Vignettes 12 & 13 (Final Set)

Vignette #12-Stranger Danger/ Lack of Boundaries
Sandy was a joyful little girl. She went easily to her new parents in China, and is always affectionate and happy to see them. She was friends with all the kids and staff in the orphanage, and makes friends easily in the U.S. In fact, she makes friends indiscriminately and was friendly to everyone. One day, Dad couldn't find her after church. He went outside and noticed she was talking to a group of adults he did not know. They were on the edge of the parking lot. He watched as she hugged one around the legs, at which point he hurried over to get her.
Family A- tells her about “stranger danger,” and stress the importance of staying near a parent. They tell her this on their way out the door to any public place. They monitor her more closely. They stay home a lot.
Family B- decide to teach her whom to trust best. They explain to those around them (even close friends) that Sandy is learning about a family. Only her parents and grandparents are allowed to feed her or give her treats. They make a photo album of “Who Loves Sandy” and go through it at bedtime each night.
Family C- assumes this is a trait she learned in China, which has a much friendlier and more open culture about strangers. They don’t want to have to squelch this innocence and joy, and instead make sure to stay by her side more carefully.

Vignette #13- In Utero Drug or Alcohol Exposure
Gary, at 2 1/2, was friendly and entertaining. He was gentle with animals and kind to other kids. He loved to help around the house. As the house was on a busy street, he was taught quickly to stop, look and cross with an adult. He was able to do this almost immediately. His parents were surprised, therefore, when he ran out into a neighboring street without looking. They reminded him of the safety rules. At the store, he ran out between two parked cars without looking. His parents wondered why he wasn't learning to extrapolate.
Family A- gets his I.Q. tested. It is normal. They don’t worry about it.
Family B- looks into drug or alcohol exposure. They structure their home, routines and parenting to adapt to a child who will learn differently from their older children.
Family C- assumes he doesn’t pay attention. They are looking at Ritalin by first grade.