So, I have been the kind of mom who has had a hard time letting my kids out of my site for more than a few seconds, and rarely do I let them outside without myself or Ray being with them. But, Ray and I decided that this was the summer that we were going to loosen up a bit. We thought it would be OK to let the kids go out and play in the neighborhood with the other kids, and even venture over to the park without us breathing down their throats. Well, tonight Ray thought it would be OK for the kids to ride their bikes around the block but told them to hurry back so that we wouldn't worry. About 10 minutes later both kids came in all excited cause a man gave them each a quarter. I asked who it was, and Ellie said she did not know him, but he said his name was Goofy, and that he was really nice. He asked them if they thought that Goofy was a silly name, and both kids agreed it was. He then proceeded to ask them their names, and Jake was quick to tell him his. Then both quickly said they were going to come show their mom what the nice man gave them. That was when he left. When they cam in with this story I flipped. I probably did not handle myself, or react the way a level headed person should have. I asked what he looked like and they told me it was a man with a green baseball cap riding a scooter. I quickly went outside to find him gone. I asked Ellie if she had seen this man before and she was quick to reply that she did not know him. I quickly explained that we do not talk to strangers. That if a stranger starts talking to us we should run away.
What kind a man does this? What kind of man just be-friends someone else's kid, gives them gifts, asks their name? Tells them his name (which is obviously a fake) and then vanishes, unless he is up to no good? I wanted to quickly call the police, but Ray had me hold off. He said he would like Ellie to watch for him tomorrow, see if she sees him passing by our house, and if she does, see if we know him from church or the neighborhood.This worries me. What's next, he can't find his stupid dog and knows my kids are friendly and will help him? Idiot, leave my kids alone. Why is it that no matter how hard we try, no matter how much we prepare our kids for this type of thing (strangers) they always fall for the quarter, candy, or lost pet? I now remember why I have been so protective of my kids. It is because there are weirdos out there in this world, and I choose not to trust anyone. I don't know, I just may give the police a call tomorrow and see what they have to say. Now I have something to worry about tonight instead of sleeping.
How scary!! I would probably call and just let them know maybe someone else has reported the same thing. Maybe they will patrol your street alittle better especially if you live close to a park.
ReplyDeleteI am still a little over protective and we live in a small town, but we have tourists coming through all the time. My kids think that I am mean because I don't just let them hang out down town with their friends. I think that you can't be to protective especially this day and age you just never know. Hopefully this guy ends up being someone you know. And now your kids will think twice before just talking to a stranger. Good luck!
Wow, that is so scary! I too would call and just let the police know about it so they can watch a little closer. I too am a very paranoid parent especially after working doing couseling for sex offenders and seeing that they are normal people who could be you neighbor. Sorry, I am not trying to scare you more. Hopefully it will turn out to be someone you know. Take care and let us know what happens.
ReplyDeleteThis is scary. When you finally feel comfortable letting them go a little something like this happens. Its so sad the world we live in, but we do live in a crazy world so we have to be so careful. I probably wont let hudson play out front too much. I am so paranoid. Whats sick is that he was obviously lying to them by using the name goofy. Its sad too because children are just so loving and believing that they want to love everyone. I guess we just have to reinforce often. good luck with getting this situated. I would call the police and let them know. You might save some poor unsuspecting kid from being kidnapped. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI know that would be scary for me with the girls, Bryan and I are still alittle protective now days you have to be careful. I am glad that the girls are learning stranger danger in school and they now no better than to talk or take anything from strangers.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh Mickie, I'm so sorry. I KNOW I would be freaking out more than we all could imagine. I hope nothing comes of it. And I'm WAY protective and I don't think there's anything wrong with it. But you're right, it's scary how much we try to "prep" them and then it still happens. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteThat would freak me out also. I do not blame you for being protective, the world is different these days then when I grew up and there are alot of creepy people out there. I guess the positive thing that can come out of this is hopefully they learned a lesson. It is also a good reminder for us all to be careful. I hope you are ok and you get some sleep.
ReplyDeleteSorry!!! I agree with you and all your comments. I too am very protective and a little to high strung, but these things are part of the reason. We just love our children so much we just want the very best for them and it only takes that one time that I let my guard down and their little life could change forever.
ReplyDeleteI am way more overprotective than you, and I don't apologize for it. I'm big on carseats, holding hands while crossing the street, and helmets while riding bikes. I don't think you should feel like you need to give your children more breathing room. They are your children and you are responsible for them, so if people give you guff about being overprotective just let it slide on by and take comfort that your children will be able to live happily in their safe protected world.
ReplyDeleteI don't even let Bryce who is now 8 ride his bike anywhere that I can't see him. The risk is so small that something might happen to him, but the consequence if it did is so catastrophic, that I don't feel comfortable taking that risk on his behalf. So even though it seems like you may be the oddball overprotective parent, I think you can take comfort in the fact that obviously from all the comments on here, you are not alone, and obviously for good reason.