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Original poster

Terrible experience at the zoo

2 replies

Happyducksbabe · 22/09/2024 23:11

Feeling a little bit sad. Today I went to the zoo with my 4 year old who hasn't had a full diagnosis but is suspected to have autism. The day was great until my son decided to run up to a baby in a pushchair (around 6 months old) and stroked his hair saying "oh sweet baby" and of course I ran over to him and told him no don't touch the baby.

Well the mum was very angry, said very loudly NO THANKYOU and as she walked past said that I should have gotten him off a lot quicker, then proceeded to give me a nasty look which made me feel like the worst mother in the world. Now I've explained to my son that he shouldn't touch babies, I just feel like my confidence has hit rock bottom after this, am I a terrible parent? I feel like I can't control him sometimes. Can't stop thinking about it and the look the lady gave me is like burned into my brain.

OP posts:
ChitterChatter1987 · 23/09/2024 12:00

Firstly, you're not a terrible parent, you did nothing wrong.
Secondly your son didn't do anything wrong either.... He was gentle and kind!
Please do not make the mistake of making this other woman's issues yours or your sons problems.
I get it was a shock and upset you, but I think you need to gain some assertiveness to be able to champion your son, especially if he has ASD.
If anything like this happens again, apologise once (but not profusely) but not in a way that implies your son has done wrong eg; 'I'm sorry if he got abit close... he was just trying to be friendly' and ensure he knows he hasn't either.

You will meet many not very understanding people in life, especially with a child who has SEN, but do not get sucked into their unreasonable way of thinking...it's them with the problem, not you or your little boy.

Jada2024 · 29/09/2024 03:58

Happyducksbabe · 22/09/2024 23:11

Feeling a little bit sad. Today I went to the zoo with my 4 year old who hasn't had a full diagnosis but is suspected to have autism. The day was great until my son decided to run up to a baby in a pushchair (around 6 months old) and stroked his hair saying "oh sweet baby" and of course I ran over to him and told him no don't touch the baby.

Well the mum was very angry, said very loudly NO THANKYOU and as she walked past said that I should have gotten him off a lot quicker, then proceeded to give me a nasty look which made me feel like the worst mother in the world. Now I've explained to my son that he shouldn't touch babies, I just feel like my confidence has hit rock bottom after this, am I a terrible parent? I feel like I can't control him sometimes. Can't stop thinking about it and the look the lady gave me is like burned into my brain.

No you are not a terrible parent and as the other commenter said your son also did nothing wrong. He sounds like a lovely child. He was curious about the baby and interacted with the baby appropriately.
The woman was either having a really bad day or was just a nasty person. She will be on the other end of it when her baby is a bit bigger!

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