We have all heard about the child abducted at a Walmart somewhere and our hearts break for the parents. We all have experienced that brief encounter with the fact that we can not account for the whereabouts of our children. The panic that rises from the pit of the stomach and like a cold hand reaches for the throat until one is left hyperventilating. It is an awful oddyssey which is immediately followed with the what ifs and if onlys.
I fear for the safety of your children Mom.
I am speaking this from my heart because I have dear children of my own and I am concerned for yours.
Time and again I have had the opportunity to charm my way into some children's hearts within a 30-60 second encounter while shopping the same store you are. I believe many of these dear little ones would follow me without an objection.
How do I get their attention?
I smile. Chances are that you have felt too stressed to be possitive
I acknowledge their actions or their request for attention. You have been too preoccupied.
I engage in small conversation. Sometimes just commenting on the product I am bying.
By now I usually have an opportunity to learn their name. Unless you already gave it away by shouting for your child across several isles.
A name is magic. I now can pretend I know the child and have power over his behaviour.
A few more pleasant comments and I virtually have friend status.
Please pay attention!
Children are very narcissistic. They are needy for your time- attention and love. If you do not fill that human unit meter somebody else will. Though most contacts with the public will be benign, it only takes one foul play to ruin your life and the lives of your children forever.
But I do not have the time!
I understand that the end of the day is hectic and junior is probably not in his best mood. You are intend on getting everything you need for dinner and when you are home you are still not done. But if you can decide now what your values are you are enabled to make focused decisions under stress. Your children are a sacred charge. They depend solely on you for protection.
Engage your children, have dialouge about your purchases, have them help you find some of the groceries on your list. Prevent much of their misbehaviour or their willingness to heed strangers by involving them. They are overly eager to be part of your world.
You can extract fun and function from your next trip to the store
Quit dissing your children.
Stop:
- dis- respecting, no matter how young they are a person with feelings.
- dis- appointing, keep promises and pay attention to what they want to show you.
- dis- interest, ask their opinion in an age appropriate way.
- dis- engagement, do not get so wrapped up in your purchases.
- dis- approving, be possitive, smile, let them know they are special.
- and I guarentee that you are well on your way to prevent
- dis- appearing.
