My new mall shopping habits
My friends say I'm unhealthily obsessed, but I keep thinking about last month's Town Center Mall murders and how I can stay safe.
At first I vowed to stay away from the mall, but with three daughters, that is just about impossible. Also, what would it accomplish? You can get killed just about anywhere, especially in a shopping center parking lot. I watched a documentary about Wal-Marts last week that said there were an extraordinary number of muggings in their parking lots. I can't become a hermit.
So I started thinking about how to get into and out of the mall safely. I could only think of two things: I hold my finger on the car alarm as I get into my car and lock the door immediately. And I make sure to walk in with or be seen by as many people as possible as I go in or out, even if they're construction workers who are making obscene comments.
Although it would be safer, I refuse to use the mall's $4 valet parking service on principle. The valet spaces are right next to the best entrances, so the valet only has to move your car about 20 feet from where you drop it off. This is so offensive I just can't do it.
I was talking to a mall employee from Rio de Janeiro who said murders like this happen all the time there and people just go on living. So that's what I will do, although I am definitely stressed.
How about you? Have your shopping habits changed since the murders?
Gretchen Day-Bryant has a son in high school and a daughter in middle school. She’s lived to tell about the struggles of juggling little kids and work.
Joy Oglesby has a preschooler...
Cindy Kent Fort Lauderdale mother of three. Her kids span in ages from teenager to 20s.
Rafael Olmeda and his wife welcomed their first son in Feb. 2009, and he's helping raise two teenage stepdaughters.
Lois Solomon lives in Boca Raton with her husband and three daughters.
Georgia East is the parent of a five-year-old girl, who came into the world weighing 1 pound, 13 ounces.
Brittany Wallman is the mother of Creed, 15, and Lily, 7, and is married to a journalist, Bob Norman. She covers Broward County government, which is filled with almost as much drama as the Norman household. Almost.
Chris Tiedje is the Social Media Coordinator and the father of a 7-year-old girl, and two boys ages 4 and 3.
Kyara Lomer Camarena has a 2-year-old son, Copelan, and a brand new baby. 
South Florida Parenting is your guide for local events and things to do with your family. Our site offers resources, features and insightful columns on all types of parenting issues.
Parents and their children can access a multitude of free educational resources.