You never know who is there, or what their intentions are. I am no expert, but am uncomfortable whenever someone seems too interested in little kids — hovering around them, standing too close, looking for an excuse to touch them in some way.
Example I observed, which maybe was innocent, but I am personally uncomfortable with it and think the parents would have been too:
A person reaching into a stroller (holding several toddlers, like a double stroller) to “tickle” them, as a way of “playing” with them.
Happened to see this. Got that bad feeling. Stood there arms folded. Person left.
I decided to stay and monitor things, not leave them alone, though they are not my family. Walked away momentarily to get a toy from the playroom for them. Came back…there was the person again and he was again “tickling.”
Again, he sees me standing there, and leaves.
The kids run around afterward, they don’t seem to be affected, but that isn’t the point at all.
Nor is the intent of the person the point.
A person wouldn’t leave even a $20 bill sitting out in the open.
The value of a child is incomparable.
So don’t make the mistake of thinking that they can somehow watch or protect themselves.
By Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal (Dossy). All opinions are the author’s own. Public domain.
Writing by Dr. Dannielle Blumenthal 