Bad Manners Bad Intentions? (or Just a Bad Idea?)

Bad Manners Bad Intentions? (or Just a Bad Idea?) By Kim Estes - Savvy Parents Safe Kids

Each month, as I prepare my child safety article, I sometimes wonder: what will I have to write about? I mean, how many times can you write about finding a safe mom with kids at the store? Then, some great safety question presents itself (usually at someone else’s expense) and I create a safety tip with it. This time, it was my turn on the hot seat. It all started just before a workshop last week when my dearest friend slyly asks “I see Savvy Parents is stepping things up and selling thong underwear on the website”. Now, at that precise moment, she should have pulled out her camera and taken my picture. I am quite sure my shocked expression was priceless.

Turns out, a savvy mom, perusing our site clicked on an external link for our “cool gear” and there, in the midst of the coffee mugs, baby onesies, tee shirts and other SPSK items, was a pair of thong underwear with our logo emblazoned on the front. The savvy mom immediately contacted my good friend and mentioned that she thought that it was sort of “creepy” that we would sell underwear. For the record: we have no idea how they got on there or how long they have been on there (surprisingly, they were not big sellers)! Don’t get me wrong, there is a place for selling underwear, probably just not on our site.

So, after some initial embarrassment, a good laugh and a very heartfelt thank you to my friend for letting us know, we removed the SPSK thong underwear therefore concluding our (unintended) adventure in selling intimate apparel.

The whole situation was a great example of how sometimes, when something seems “off” you need to follow your gut and ask questions. That savvy mom saw something on our site that seemed “off” and she had the courage to speak up and ask some questions. Once we found out, we immediately fixed the issue. It also showed that mistakes can happen to anyone.

So, as December rolls in, there will be lots of opportunity to connect with family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and the general public as we gather for many of the wonderful social events that winter brings. These opportunities will also bring out every kind of behavior (in kids and adults!) that you can imagine. If something seems “off”, follow your instinct and ask questions. The only way to find out if someone has bad manners (versus bad intentions) is to ask questions. It may be awkward to call someone out on their behavior but it is our responsibility as adults to step up and ask those hard questions. There are many wonderful caring adults in this world. Not everyone is out to "get" our kids. Some people just have bad manners. Sometimes mistakes happen to the best of us. People with good intentions will stop inappropriate behavior if it is brought to their attention. Sadly, some people actuallydo have bad intentions. It’s our job as safe, caring adults to find out the difference.

Questions? Concerns? Got a safety story you want to share? Contact me- kim@savvyparentssafekids.com
About the Author: Kim Estes is the co-founder of the non-profit organization: P.E.A.C.E of Mind (Parent Education And Child Empowerment) www.pomwa.org . Kim has worked with parents for over 12 years, educating them on various