People I don't know chatting to my dc when we're out

[MutantHunt]

I've had this several times now. People I don't know from Adam but who have obviously met my dc when they've been staying with their father, coming up and chatting to them when we're out and about without introducing themselves to me. It's very unsettling. I get paranoid that it's someone I'm meant to know but have forgotten. Anyone else have this?

[MeepMeepVrooom]

I had it once but it turned out it was a worker from my DDs nursery. It was a really weird feeling and it's bloody rude if you ask me.

Next time I would honestly turn around and say "sorry, do I know you?" I would never dream of approaching a child without introducing myself to the adult with them.

[slartybartfast]

or you could be friendly to them and perhaps they will introduce themselves? no reason to be rude imo

[MeepMeepVrooom]

I don't think asking "sorry, do I know you?" is rude when someone approaches your child to have a discussion with them.

For all you know it could be someone who has previously had contact with the children through their father and the father has stopped the contact for whatever reason.

[FrogbyAnotherName]

It's a great opportunity to teach your DC social norms - teach them to introduce their friend to you.

[BertieBotts]

I had it the other way around - that people I know would see DS out and about with his dad!

I don't think it's rude it's nice that they think of your child as an actual person worth greeting and chatting to.

They should probably introduce themselves to you, though. I think Frog's approach is a nice one - ask DC to introduce their friend! Even if DC is too young to actually do this it's a pointed way of asking Who are you? without being rude.

[MeepMeepVrooom]

I don't think it's rude to approach a child just to not introduce yourself to the adult.

However it is a good idea age dependant to teach your child how to introduce people.

[insancerre]

I work in a nursery and often children when out and about. I always say hello to the child but don't introduce myself to the adult. I don't know the adult so just day hello to the child
didn't realise that people would see that as
rude. its just that I see children as people in their own right and not as an extension of the adult they are with.

[georgesdino]

Im the same as insancerre

[HerrenaHarridan]

I Think your being paranoid.

If I walk past someone I know who is out with another friend (that I don't know) I would say hello to my friend.

If I wanted to exchange a couple of sentences "did you get x sorted out" "no" " I spoke to jimmy and be can do it ill text you his number later" then the friends friend would get a smile and a nod.

If we had met in the bus and were sitting together for 20 mins I'd introduce myself if my friend didn't.

Your son is an individual person, a separate entity who know people you don't. They may be parents of kids at nursery who he sees at pick up and drop off, they may be dad friends or granny's friend or they may be people you have forgotten about but as long as they are only being friendly I don't see your problem

[Moxiechick]

I'm a teacher and will say hi to children from the school I work at when out and about without introducing myself. However, I wouldn't start a full on conversation without introducing myself to the carer as I do think that's rude.