Mother: Honey, we’re going to leave if you don’t stop. You already had hot chocolate and a scone.
Toddler: But Mommy, I want another hot chocolate!
Mother, gently sipping her own coffee: Honey, you’re acting like you’re on baby crack.
–Espresso 77, Jackson Heights
Teen girl: I was worried it had rabies or something. But seriously, how cool would it be if I got to go back to Tennessee and say I’d been mauled by a squirrel while I was in New York?
Mom: Well, we’ve got health insurance now, so you go ahead and give it another shot. I’ll get it on video.
–Isham & Cooper
Overheard by: Rose Fox
Mom with camera, chasing kid: Are you gonna be a weenie, or are you gonna let me take your picture?
Kid: I want to go inside! I’m all wet!
Mom: You are being a weenie!
–Top of Empire State Building [while raining]
Mom: Just stand still, Alyssa. [Little girl tries to reach into mom’s shopping bag.] Don’t touch that! I said don’t touch it! Do you want to go see Santa?
Little girl: Nooo!
Mom: Well, if you keep touching that, I’m going to bring you to see Santa! [Minutes later, girl reaches into bag again.] What did I tell you?! Santa’s gonna get you! He’s gonna come get you in your sleep!
–6 train
Overheard by: Elisabeth
Guy: You should really take her to the hospital.
Woman with coughing, sweating, crying child: You wanna do somethin’? Why don’t you get off yo’ ass and take her temperature?! [To child] If you end up in the hospital, I’m gonna make sure you stay in the hospital!
–1 train
Black mom: You chokin’?
Son: [Choking.]Black mom: Hmmm?
Son: [Choking, grasping at throat.]Black mom, hitting him hard on the back, causing him to cough something up: There. Now quit jumpin’ and movin’ when you eatin’ a lollipop.
–13th & University
Overheard by: Mathew
Eight-year-old girl pointing at bin of toys: Mommy, which one should I get?
Mommy dearest: I don’t give a shit.
–Chinatown
Young boy: Mommy, can we get a Christmas tree now?
Mom: No, honey, we don’t need a tree. We celebrate Hanukkah in our home.
–7th Ave, Park Slope
