Trust

I don't remember at what age I first became aware of stranger danger. But I do remember how vigilant my parents were with informing me about it growing up. I can recall them instructing me to under no circumstances ever leave the school grounds with anyone other than themselves or my direct family and never to play where they couldn't see me, or vice versa. I was to pretty much trust no one. They never burdened me with the detail, though I realised their directions were serious. Above all else, I understood that bad things could happen. These early warnings served me well, as I grew and the reality of stranger danger became more apparent to me. My parent's overly cautious approach has certainly armed me with a fiercely protective stance on educating my children from a young age.

Last weekend, the boys and I were enjoying our morning at the beach, when a sweet little boy came over to play with us. Captivated by our array of colourful toys splayed across the sand, he plonked himself down in the middle of it all. His parents were no more than 5 metres away and within moments, I was chatting away to his Mama. Also a Mama of two boys, we exchanged stories and experiences, as you do. It didn't take long for Angus and his new playmate to begin running around like a couple of crazed puppies. Then the little boy ran to his sunbaking Dad and flopped onto his back. To my complete shock (and red faced embarrassment) so did Angus! There was my son laying all over a man who was essentially, a complete stranger. So many things wrong with that picture.

We all had a laugh, mine more of a nervous giggle and the little boy's Dad took it really well. Thank goodness, because it had to be a tad awkward for him too. Particularly as Angus ignored ALL of my pleas to leave the poor guy alone. He simply didn't see a problem with it... because in his eyes, his new friend was doing it, so where was the harm. This incident really started me thinking. Up until now, I haven't needed to cross this stranger danger bridge. My boys are with me or their Dad or their grandparents. And that's about it. But in just over a year, Angus starts school and the awareness needs to be there. This one is going to be a tough one I feel. Trust is an integral part of a person's makeup. It is important to be trustworthy, but also to have trust in others. Teaching trust to a human being, can't be easy. Teaching MY human being when and when not to have trust may prove to be one of the greatest challenges I'll face as a Mama.