"Protecting" the "Gift"

Last weekend, I decided to go against all that I stand for (I hate shopping), and suggested that we do a family field trip to the local "outdoor mall". Husband needed to have an eye exam, so Child and I headed off to Barnes and Noble for a bit.

Child decided to bring along a couple of gift cards, as well as a chunk of her allowance savings. Being that it was a bookstore, I figured she might select something along the 'literary realm'; would you believe that Barnes and Noble now carries Vera Bradley Bags ?!?!?! So, after some deliberation, Child decided to get herself one. As she assumed her place in the mile-long line, I reminded her to hand over her Gift cards first, then make up the difference with her own money. So, after handing over said cards, the cashier announced the amount still needing to be paid. Instead of counting out her wad of cash, and handing over only what was needed, she gave the woman the whole handful. The woman smiled at her, took out what was needed, and handed back the rest. Note to self: remind Child that a fool is easily parted from her money.

So, after lecturing Child on why what "went down" during the transaction was wrong, we went upstairs to look at books (as Husband was taking forever to arrive). Bored with the Teen section, Child asked to go check out the Stephen King section. Being that the Stephen King section was halfway across the store, I followed behind, and looked at books in the vicinity. Twice while my twelve year-old daughter was contemplating how to give herself a nightmare that evening, two different older teen boys started circling the area. Holy cow! When did this start happening ?!?!?! Is she "street smart" enough to know what to do if they approach? What are these dudes even doing "stalking" a KID? I think I earned a couple more gray hairs, but Child (oblivious) was no worse for the wear... Note to Self: remind Child to be aware of her surroundings, and to always trust her inner gut as to whether a situation feels "right".

So, I was grateful that I happened to be present to observe two ways in which the "Gift" was in need of "protecting". When Child was little, "protecting" often involved areas that were simply black or white; now, however, there are so many areas that are various shades of grey. People have often told me, "little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems". I don't know if I'd go that far, but I think I surely need to check my "owner's manual" as to the rules of the game, at this new level...