At 6 1/2 months into mommyhood I have a tendency to second guess myself about decisions that I make with Harper. For example did I let her cry to much at nap time before I went it, did I feed her enough tonight at dinner time, am I reading enough to her but I never thought I had a bad mommy manners. The other night the hubby, Harper and I were out for an evening walk it was wonderful and then a little boy came riding up to us on his bike and stopped and wanted to see the baby. We of course stopped and visited and then his mother approached and she leaned forward and took ahold of Harper’s hand. I was surprised because I have always been a “baby person” but I have never walked up to a strangers and touched their baby. After the women let go of Harper’s hand she asked to squeeze Harper which I think she meant she wanted to hold her, thank goodness my husband came to the rescue and said we had to get going back home to let our dog out. What a blessing my husband could tell how uncomfortable I was. I would never want to come off mean or short with someone but my mommy instinct kicked in and I wasn’t comfortable. So here is my question to all moms out there:
Was I wrong to feel vulnerable, odd that someone I don’t know came right up to my child and touched her? How would you feel if someone wanted to hold your child that you didnt know either? How would you react in this situation?
I think the way you and your hubby responded was very appropriate. After all, you didn’t even have to stop, but that was a considerate thing to do! She could have been looking for a sweet baby fix, but you just never know. We all have probably had situations where we didn’t go with that gut feeling and later wished we had. Considering you didn’t know these people, I think I would have handled it very similar! You were polite & respectful, while still protecting your sweet girl!
Once when I was chatting with a friend at the grocery store, I had a man (who I did not know) reach to pick my son up out of my shopping cart and hold him. I was caught completely off guard, but immediately knew that I did not feel comfortable with a complete stranger picking up my son, especially without asking. I quickly blurted out something about my son reaching the ‘stranger danger’ stage and told my son to give the man a high-five. Luckily, the high-five redirected the situation and we were able to walk away without things getting more uncomfortable. While I didn’t have to come right out and tell the man no, I know that if it came to it I would.
I actually had this happen many times and I feel uncomfortable every time. I would never act that way to someone’s child. I know most of the time people are just friendly but it just really freaks me out. At target one time, I was looking at something, while John was sitting up front in the cart and I turn around and a lady had her hands on his checks. It freaked me out. I was at SAMs club with my husband and this guy wanted to hold him. It makes me feel really uncomfortable. I guess being a mother always make you feel super cautious.
Hmm…I probably would have been fine with her touching her hand, that wouldn’t have bothering me, but “squeezing” her or asking to hold her is kinda weird. Especially since you were on a walk and had no idea who she was. Thanks goodness for our hubbies who step in when we get all flustered!