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Why I Encourage My Children to Engage with Strangers
If you haven’t met me or my children but still feel comfortable enough to smile, wave, or chat with them, I want to express my gratitude. Thank you for not viewing us as “strangers.” I don’t see you that way either, and I’m raising my kids to feel the same. Even if you might seem a bit peculiar, we’ll continue to think of you as a neighbor or part of our community—just another person.
When you smile at us, it helps me remember that my little one, running toward yet another mud puddle with only one shoe on, is actually quite amusing—sometimes even delightful! Your warm interactions remind me to appreciate these moments, and they contribute to making our world a more welcoming place.
I adore the way my kids wave back at you. Our 4-year-old daughter has a knack for striking up conversations with everyone, whether it’s the parents at the playground or even the couple trying to catch a nap in the shade, who were startled awake by her offer of carrot sticks. (Sorry about that, and thank you for listening to her stories while I chased after her adventurous brother!)
Yes, there are risks out there. It’s true that dangerous individuals exist, and perhaps you might even be one of them. But that’s why my kids, at 4 and 2, will be under close supervision by a trusted adult for a while longer. During this period, I’m teaching them to trust their instincts and to be cautious around anyone—including you—who makes them uncomfortable. Toddlers have a knack for sensing these things!
While I keep a watchful eye, I also lead by example. I want my kids to feel empowered to engage with strangers. They deserve respect and a basic level of trust unless proven otherwise. Sometimes, a person might just give them the creeps for no apparent reason, but I hope they can distinguish between genuine instincts and unwarranted biases. It’s a lesson I’m still navigating myself.
I can’t ignore the anxiety that arises from news stories about child abductions, even though such events are statistically rare. However, I firmly believe that retreating into a mindset of suspicion only serves to divide communities and breed hostility. It’s essential to foster a culture where kindness prevails over fear—where a mother doesn’t reprimand a father she doesn’t know for using food stamps in front of their children.
The reality is, most people are genuinely good. According to crime statistics, children today are safer than they have been in decades. While I know crime rates can vary, I find that showing trust and respect typically yields more positive interactions than immediate skepticism.
I am not preparing my children to fear every unfamiliar face they encounter, as that would essentially mean fearing the majority of people. I want them to learn to be assertive and confident individuals while also being discerning.
Defaulting to suspicion is something I hope my children will avoid. As illustrated by a viral incident in Walmart, unwarranted fear can lead to anger, which can spiral into hatred. And as Yoda wisely said, that path is well known.
In summary, I believe in fostering a sense of community and openness in my children, encouraging them to engage with others and learn from these interactions. For more information on topics related to home insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination. If you’re looking for resources on fertility supplements, check out Make A Mom. For additional pregnancy resources, WebMD is an excellent guide.