Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 416
That is honestly really scary . I too encountered a situation like this with a bunch of kids coming up to me and starting talking (youngest 5?). They were curious as to what I was doing, I could have asked probably gotten any information I could have wanted just by asking. It was cool to see the interest, but the friendliness was a tad concerning.they wanted to talk more, but I took me leave as I was feeling uncomfortable with the approachability they had.. another incident I had was that a child (10yo?) walked right INTO MY HOME because He saw toys on the floor (My door was open as I was sitting on my patio, he was a passerby)!! Astonishing!!! I do teach my children stranger danger , and the idea that if they don't feel comfortable to talk or don't know the person, don't respond... no forced hugs , no forced conversation, no forced contact. Obviously be polite but if they don't know the person, even if I do, be cautious .. (and we have a passwords set in place in case of emergencies as well for school pickups and such)... you'd be shocked to hear how many ADULTS are completely offended when encountering this. It is appalling. I have to explain over and over that my child doesn't know who you are, so they are just being careful of strangers (example, an acquaintance of mine, my daughter didn't really know her at all, wanted to give her chocolate, my daughter said she needed to ask me first, this lady was so upset, As though it was an insult to her character, I was shocked....don't take candy from strangers!!!) I think we as parents are not doing a good job of teaching our kids that not everyone is their friend, and not everyone has their best interests at heart, and not everyone likes them, even if said person seems kind. Be respectful , yes, but no way do something solely out of guilt, obligation, or curiosity (talking,hugging,etc)