Making Stranger Friends
"Don't talk to stranger!"
I remember this caution being given to me as a child and one I've gave my children, as well, when they were younger.
Now, I encourage talking to strangers! LOL.
I want my children and I to be a presence of light and love in the world and I think talking to strangers is a great way to do that.
The other day the kids and I were at this tiny little park. I was doing school with my oldest, and my two youngest were playing on the play structure. It was only us there when a white SUV pulled up.
Out hopped a mom and her three kids and they joined us on the playground... What to do now? Social distancing? Play with them? I looked on as my younger two just stared at the newcomers.
I encouraged them to say "hi" and introduce themselves but they didn't. Finally, the mom said "hi" to my staring kids and they loosened up. She turned towards me as well, a few yards off, and gave a quick hi and how she's tired of the coronavirus. I agreed and went back to helping my eldest with her school work.
I could've just packed up the kids after I was done with school, it was about time to go home anyway, but I really wanted to talk to this lady. She seemed down to earth and friendly and I wondered if it was my "starved for people" feeling that motivating me or if I would've headed over anyway.
Regardless, I went over and sat on a spinning chair and said hi to her baby first. Then a conversation quickly started with the mom. I don't even know how it all happened but we ended up talking about labor, delivery, doctors, the hospital, home birth, natural birth, and even her recent miscarriage.
We then went on to share more about our blended families and our kids and our spouses. It was so easy to talk to her and we had a deep back and forth for about an hour before I even thought of going home. Even then we still chatted for another thirty minutes before I began to get my kids loaded up.
Before we left, we exchanged numbers and plan to meet up again. It was wonderful!
I strongly encourage teaching your kids safety, be cautious of strangers, and trust your instincts, but sometimes, that stranger, is really just a friend you haven't met yet.
Much love,
-Joy
I remember this caution being given to me as a child and one I've gave my children, as well, when they were younger.
Now, I encourage talking to strangers! LOL.
I want my children and I to be a presence of light and love in the world and I think talking to strangers is a great way to do that.
The other day the kids and I were at this tiny little park. I was doing school with my oldest, and my two youngest were playing on the play structure. It was only us there when a white SUV pulled up.
Out hopped a mom and her three kids and they joined us on the playground... What to do now? Social distancing? Play with them? I looked on as my younger two just stared at the newcomers.
I encouraged them to say "hi" and introduce themselves but they didn't. Finally, the mom said "hi" to my staring kids and they loosened up. She turned towards me as well, a few yards off, and gave a quick hi and how she's tired of the coronavirus. I agreed and went back to helping my eldest with her school work.
I could've just packed up the kids after I was done with school, it was about time to go home anyway, but I really wanted to talk to this lady. She seemed down to earth and friendly and I wondered if it was my "starved for people" feeling that motivating me or if I would've headed over anyway.
Regardless, I went over and sat on a spinning chair and said hi to her baby first. Then a conversation quickly started with the mom. I don't even know how it all happened but we ended up talking about labor, delivery, doctors, the hospital, home birth, natural birth, and even her recent miscarriage.
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| Photo Credit: www.sheknows.com |
We then went on to share more about our blended families and our kids and our spouses. It was so easy to talk to her and we had a deep back and forth for about an hour before I even thought of going home. Even then we still chatted for another thirty minutes before I began to get my kids loaded up.
Before we left, we exchanged numbers and plan to meet up again. It was wonderful!
I strongly encourage teaching your kids safety, be cautious of strangers, and trust your instincts, but sometimes, that stranger, is really just a friend you haven't met yet.
Much love,
-Joy
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