I was shopping in Toys ‘r’ Us, and I exchanged a few words with a woman who was in the store with a little girl about four or five years old, and also an infant. I nodded hello and then went on my way.
I was still near where they were shopping, and saw the little girl had wandered off on her own while the mother was occupied with the baby. She looked up and noticed the girl was gone, and called out, “Cindy? where are you?” (made up name 'cause I don’t remember the real one).
I could see where she was (ignoring mom as kids do the world over). I walked over and said, “Cindy? Your mom wants you. Come with me and I’ll take you to her.” She docilely followed me back to where her mom was.
Only afterward did I get the shakes as I realized how easy it would have been for me to lead that little girl out of the store and then bundle her into a car. All I needed was her name and she trusted me without question. Of course I would never do such a thing but imagine if a pedophile had overheard the woman calling her daughter and seized the opportunity. It’s a horrifying thought.
And my son is a very friendly boy of 5 who is quite willing to talk to strangers. I’ve tried to explain stranger danger to him but making the distinction just isn’t working for him. I have to keep him in constant line-of-sight to keep my peace of mind.
Live a Lush Life
Da Chef