Would you feel weird about this?

[Sweet00]

Was at a local park today with my DD (age 5) her friend of the same age and her friends Dad. My DD went onto the monkey bars but didn't know how to do it so I was about to get up but her friends dad went to help and in doing so was holding her legs so she didnt fall. I got up to help instead. Known him since September. Would you find this weird? I think maybe he was just trying to help but it felt very familiar. How would you feel?

I would not find it weird. I always think if it’s something I would do it’s not sexual, if that’s what you are worried about.

I think it is fine, he was being kind to her

I don’t know the man, so can’t say either way. There are situations where I wouldn’t find this weird, and situations where I would.

You were there, and clearly feel off about it.

No

No I wouldn’t

I wouldn’t

Most parents I know would offer to you to help not just grab your child. Might be fine though - he might just be trying to help. If you think it's not right then keep a close eye when this person is there to avoid it happening again.

It wouldn't bother me at all

You were at the park together, it wasn’t like a random stranger helping your daughter. He’s your daughter’s friend’s dad, and was being kind to your little girl. You’re right to be watching out for your daughter’s safety, but most adults are kind to children and watch out for them.

I wouldn’t think twice about doing that for any of my friends kids (I am female and to be fair have known all my friends for forever) though if I met a new friend I would be horrified that their mind would go there if they went with me to the park and I done that in front of them and my my own child

Nothing weird about it.

Nothing weird about it imo, I often helped random totally unknown kids in the park when I was there with my own dc if they were struggling, if they had fallen and gone splat right next to me and their parents weren’t immediately close by, if they were lost etc - just being kind and helpful.
And when with friends sitting on a bench watching over them all and one of us noticed a kid in need anyone would get up to help.

I don't think anyone should touch children without the child's and the parent's permission. 90% of the time it's nice and innocent. 9% of the time it's boundary-invasive and not OK. 1% of the time it's sinister and not OK. Yes, those 1% are rarer than the 90%, but the 90% should be aware and therefore not be part of the 9% or %.

Unfortunately CSA is pretty common and children need to see good physical boundaries. Don't touch without express permission.

was holding her legs so she didnt fall

No I wouldn't have felt weird about this

But surely you would have done the same for his little one if you were closest when they needed help?

He may have been trying to look heroic, the 'big strong man' rushing to help the little kid, probably trying to impress you a bit. Or just an instinct as he would've done to his own child. You weren't strangers. In this scenario I'd find it fine.
A bit 'performative dad' maybe. Like I bet he'd have been less likely to do it with another dad rather than you, a woman. But I wouldn't be offended.