I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at a store or the
bank or, I am not kidding, in my front yard and a clerk, bank teller, or creep
in a car offers my child a piece of candy. They
ask my child if he wants this candy. Let’s forget the car creep for
now and focus on the nice folks in the reputable stores and banks. I don’t
think they’re trying to poison my kid but they are being rude. I will repeat
this. If you ask a child, not the parent standing right next to him, if he
wants some candy, you are being rude. Also, you are not taking into account
that this child might have an allergy or be in some other way unable to eat the
candy. So, really, you are being double rude. Or whatever.
Public service announcement #2
It’s so sweet that you want to give my kid a treat. But when you ask a child if he wants a piece of candy, he’ll probably say
yes. If you ask the parent…oh, didn’t think of that? Let me help you. If you
ask the parent if you can give her
child a piece of candy, you may not hear a yes. You might very well hear a no.
You may not be given an explanation. Or you may be overloaded with information
about her child’s allergies or sensory disorder or the fact that the kid just
puked in the car and the last thing he needs is a sugary sweet, thank you very much.
Whatever the reason, whatever the answer, ASK THE
PARENT FIRST! Thank you kindly.
Public service announcement #2