| People often make inappropriate comments because | | | | Here is how parents can respond: |
| they don't know how to relate, are at a loss as to | | | | 1. Are you? Why do you ask? |
| what to say, and frankly are a bit socially dysfunctional. | | | | 2. May I hold your wallet? |
| Sadly parents don't teach children and their teenagers | | | | 3. Because I'm not a kid? |
| manners, social etiquette, and how to relate in various | | | | 4. How do you define good? |
| situations. Unfortunately most teens never get taught | | | | 5. Well your mother is not here. |
| by parents how to build rapport, connect, and | | | | 6. Thankfully you are not my point of reference. |
| communicate with people. Incidentally schools are no | | | | 7. Maturity is not determined by age, but by one's |
| better at instructing in these matters as such issues | | | | willingness to accept responsibility. |
| never appear in curriculum. | | | | What you tolerate will dominate. So even though |
| Some inappropriate comments and questions that | | | | you're a parent and feeling nurturing, remember you still |
| strangers say to parents: | | | | have to protect yourself and kids from wolves in |
| 1. Are your children natural? | | | | sheep's clothing. Don't be seduced by the plastic smile, |
| 2. May I touch your belly? | | | | nor diminished by the cynicism. |
| 3. Why aren't you staying home with the kids? | | | | You are somebody and don't have to strive to |
| 4. Are you a good mother? | | | | become. Just be comfortable being yourself. Rest in |
| 5. That's not how my mother raised us. | | | | confidence that all is well and your antagonist is |
| 6. I guess parenting isn't that important to you? | | | | temporary providing you put them in their place. What |
| 7. Aren't you a bit young to become a parent? | | | | you refuse to confront you can never correct. |