To ask why parents let their kids do this?!

[MustardScreams]

Took dd out for lunch today to a lovely little cafe, geared up for kiddies (playroom, good kids food) as a treat as I haven’t been well, and work full time so we never have a week-day off together.

There was a little girl (the only other child there at that point) around 4/5 with no parents in sight and she saw me playing with dd and latched on. Usually I wouldn’t mind, but I really just wanted to spend time with my child. We couldn’t shake her off, and I couldn’t find her parent/guardian anywhere. Surely if you’re taking your kid out for lunch or whatever a) you keep an eye on them and b) you don’t let them harass other families?!

The parents if the 5 year old did not need to performance parent their child to convince the OP that they met her good parenting standard. Constantly hovering over and directing the play of a 5 year old does them no favours.

I misread you, for which I apologise. I read your comment about performance parenting as an implied dig at OP.

I’m not alone, but I will refrain from following your example as I don’t know the motivation behind your words, and so assume that there was no such intent.

'The reality is that they think their child can play and manage social interactions with other children without direct supervision from an adult.'
Presumably such confident parents send their children to schools with no lunchtime or playground supervision because five year olds can play and manage social interactions with other children without direct supervision from an adult.

This is a common problem with CF parents. They let their child wander over to you and suddenly, hey! free babysitting for half an hour. I'd take the child back to the parents. It's not fair, but you always get the odd parent who will do this.

What vanillaicedtea said

Personally I think it's a flipping cheek.

As usual there is the usual round of excuses as to why you're in the wrong and you're not being "kind" and the usual round of supposedly heart wrenching scenarios to go with it.

No.

Not your child, not your concern.

You are perfectly entitled to feel annoyed by an intrusion you didn't want.

YANBU. You ARE allowed to have time on your own with your child, operation or not.

It drives me bonkers. Normally I say to the child where's your mummy to play with .. it first class lazy parenting.