Old lady keeps approaching my toddler, making me feel uncomfortable

Trust me, you will 😁

I mean 60s is hardly elderly is it? Don’t touch other people’s kids - not a hard rule to stick to for most, especially if you’ve already been asked.

Unless you've got some personal trauma you haven't mentioned, this is deeply, deeply weird.

If she was asking to kiss him or being invasive of his personal space then no, you'd bat that off politely but I think you're acting insane towards a lonely neighbour.

The story seems to have moved on to this 'stranger' (who the child has seen a few times and the mother has talked to) 'chasing the child down the street'.
I thought she came out of her house to talk to them.
Still, it makes the story all the more dramatic I suppose.
I'm sticking around for the post when she abducted him.

Older generation have always been like this. Nothing you describe sounds off, countries italy and Portugal would stop us and tell us what a gorgeous baby our child is and even touch their cheeks. You sound robotic. Do You have paranoia? I am not being off with you but It all just sounds all very nice and something good humans do and with all coldness and paranoid of each other it's weird leading us into a sad unhappy future world where no one is allowed to show happy emotions towards kids. 3

I think you are very odd, and this entire post makes me sad.

Rubbish.

We don't have a village anymore because OP doesn't want a stranger chasing her toddler down the street and asking if she can touch him?

You are precious actually. Most sane people accept boundaries without getting offended. I have a village and everyone in it respects boundaries I set for my child. If they didnt, I'd say cya!

You're pathetic. Hth

If you approach life like this you truly must be exhausted.

The vast number of people are not a threat.

When you're there with your child there is no kidnap risk unless armed bandits swarm and let's put that at a 0.000000% probability.

Some people are odd. That doesn't mean they are dangerous. It's OK to teach kids that sometimes people we don't know will talk to us and how to be polite and respectful whilst also maintaining boundaries. That's how we learn how to exist in a community.

Your posts all seem very angry.

This post is exactly why no one has a "village" any more.

I think you are being precious and ridiculous.

You are, of course, within your rights to ask the lady not to touch your child, that is up to you, but no toddler has been traumatised by an 'elderly' lady stroking their hand or chatting to them or whatever; in fact, it's teaching them super important social skills, particularly how to differentiate between good and bad touch.

Allowing a stranger to touch your toddler sends a confusing and potentially dangerous message to them at an impressionable age (my son is slightly older and has recently learned about "safe" grown ups at home and nursery. Letting a stranger touch him would totally contradict this).

I agree with posters saying she's likely a lonely old lady looking for a bit of company. Older generations love connecting with young children - it reminds them of when they were young parents themselves. Maybe she doesn't have any grandchildren or, if she does, they live far away. She might not be aware of social conventions these days.
I understand the discomfort from her trying to take his hand and trying to give him a hug - that should be limited to family and familiar trusted adults. Just set the boundary, smile at her in passing, exchange pleasantries if you have the time and move on!

All infants and children should only be viewed from 4 metres away and from behind plexiglass. No hand gestures, such as waving allowed, lest it be viewed as offensive. No calling out "hello" in case it's too loud, triggering, or they don't speak English. Applications to view said infant or child should be submitted in writing three working days prior to viewing and accompanied by two references and an enhanced DBS check.

When passing an infant or child in the street or supermarket, eyes should be averted and all limbs firmly out of the way. If they happen to speak to you, reach out cheerfully to greet you or otherwise initiate interaction, you should stand stock still, close your eyes firmly and count to 300 slowly. If they drop a toy, step over said toy and ignore any wailing or protestations as it will now be contaminated with billions of unknown and dangerous micro organisms, the least of which can totally destroy the brain.

No other human being should touch or meaningfully interact with the child until they reach the age of 18 and are carrying an identity card.

I feel saddened by this post. You have an older woman who is showing friendliness to you and your son who may well be being more disinhibited than she once was. Try showing some compassion.
All you need to say is - ‘ remember what I said about touching my son’ and just gently move between them. You need to be careful that you don’t let your son see your anxiety as he may well pick up on it and see older women or anyone who is friendly as a threat.

What do you mean by saying the people on this thread can’t have it both ways? Do you think everyone should have the same opinion? Why can’t there be differing viewpoints on a thread? Have you never read threads where half the people say yes you're right and half the people say no you're wrong?

Most sane people can have lovely interactions without touching someone. I have great interactions with strangers every day but I can't remember the last time I touched one.

Of course it's not OK for a stranger to touch your child

Why?
If by not allowing a friendly lady to pat your toddler on the head when you are present makes you think you are teaching him about paedophiles, you are sadly mistaken.

OP will be fine. Loads of people will help you without touching your toddler when youve told them not to. I am routinely helped by strangers and literally none of them have touched my toddler as a reward for their kindness 😂

Oh give over.

If a man did this to a woman it would be called assault so why is it OK for someone to do this to a child?

Unless it was her breasts, genitals, bum or upper thighs he touched, it wouldn't be called assault.

Blanking a lady whose only crime is touching his cap

ffs! It is not assault!

just tell her i am training him to not allow strangers to touch him

midel and demonstrate setting boundaries

I just love it when someone makes a comment that tees me up for my favorite emoji that I don't get to use very often: 🙄🙄

Exactly. Are we supposed to celebrate a world where no one talks to or interacts with each other unless there is a benefit to them.
We need to stop this madness now or today's children will grow older in a world that terrifies them.