re: Wish I could go to a store without being accosted by parents begging for money

For straight up begging, I look them in the eye and say "No thank you". If they persist I say "I said No, please leave me alone". I try to be firm and not rude.

Anything past that gets ignored but reported to the manager as harassment.

I don't mind KIDS selling a good or service, but the days of KIDS mowing yards or washing cars to fund their extracurricular activities are past. I hate parents who sit there and do their kid's work. Parents should supervise their kids and mentor them to encourage self-initiative and motivation, not pan-handling.

JMO