Stranger Danger

It has become increasingly clear to me as these summer days pass that Cody sees Emma and I as sub par replacements for the busy, friend and fun filled preschool days to which he has become accustomed. So, this week we decided to send Cody to day camp through our local park and recreation department. He loved it! Each day held some new exciting game, activity, or field trip, as well as a large group of kids to play and interact with. He came home each day full of stories to tell about songs and games that he had learned, friends he had met, and once, "some really bad news"...

Tuesday 9:00 AM

Tuesday was the day that all of the campers got to go to the big pool for a swim party all afternoon. Cody was very excited! He double and triple checked his backpack to make sure that I had put in his lunch, his water bottle, his towel, and his sunblock. When I dropped him off he was practically giddy with anticipation. I couldn't help but smile as he kissed me goodbye and raced inside to talk to his friends about the days' events.

Tuesday 4:00 PM

When I returned to pick Cody up after camp, he again was excited to tell me about the days' activities. We talked about the pool, about the games he and the other boys played, and about how he, "touched the bottom" all by himself. Throughout the conversation he was animated and happy. It seemed to have been another fantastic, carefree day at camp.

Tuesday 7:30 PM

After brushing teeth, getting ready for bed, and picking out books to read, Cody looked at me with sad face and said, "Mom, you are going to be really sad about this." Then he continued, "Today when we went to the pool, my camp teachers made me ride in a big car, I mean a big bus, with a STRANGER! I told them I wasn't supposed to do that, but they said I had to if I wanted to go to the pool. Then they said that you wouldn't be mad, but I knew you really would, so I didn't tell you for a while. Sorry mom." As I looked at his sweet face all scrunched up with both sadness and shame, I did what any parent in my place would do. I grabbed my sweet boy in a huge hug and laughed until I couldn't catch my breath. When I'd finally pulled myself together I attempted to explain "stranger danger" a little bit more clearly, as I had obviously left out some important things in my first attempt.