Merry Christmas/Creeps Beware- by Gina

If there was ever any question, I no longer have any doubt!

When someone screws with my kids then they better watch out!

Christmas shopping at the lovely Santa Monica Promenade.

A place I feel very little love for.

A place where many of my daughters friends go to hang out, but thank god she has never asked me to do that.

Because as much as I want her to test her freedom and independence, it is not at the promenade!

In any case I digress.

Christmas shopping.

Annabel has to go to the bathroom.

I let her and Cole go to Starbucks as I pop in to Anthropologie for a quick look.

When I arrive at Starbucks they are still in the bathroom.

When they emerge they tell me of this guy who approached them while they were waiting.

They tell me how he creeped them out and asked lot's of questions about their age and how "she must be older" etc etc.

When I ask if they think the guy is still there, Cole sees him on a bench across the promenade.

Now. I KNOW, I should have called the police.

I KNOW, I should NOT have approached him, but...

The Mama Lion could not be contained.

I walked over and calmly stated (just in case he was just a clueless nice guy):

"I wanted you to know that you made my children really uncomfortable when you approached them.  It is not a good idea to approach kids, especially young girls and speak with them."

Well his inner beast was unleashed and it became very clear he was not a "misguided nice guy".

He started spewing crap at me.  "you are just jealous of me because I am smarter." "You seem angry. You need to take your Midol". "I have daughters of my own and I talk to them all the time."

I retort: "Yes I am angry, because when someone approaches my daughter who shouldn't I feel angry. And you need to know that I am watching you. People are watching you, so do not approach anyone else. I will call the police."

"You do that. You call the police", he screamed.

With this I retreated and did just that.

As I was on the phone giving his description he saw what I was doing and packed up and started to leave.

The police arrived to take our report. My kids got to tell their story and know how important it is to speak up.

I do not know if this man will be found or talked to, but I know my kids will speak up clearly next time. They now know that even though it can be embarrassing, standing up and feeling safe is far more important.

Next time someone approaches them they will know it is okay to say loudly "I don't know you and you are making me uncomfortable-MOVE AWAY!"

And if that person doesn't listen, then watch out, because Mama Lion is waiting in the wings and I will kick their ass!

So to all the kids out there.  Do not be afraid.  If you get a creepy feeling, trust it and do not be afraid to speak up.

 

Comments

[Terry Michaels]

You go girl!

Creeps come in all shapes and sizes. They prey on boys and girls. Too bad you didn't snap a picture with your phone so you could post it.

What a jerk. (Him, not you)

A good lesson for the kids. And somehow I'll bet you feel better having protected your brood.

[Lynne Rose Maylath]

This pleases me and makes me so proud of you. I am blown away by your presence of mind. You really are just such a kickass mom and woman. I don't know--it just makes me proud. I think of you and the kiddies every day, and rain or shine know I send out a little daily prayer to the Universe for you 3...xoxo Lynne

[gina]

Wish I had thought of taking a picture, would have been so much smarter!

[gina]

So nice to hear from you. I think of you often as well. Sending love

[andrea drever]

Way to go, mama lioness! And I agree about the photo idea. Recently, a creepy guy was following me around a grocery store. When I left, he was oh-so-coincidentally in the parking lot by my car, looking all innocent. I took out my phone and started videoing him. He instantly got very agitated, and asked if I was taking his photo. "I sure as hell am!" I told him in no uncertain terms. He skidaddled right quick!

Never be afraid to speak up, and take action, for yourself and for others!