 | ParentsWhat To Do About Bashful ChildrenPosted Monday, December 24th, 2007 and visited 366 times, 1 so far today by MInTheGap |
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This past Sunday our church did something that we’ve done in the past except with a little twist.
Every year we have what we call “The Carols of Christmas” which is basically a talent night where people sing specials, read poetry, read or recite scripture, and sing Christmas hymns. The difference this year was that we actually “took the show on the road”– right down the road to the Presbyterian nursing home.
These people love children, and knowing this we made sure to bring all three of ours. The funny thing, however, is that our kids are bashful when they first meet someone. I like this and I don’t like this:
Reasons that I Like This
I really don’t want my kids so comfortable around strangers that they would get into a car with one. A short while back I was in a Wal*Mart parking lot and an older man in a car jokingly asked if he could take one of my boys home with him. I told the boys that day in the car that if anyone ever asks them that again that they should say “no thank you” and quickly find me, a policeman or someone that they know.
So, I like that they don’t go up to just anyone and trust them.
Reasons that I Don’t Like This
However, when I’m there, I’d prefer that they be friendly– or at least acknowledge that a person asked them a question. There’s no harm in conversation: it’s just when they try to get them in the car or to do something they shouldn’t. I would like them to shake hands with seniors in the nursing home, or new people.
But I guess that if I had to have one or the other I’d rather have them be bashful and try to find and hide with Dad then to have them go with anyone that they see or don’t know.
Did you have this situation with your child? What did you do about it?
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December 24th, 2007 at 7:02 pm Subscribed to Comments
Bashful is one thing, fear of everyone that they may meet is a whole differt thing and not a good thing.
Children should absolutely be taught to run screaming and shouting from someone trying to “take” them or “touch” them.
Not everyone is a predator, and they should be taught to be polite, if not overly friendly. Perhaps if you could teach them that while they are with you, your wife or other trusted adults, they have no reason to hold back from meeting and greeting new people.
Merry Christmas
December 28th, 2007 at 11:55 am
My kids are definitely bashful. They do the whole get behind my leg and smile while hiding their face from whomever is trying to talk to them.
Thanks for the advice Carol– we’ll probably try to help them learn how to be polite and at least answer questions. My wife is more naturally shy than I am, but I think it came late for me with being involved in drama as a teen, so they still have some time.
Merry Christmas to you too.
February 26th, 2008 at 1:35 pm Subscribed to Comments
I went to nursing homes all the time as a kid for piano and vocal recitals. Old people used to scare the living daylights out of me! Now some of my best friends (and most wise and encouraging friends) are senior citizens.
AG’s last blog post..The Mercy Seat
February 27th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Our church has a lady that works in these homes– she’s thinking about leading a group to go there on a month basis or more frequent. We’ve also thought about taking one of our church’s youth groups there. It really is a bigger ministry than some would think– or want to think about.
Growing older is a hard concept for a lot of people, and I find that at my age it’s a weird concept. I think that we tend to stereotype older people and also don’t like the reality that we may someday be them.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:08 am Subscribed to Comments
That would be awesome! It’s always fantastic to get youth and kids in the habit of serving those who are older than them.
AG’s last blog post..The Truth About Porn
February 27th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
And it’s a double benefit, because I know that the older people really love to have younger people around them. I believe it helps them to relive their own childhood.
February 27th, 2008 at 2:51 pm Subscribed to Comments
Yeah, kids and animals are both great for bringing elderly people out of their shells and rejuvinating them.
AG’s last blog post..The Truth About Porn