If you haven’t met me or my children yet, but you still feel comfortable enough to smile, wave, or chat with them, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude. Thank you for not viewing us as “strangers.” I strive to teach my kids to see you as a neighbor, a part of our community, or simply a friendly face in the world.
When you interact with my children, you help me appreciate those moments that could easily frustrate me—like when my little one runs gleefully toward a puddle with only one shoe on. Your smiles and waves remind me to find joy in those chaotic moments and create a friendlier environment for my kids.
I love seeing my children engage with you—whether it’s our 4-year-old daughter chatting with fellow parents or even that couple trying to enjoy a nap while she offers them carrot sticks. (I apologize for that, by the way, and thank you for indulging her exuberance while I chased her brother.)
Of course, I am aware of the dangers that exist in the world. While it’s essential to be cautious, I also believe in instilling a sense of trust in my kids. They are still young—4 and 2 years old—so I closely supervise their interactions. I teach them to listen to their instincts and not to engage with anyone who makes them feel uneasy. They should never accept anything from strangers or go anywhere with someone they don’t know. For now, I’m right there watching over them.
But beyond caution, I want my children to understand that they deserve respect and a baseline level of trust from others. Yes, there are individuals who may seem suspicious for no apparent reason, and it’s crucial for my kids to discern these feelings. I strive to navigate the fine line between instinct and prejudice, guiding them to do the same.
Reports of child abductions, even though they are statistically rare, can be frightening. However, I don’t believe that the answer is to retreat into a shell of mistrust. Such a mindset can fracture communities and breed hostility, as seen in situations where people aggressively judge one another, like the viral incident at a store that escalated quickly.
Thankfully, the majority of people are decent, and crime statistics show that children today are safer than they have been in decades. Although there are variations by location, I often find that treating others with respect yields far better interactions than approaching them with suspicion.
Thus, I won’t raise my children to fear every unfamiliar face, as that would mean fearing nearly everyone. While there will be instances where someone triggers their instincts to distrust, I encourage them to reflect on those feelings without allowing them to dictate their worldview. Being neighborly doesn’t mean surrendering their autonomy; I want them to be assertive individuals.
In short, I aim to teach my children to avoid default suspicion. As Yoda wisely said, fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and we all know where that path ends.
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Summary
In conclusion, I believe in fostering an open and trusting attitude in my children towards strangers. While caution is necessary, it’s equally important to encourage healthy interactions that build community bonds. By teaching them to discern trust from mistrust, I hope to cultivate a respectful and connected world for them.
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