almost six years later and with two boys, we still find ourselves frequenting the same mall at least once or twice a month.
Do we get bored of it? Absolutely.
Do we flirt with the idea of exploring a newer, shinier, more exciting mall? All the time.
Special exhibitions, trendy new outlets, or even just the need for a change of scenery tempts us constantly.
But if there’s one thing that truly holds us back, it’s this: the dreaded lift battle.
The Lift Lottery: Will We Get In?
While we wouldn’t call ourselves seasoned parents just yet, we’d like to think we’re pretty experienced when it comes to navigating public spaces with a stroller.
And let’s just say, trying to get into a public lift with two kids and a stroller is basically an extreme sport.
We’ve had our fair share of experiences standing there patiently, waiting for our turn, only to be outrun by an able-bodied, Olympic-level sprinter who thinks nothing of dashing into the lift before us.
It’s almost impressive. Almost.
Then there’s that unspoken camaraderie among parents.
You know the one.
That wordless exchange between exhausted caregivers waiting at the lift:
‘How long have you been here?’
‘Long enough.’
‘Two kids?’
‘Yeah. You?’
‘Three.’ (A quick scan of the trio in tow.)
A tired smile.
A knowing nod.
And then back to waiting until one of us inevitably gives up and goes searching for the service lift.
The Confrontation That Never Works
Confrontation? Oh, we’ve tried.
We’ve pointed at the clearly visible signs that say: Priority for parents with strollers, the elderly, and individuals with mobility challenges.
We’ve asked – sometimes politely, sometimes not-so-politely if anyone could let us in.
But unless someone in that crowded lift suddenly has a moral awakening, the result is almost always the same: a blank stare, a shrug, or a pointed ignoring of our very existence.
The Desperate Measures We’ve Taken
Have we ever given up and just taken the escalator instead? Yes.
Have we carried the kids and awkwardly lifted the stroller while balancing diaper bags? Yes.
Was it safe? Not at all.
Was it necessary?
After waiting for 15 minutes, squeezing out a few ‘excuse me’s, and still finding ourselves stuck, yes.
Because unless you’ve ever dealt with a squirmy, impatient toddler who’s this close to a meltdown, you wouldn’t understand the urgency.
A Matter of Necessity, Not Convenience
The thing is, we get it.
No one enjoys waiting for the lift.
But when you’re able-bodied and perfectly capable of using an escalator or stairs, taking up space in the lift when others need it more?
That’s a choice that makes life harder for parents, pregnant women, and individuals with mobility challenges.
A little mindfulness goes a long way.
Next time you find yourself in front of a packed lift, maybe take a second to check: Is there a parent struggling with a stroller?
A wheelchair user waiting patiently?
A pregnant woman who’s clearly exhausted?
Contrary to popular belief, most parents don’t feel the world revolves around them.
We wait just like any other person, hoping that we find some way to fit into the next round of the lift.
And honestly, if we could, we’d love to take the escalator – it is in every way faster and more convenient.
But with a bulky stroller, an unpredictable toddler, and the ever-present risk of safety hazards, the lift becomes our only option.
So, for some of us, that lift isn’t just a convenience, it’s a necessity.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!