Surrogate doctors?

As moms we assume many roles: mommy, doctor, playmate, psychiatrist, organizer, and many more. Why do we sometimes think, however, that this makes us qualified to just dish information out at random?

Evan is sick. He has the cold that has begun circulating and won't disappear until March now. When my children get colds, they have an asthmatic reaction where they wheeze and cough like seals each time. They are blessed with this gift from their mom.

Last night I went to the store to buy Evan some medicinal relief for his symptoms. I went to the cold aisle, scanned the thousands of options, and decided on Benadryl, some nighttime medicine, and Vapo Rub. I briskly headed to the checkout line at the store. As my grocery clerk began to check out my items and her colleague began to bag them, they miraculously turned into surrogate doctor mommies.

"Ahh. .. Do you have a little guy sick at home?"

Silly question, don't you think? I am at the store at night buying only cold medicine.

"Yes, I do."

"This Vapo Rub is the best. You know what you need to do. Put some on his neck. Wait, how old is he?

"Four"

"Ok, put some on his neck and wrap a towel around his neck to keep the warmth there. It works."

Not to be outdone by the checker, the bagger inserts her own Vapo Rub suggestion to put the lotion on his feet and put thick socks on. She repeated "Thick Socks" two times for good measure.

While I know their messages were well intended, I just had to laugh at how, as mom's, we seem to want to cure everyone. I found their advice endearing yet annoying as well.

For now, I need to go and Vapo Rub Evan up. Here come the towel and thick socks. . .