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AIBU?

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Original poster

Toddler dad picking up and touching other people's kids at playgroups

187 replies

Babycatsarenice · 20/03/2025 14:00

I've come across a Dad in the local park who once weirdly sort of patted my daughter's back when she was crawling past in the playground. Recently at at toddler group I saw the same Dad picking up someone else's kid and putting her on a chair and also messing about withanother kids hat. Strikes me as wierd I never really touch other people's toddlers unless to stop them falling over or falling on another kid. I think he shouldn't do this. AIBU?

OP posts:
Nichebitch · 20/03/2025 20:21

I’m sure most people here would be ok with some random playing with your children 🙄

of course it’s weird, unless he’s playing with friends’ children. And the touching would seriously annoy me, it doesn’t have to imply anything dark, just don’t randomly touch people (specially children!)

Aria999 · 20/03/2025 20:20

DH once had to leap to save a random small child from falling about 4 feet off something wobbly she had climbed on, the parents didn't even say thank you and just looked at him like he had 3 heads before hurrying the child away.

I think if this dad is helping the kids it's fine. Patting their back possibly a little unusual, I would probably not do this myself to someone else's child.

PeppyTealDuck · 20/03/2025 20:14

It’s a natural social interaction from another parent in a public setting. Maybe not one you’d choose, but that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong.

stayathomer · 20/03/2025 20:11

I personally wouldn’t see a problem with it- I know you never know but with kids I’d do the same too, none of those things seem particularly dodgy

TomatoSandwiches · 20/03/2025 20:07

Unless it's to help a child struggling physically I don't want any random unknown adults touching my children, even if it's patting their back or fiddling with their hat, keep your hands to yourselves fgs.

Shabbysock · 20/03/2025 19:59

Pices · 20/03/2025 19:45

@ImoutahereWhy should she? Women are a completely different risk profile to children. You’d be completely ignoring the data to think men and women pose a remotely similar risk to children.

This may be true but what risk does a man interacting with a child who's under close supervision from it's parent, at a toddler group, present?

Shabbysock · 20/03/2025 19:55

I think he's a brave man because he will get reactions like this, but I wish it was different and men (anyone actually) were allowed to interact with children in public.

Pices · 20/03/2025 19:45

@ImoutahereWhy should she? Women are a completely different risk profile to children. You’d be completely ignoring the data to think men and women pose a remotely similar risk to children.

Imoutahere · 20/03/2025 18:08

Would you feel the same way if he was a woman?

Gumbo · 20/03/2025 18:07

DH has always been a toddler magnet...for no apparent reason they always gravitate towards him and climb on him - and he loves it and enjoys making them laugh. You'd almost certainly find him 'weird' as you do this other poor fellow who your implying is a nonce

Some people happen to like playing with small kids?

APATEKPHILLIPEWATCH · 20/03/2025 18:01

He PLAYED WITH A HAT.

Definitely a nonce. Call 101. Now.

Sofiewoo · 20/03/2025 18:00

I honestly think you’re the weird one.

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