Parent of the year nomination

An ironic term to describe the complete meltdown of a child in a public space when accompanied by a parent.

Can also describe the looks others give you when either your child freaks out or you do something they disapprove of.

After five minutes of Rachel's tantrum on the floor of the toy section of the department store, Nathan finally put her over her shoulder and bundled her out to the car, his daughter giving him the parent of the year nomination the whole way.

or

Nathan knew he was going to get a few parent of the year nominations for sending Rachel to nursery school with cheese puffs as a snack, but there had been no time to shop.