Dear Truth Teller,

My kid has special needs and a lot of therapeutic activities are part of the deal. Lately, I feel suffocated by other parents as I wait and watch my child do her things. Last week I got caught between two other mothers (loud talkers) who went on and on ad nauseum about the problems at their respective schools and the special ed services they offer. It was the same thing this week. Not covering any new ground, just on and on verbal venting.

At another activity, a different mom regularly tries to talk my ear off (for 1 1/2 hours) about her kid and his issues. When I try to look disinterested, putting my nose in a book, etc. She taps me, repeatedly. WTF? Sometimes yapping away even when it is my baby's turn to do her thing and I want to concentrate on her. There is only one waiting space at both of the activities I am describing.

Am I an awful person for wanting a little quiet or time to focus on my kid? Do I have a "dump on me" sign on my forehead? Any ideas on how I can stop the incessant chatter?

Signed,

Had it up to here with the yap yap yapping


P.S. The one that taps has bad breath.

Dear Had It,

I HEAR YOU. Although you don't want to be rude, it is your time, not theirs, and you have to put boundaries around it--or (if you're like me), one day you'll just bite one of their heads off and then feel horrible.

This is where the wonderful invention called the ipod comes in. I trust you have one--if you don't, get one. This lovely piece of equipment could become your life saver. I'm sure you realize they will not leave you alone just because you have earphones in--but when the tapping begins, remove one earbud only and assertively reply "I'm sorry, not to be rude, but I'm listening to something very important and I need to pay attention to it".

What's better, is that you CAN be listening to something important to you--and it will drown out the incessant chatter of the others, but not take your attention away from your darling.

PS: Offer her a tic tac along with your reply.