Tonight, I took the kids to the going away party of a good friend. They were (primarily) well-behaved, and had a pretty good time, snacking on chicken fingers and fries, and making new friends with my colleagues and their kids.

At some point, both kids needed to use the facilities simultaneously. We walked into the three-stall restroom, and they took the stalls on either end.

I stood waiting, and a woman walked in. I indicated to her that the middle stall was open, and my kids heard our dialog.

As she entered her stall, she was surrounded in stereo by inquisitive young voices:

“Who is that, Mom?” (from the right)
“Is that a stranger?” (from the left)

I replied that yes, another person came in to use the restroom, at which point they engaged her directly.

“Are you a stranger?” (from the left)
“Yes, but I’m a good stranger.” (from the Stranger)
“And it’s only okay that you’re talking to a stranger since Mom is here.” (me)
“Do you steal children?” (from the right)
“No!” (from the Stranger)

The stranger was much quicker at her task than my kids, but Drue made it out shortly thereafter. She looked this “Stranger” up and down and offered a cautious “hi.”

“WAIT! I want to see the stranger!” shouted Boo from his stall.

I looked at the woman with a smile, thanked her, and she waited for the telltale flushing noise from the far left stall. Boo emerged with a big grin.

We had an awkward little meet-n-greet, and said Stranger was on her way.

I reminded the kids that a stranger saying “I’m a good stranger” is not proper credential. Unless a parent is present, it is NEVER okay to talk to a stranger.