Least of these

So I had an experience today that I'd like opinions about. I was waiting to pull out of a parking lot when a young man waved to me like he wanted to talk to me. He looked 18ish, black, kinda saggy shorts, and tshirt. He looked like he was attempting to grow a beard and had a very nice, friendly appearance and smile (I want to be very descriptive about him to make sure the scene is set). He told me he was from some kids center and was walking to the Samaritan center to get a free box meal that the kids center had told him about. I've never heard of this kids center or Samaritan center but it made sense. He was asking if I knew where it was and told me the road name. He was holding a paper with directions on it and was double checking. I google mapped it on my phone and it was a 2 minute drive away. I told him he's pretty close and he asked if I could give him a ride over there. I've got Emma with me and about a million thoughts went through my head. I told him I couldn't because I was going the other direction and that I was running behind for an appointment (a lie). He glanced and I'm sure saw Emma in the backseat, said thanks, and continued walking toward his destination. 

As I drove away, I had a lot of thoughts and was/still am trying to be brutally honest with myself. Why did I tell him no? It wasn't because he was black, because I would have said no to a white man as well. It wasn't because he was a man because I would have said no to a woman too. 

I told him no out of fear. For myself and my baby's safety. But I think I was wrong. Obviously I was wrong to lie, no question there, I just didn't know what to say. We aren't called as Christians to be fearful, but to help anyone in need. I don't want my girls to be afraid to help people and in a lot of ways, I'm glad Grace wasn't in the car to see that I turned down the opportunity to help someone and even lied. 

I know that most women, especially with a kid in the car, would have done the exact same thing. I'm just not sure that's the right thing to do. We hear about all these horror stories of people being kidnapped, raped, killed, etc and we are afraid. But once again, I don't think that's what we are called to. Anyway, I just can't get it out of my head and wanted some thoughts/opinions. Would anyone else have helped him? Or would you all have done the same? And what do you think is the right thing to do?

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ (Matthew 25:45 NIV)

Technology

First off I'd like to say that I fully recognize that every child is different and am in no way being negative towards those whose children do well with technology. But as for Grace, I've pretty much banned her from TV, iPads, iPhones, iPods, etc. and I'm loving it (most of the time). 

I know that everyone says and knows  that 2 year olds are hyper...but I promise you Grace is not a normal 2 year old. At least at home. Other people say how quiet and well behaved she is when she is with them and I honestly don't understand how she holds it all in for me and Nannie (my mom is my primary baby sitter...so she gets worst of the worst from Grace too). 

Grace learned really young how to work iPads, iPhones, etc and loved to watch tv like most kids nowadays. Like she could find her games on my phone at 12 months. On one hand that's impressive, but on the other hand I think it's super sad that kids these days are so attached. I noticed her behavior getting worse and worse from about 18 months on and most of her meltdowns were either about some device or happened right after playing on one or watching tv. I think she could possibly be ADHD and research shows how constant stimulation by devices and TV are contributing to this. So we've cut back. HUGELY. We may watch 1-2 30 min shows a day. That's it. Also I've lately tried to stay away from movies bc they are so fast paced and full of colors and scene changes and it just puts her brain in overdrive. She never plays with my phone. The only time I let her play with iPad is if I'm trapped nursing Emma and don't really have other options. And on the iPad she does puzzles or learning games, not movies. 

Since making this change she has been 100% better!!! Obviously we still have meltdowns and of course some days have more tv than I'd like but she has less meltdowns and is able to play independently for a much longer time. I think without her brain being constantly stimulated and bombarded, she's much calmer and plays so much better!

She also does better about not asking for tv and devices when it's just me and the girls. She knows that I won't give in. She was so mad at me constantly the first few days but it was totally worth it to just take time and play with her. I also had to learn that since I don't let her play devices, I can't either!! Such a struggle for me because we are so connected nowadays which is a blessing and a curse (I'm leaning more toward curse lately bc I think we are losing our ability to just talk to someone but that's a whole other issue). If she sees me or Avery with our phones out, she immediately wants them (esp Avery bc he's not as good at telling her no yet). So we've tried to get in the habit of no phones at night unless truly necessary. Same with my tv shows. We can't have the tv on one of our shows bc she pays attention to it and then wants hers instead. And that's not fair to her. So we watch tv after she's gone to bed. This has taught me to really enjoy playing with her and not always worrying ab being connected with the world or watching my shows. Because honestly, what's more important than a tea party with a 2 year old?!

Anyone else have technology probs with their kids??