When Strangers Step In: Right or Wrong

While shopping in Tesco, I witnessed a brief but fascinating interaction between a mother, her autistic son, and a staff member — and it made me reflect deeply on how children learn from the world around them. Every social exchange, even uncomfortable ones, teaches kids something about behaviour, safety, and belonging. As parents and caregivers, our instinct is to protect, but sometimes the best lessons come from letting society play its quiet role in shaping our children. In a city like London, where community ties can feel distant, moments like these remind us that — even if it doesn’t always feel that way — it still takes a village to teach a child.