No Smiles and Faux Smiles- May 6, 2012
Almost everywhere we go Charlotte is the center of attention. Her big blue eyes, quirky giggles and sweet smiles make her the belle of the ball. I say “almost” because tonight Charlotte got her first glimpse of unkind people.
We had a pizza night. We sat on the patio of our favorite local joint. As always, it was busy. We ordered Charlotte her meal right away. Other customers sitting around us chuckled as she smeared some sauce on her face and squealed.
She waved and said “Hi!” to the table next to us. Two of the three 20-somethings enjoying beer and pie smiled at Charlotte. Greyson and I smiled back politely with an obligatory chuckle and a comment like, “Are you saying hello?!” A third man didn’t look her way. She looked a little confused, dropped her gaze and took a bite of crust. She glanced up and repeated a quiet “Hi!” complete with a smile and a wave. The man looked annoyed, then scowled and ignored my little girl. Charlotte’s confusion turned to hurt as her face dropped. She looked at me with eyes that said, “Why isn’t he waving at me, mama?”
I wanted to jump up and scream, “MY ADORABLE BABY WAVED ‘HELLO’ TO YOU JACKASS!!!!” Of course I didn’t. I distracted her with another bite of dinner and gave her the smile that guy didn’t. I know not everyone loves kids. I know not everyone thinks babies covered in pizza sauce is cute. I know, because before I was a parent I thought it was kind of gross, but I always politely smiled at a waving child.
It was then I realized that one day I will have to tell her that some people are not nice and not all who do smile at her are her friend. It pains me to think that someone won’t like her or accept her for who she is. I already hate the future schoolyard bullies and jealous middle school “frenemies”. God help the high school cliques who may someday make my daughter feel inadequate. I can protect her from rude people now, but not forever.
I took a deep breath, vowing to do my best to teach her self respect, manners, and love. That’s all we can do.
I wish smashing the faces of d-bags who are rude to toddlers was the right way show that. ::sigh::
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I always find it amazing when some people ignore little ones. I guess some people don’t like kids, but I prefer to just think that they can’t handle the cuteness and are choosing instead to smile on the inside. Maybe that’s true?! Either way, your daughter probably cares most about your smiles, which you gave her!
Great post, and site! I found your blog through the BlogHer ’12 site:)