Rules

I usually have light, fun little posts on here but today, I have to vent, so please excuse me for a few minutes.

*clears throat*

We've grown up with basic rules that our parents or guardians have drilled into our heads since we took our first steps. Such as, look both ways before crossing the street. Wash your hands after using the restroom. Say please and thank you. Don't do drugs.

And then there's my favorite, don't talk to strangers. I'm a parent and I use all of these rules. I mean, they're more like basic survival knowledge than rules. Everybody hears them and has been taught them but I'm beginning to think people are forgetting.

Manners and good hygiene aside, I'm concerned about the not talking to strangers. Not only do I but my children's school teaches stranger danger. And basically, I tell my kids, if you don't know them, they're a stranger. I don't leave my kids unattended often, actually never but there are a few moments when I run into a public restroom or they use one, that we are separated (I'll add my kids are 11 and 8). And for the most part, I think people leave them alone but you'll always have one person who has to say something to them. Sure, it can be as harmless as hello but still, you are a stranger and my kids were taught to not talk to you so why must you initiate a conversation with them.

I remember one time, we were at a store checking out and the cashier tried talking to one of my kids. Well, doing as they were told, they buried their face into my shirt and didn't say a word. The cashier was offended and I quietly added that my kids don't talk to strangers. You'd think I slapped her because she looked at me and was like "I'm not a stranger". Sure, her name was on her uniform but it's not like we were in a book club together. Yes lady, you are a stranger.

I guess my point is if we were all taught not to talk to strangers, why do some people out there feel the need to speak to children they don't know. I don't do it.

*steps down from soap box*

Thank you.