A MOTHER has spoken out about the struggle parents face with being criticised after she was harassed by strangers when her one year old daughter threw a tantrum in Asda, Trowbridge.

Demi Collins, of Gandy Way, Devizes was shopping with her children, Alora, one, and Bobby, three, when she decided to put Alora back in the buggy after she threw a tantrum.

Miss Collins was then approached by two strangers who started verbally abusing both her and her children and criticised her for putting Alora back in her pram.

She said: “It was intimidating, this man and woman came at me from both directions and were swearing and saying there is something wrong with my children, it was so upsetting.

“They were saying I shouldn’t have put Alora back in her pram, but I did it to stop her from hurting herself as she was throwing herself on the floor.

“I know my child and I know what is best to do in that situation. All kids have tantrums but it doesn’t help when strangers start shouting and criticising you.

“I was so upset I just left the shop and it made my children upset too.”

Since the incident last Tuesday, Miss Collins has received a lot of support on social media from other mums and dads who have been criticised after a child plays up in public.

Miss Collins added: “I know I am not the only mum this has happened to, both mums and dads get criticised so often.

“It isn’t even the first time this has happened to me and I know so many others have experienced it.

“It is not easy bringing up small children and we are all just doing our best, people shouldn’t be so quick and judge.

“I was pleased to have received so much support on social media from friends and even strangers who have been in this position before.”

On social media, Sharon Bodman commented: “You were correct in the way you handled your daughter and behaviour, I remember my eldest daughter throwing herself on the ground, she was 18 months old, I just walked away, but kept her in view, she stopped and ran to me. She’s now in her 30s.

“So don’t worry, they have the problem, not you.”

Nick Acornley commented: “Keep doing what you do, your a fantastic Mum. Don’t let the ignorance of others stop you.”