No Longer Going Postal

I have always loved my neighborhood post office. It is small and quaint, rarely crowded, and usually has smiling faces behind the counter, even when my arms are full of two packages and three boys (4,2, and 1 year). Today was the exception.I must preface this story with the fact that I try to NEVER go to the post office with all my kids. It's rarely a fun experience, but today, I had no choice. I needed to get 2 packages mailed this morning, and had all three of my kids in tow. I walked into a relatively empty office, requested the boxes I needed, bought packaging tape, and went to work. My boys happily played under the table and were out of sight even if a bit noisy. By the time I'd finished packaging the boxes, the line was about 4 deep. When it was my turn, I asked the worker where I shoould put the address, he looked at me and said, "Um, on the box," and asked me to step aside so he could help HIS line. I thought to myself, "He must be having a tough day." As I stepped aside, my two year old started playing with boxes, and the female worker immediately snapped, "Can someone get that boy away from the boxes." Luckily, the customers were nicer than the workers, and helped my son put the boxes back. They got a bit more rowdy and I asked them to stay put and calm down until I was finished. I even bribed them with a piece of gum.When it was finally my turn again, my baby had started fussing in his seat and my 2 year old was singing, admittedly loudly, to him to keep him happy. The same unhelpful male worker snapped, "Can you please be quiet, I'm trying to work here." The kind man helping me smiled apologetically as my eyes filled with frustrated and angry tears; I finished my transaction and walked out, with puffy eyes and concerned looking children. I'm the first to say that my children aren't perfect, are often loud, and sometimes don't obey quickly, especially when they can see my hands are tied, but today, they were just being average kids, singing, smiling and playing kid games. Was it a bit disruptive, yes, for the 10 minutes I was inside it probably was. Was there a better option? No. They were not crying, throwing fits, hurting merchandise, or being rude, just being kids. I feel that if businesses do not want kids in their establishment they need to make it clear. If kids are not welcome at the post office, then they need to stay open later or offer a drive through service. Believe me, we don't go to the post office for a fun afternoon outing. I am a responsible parent who expects good behavior; today I was just doing my best. Sometimes it would be nice if a person would ask what they could do to help you, instead of watch you struggle all by yourself. So, I've decided, I'm no longer going postal--at least not until I can no loger afford UPS.