Parents are supposed to make decisions based on what is in the best interest of their children.
Unfortunately, “best interest” is open to interpretation and often results in some bizarre true-life stories.
Take the recent arrest of Genine Compton. The mother from Dayton, Ohio made front-page news last week for breastfeeding her daughter while driving her other children to school.
No joke. Supermom was multitasking behind the wheel of her minivan when she was pulled over by police. According to authorities, Compton was not only breastfeeding her infant while driving, she was also talking on her cellphone while simultaneously yelling at her kids in the backseat… who, by the way, were not wearing their seatbelts.
How many arms does this mother have?
Police say Compton could have easily injured her children by trying to accomplish all of her tasks, which is why they arrested her and are trying to make an example of her poor parental decisions.
Reports say the multi-tasking mom was cited for child endangerment and violating of the state’s child restraint law.
But that’s not the part that got my attention. After getting arrested Compton told local TV news crews that she didn’t regret any of her actions.
“If my child’s hungry, I’m going to feed it,” Compton told reporters.
Hmmm… not for nothing, but a parent who refers to their child as “it” really shouldn’t be talking to TV news crews (in my opinion).
Regardless, police stand by their arrest saying that Compton not only had her infant on her lap (and not properly restrained in a child safety seat), but she had the baby’s head resting against the steering wheel. Officers say if Compton had crashed the vehicle and the airbag deployed it would have crushed the child.
Meanwhile, Compton told reporters that her arrest will not likely inspire her to amend her driving habits. The indignant mother says she may breastfeed her baby while driving in the future if she feels that it is necessary.
Apparently, pulling over to the side of the road to breastfeed is not an option for Compton.
By the way, if convicted Compton could face up to 180 days in jail for the child endangerment citation.
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