If you’re a friendly face who smiles, waves, or chats with my kids—even if we haven’t met before—I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Thank you for not viewing us as mere strangers, because I don’t see you that way either. I aim to raise my children to view the world around them as a community filled with individuals rather than potential threats.
When you share a smile, it reminds me that the little one sprinting towards a mud puddle—only one shoe on, mind you—is a hilarious sight, and it helps me appreciate those moments more. Your interactions contribute to making their world a warmer, friendlier place. I love seeing my kids respond to your waves or strike up conversations with anyone from fellow playground parents to that couple napping in the shade who might have been jolted awake by my daughter’s enthusiastic offer of carrot sticks. (Sorry about that, and thank you for your patience while I chased after my puddle-jumping son!)
Yes, I understand there are dangers out there—perhaps even among the people we encounter. That’s why I believe in supervision until they’re older, but I also want them to learn to trust their instincts. I teach them to recognize discomfort and avoid anyone who makes them feel uneasy. At their ages of 4 and 2, I’m always just a few steps behind.
While I guide them, I also want to set an example. I want my children to feel empowered to talk to strangers and understand that they deserve respect and a degree of trust unless proven otherwise. Sure, there will be times when someone just feels off for no clear reason, and I want them to trust that gut feeling, provided it’s not rooted in prejudice. This is a lesson I’m still learning myself.
Although it’s natural to fear stories of child abduction by strangers (despite their rarity), I firmly believe that we cannot allow fear to isolate us from one another. A fearful attitude can foster division and hostility in our communities. For instance, I find it troubling when a parent publicly shames another for using assistance in a grocery store.
Fortunately, most people are inherently good. Statistically, children today are safer than they’ve been in decades, and the majority of individuals we encounter are not dangerous. I might be optimistic, but I believe that treating people with trust and respect yields far better outcomes than suspicion.
While I want my kids to be cautious, I also want them to be assertive and confident. I hope they can navigate the world without defaulting to suspicion, as that kind of mindset can breed negativity and conflict. As Yoda wisely pointed out, fear leads to anger, anger to hate, and hate… well, we all know how that story ends.
For further insights on parenting and community, check out this related post from our other blog. Additionally, if you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, resources like this one from the CDC provide valuable information. For those looking for a reliable method, visit this site, which is an authority on the subject.
In summary, I want my children to engage with the world around them, to trust their instincts, and to foster connections with others. It’s about striking a balance between caution and openness, ensuring they grow into respectful, autonomous individuals.