If a male stranger spoke to your small child in a friendly way in public, what would your reaction be?

Answer 1

Since I myself was almost molested (by an elder of the church I went to at that!) when I was younger, I would be very cautious. The man never seemed like there was anything wrong with him, but he and his newly wedded (blind) wife were always inviting me over. He said that I was "Like a little angel, and that I could really brighten his day."

A week or so after he started calling me angel and inviting me over, my mom chanced upon his picture at Megan's Law, online. Turns out he had been in and out of jail for molesting his granddaughter. So, we left that church (and got lots of hate-mail for not being forgiving, don't ya just love corruption in the church?) and now go to a better church, and I can positively say that if I had a kid, and some random person was talking to them, I would simply stand between them, give a friendly smile, and tell my kid to wave/say byebye and I would leave. No reason to put my kid in a compromising position.

Answer 2

My reaction would vary depending on the situation. Was I with my child? What did this man say? How friendly was he?

If I was with my child I'd inform the man that my child is not allowed to speak to strangers but thank him for telling her she did a nice cartwheel (or whatever), and then go on our way. I'd try to remember his appearance so that I could keep an eye out for him in the future or even check him on the local sex offender database.

If I wasn't with my child, I'd try to get a description as well as a location from my child. I'd not allow my child to go to the park alone (or wherever this man was) as well as re-explain stranger danger. Depending on what he said I may call the cops and file a report.

Answer 3

It depends on what was said, and the body language, and whether he was aware that you were there or not.

Obviously if he was asking personal questions or being creepy, I'd call the cops, but if he was just like "hey buddy, I like your shirt/bike/hat/whatever", I wouldn't worry about it. Maybe he was just being polite.

I think its sad that in society, guys are so judged for being nice to kids. Its not really fair that my totally normal boyfriend has to feel nervous that if he's nice to the neighbor kids who like to play with our dog in the yard that he may be accused of being a pedophile...

I would, however, discuss with your child later, that if you are not around, it is not ok to talk to strangers or to tell them anything personal such as address or phone number under any circumstances.

Answer 4

people are always talking to my kids in public, there is nothing wrong with it. I am never so far that I cannot hear what is being said, and the kids love it when they are complemented on how hansom (my son) or pretty(my daughter) they are or how well behaved. and I of course enjoy knowing that I have great looking children or well behaved kids, it lets me know that I am doing something right! It is sad that we have to assume every person has bad intentions, but it keeps our kids safe, that is why they are always close by in a public place!
I am more worried about the small child I see, that does not have a parent close by.

Answer 5

Follow your best instincts and dont leave your child alone with strangers...at the same time a certain type/level of interaction is appropriate

Answer 6

all depends where he was and what was the ,if any, reason he had to approach my son......
if it was just a passing by thing, it's cool.....
if the stranger was keel down and looking around while he was speaking to my son, i might save the courts some money.......
in these wicked day in which we live, we must guard our kids against the predators that would ambush them...........i am a very protected parent and grand parent when it come to strangers, veryyyyyyyyy.

Answer 7

I would stand next to my child and listen what the stranger has to say.
Not all adults that talk to children mean harm. He could be asking where the child's parents are. I've asked that question myself.

Answer 8

As long as Im also present thats fine..its not appropriate if the parent isnt right by the childs side

Answer 9

as a parent of two kids one boy(6) one girl(3) it would depend on the circumstances but if i was there and his tone of voice conveyed that there was nothing in it i would allow for the interaction to continue. both of my children have been told they are not to talk to strangers unless me or the wife are there, i have smacked both their bums for doing it(talking to strangers) but if i thought the unthinkable i would and have told the person not to talk to my kids in no certain terms

Answer 10

I'll ask my child what the guy said to him/her. I can't have reaction without knowing what's the action