Is it the done thing to smile at other parents?

[Anticyclone]

I could be over thinking this, but since DS came into our lives I've had this incredible urge to start smiling at other parents when out with him. Is this normal or am I odd?

Also, as I'm a man, I get slightly worried that some mums might misunderstand my smile, and so I don't do it that often.

Do you understand the sentiment if another random parent smiles at you, or so you think they're mad?

I am entirely the same OP!! Delighted to read your post.

Before I had my son 14 months ago I just saw pushchairs as an irritant. Now I have such respect for other parents (I have found the first year quite tough) and I am SO soppy and besotted with all babies now!

I don't just smile...I am completely gormless....I want a good look in their pushchairs, I want to complement their baby/ child, I want to get a reaction from the poor baby, and I want a big group appreciation of what we have all achieved. Other parents must think I am absolutely NUTS...and very annoying. Although so far other parents seem to like the attention!

And whether you are a man or woman, I don't care! I think dads are great too! (Hope they don't misunderstand MY smile!).

Yes I do the all the time! Usually because I'm smiling at their cute kids.

It's cute. I do it all the time since my lo was born.

I only stop if there is prolonged scowling. And I usually conclude it is the scowler with the issue. I love smiling at other cute babies.

I am a smiler. A fellow eye-catcher and general all round joiner-inner of parenting.

I love it when people look at my dd and smile so I cannot see why others wouldn't like the same

Yes I do it all the time.
I feel like it's solidarity, but I'm also worried it'll be misinterpreted

I do this too unfortunately its normally when I don't have my kids with me and as I'm assured I don't look like a parent I can only assume I look crazy. Still do it though!

Heehee Winchester, I certainly do it when I am alone too, and must appear a weirdo baby stalker!! I have even been known to obviously speed up to get past a pushchair for a good look, and subsequent appreciative smile. Didn't work the time I did it and it was a crazy bag lady pushing all her crap in said chair...oh, how lovely your....things....are!

I'm pregnant with my first and have started smiling at random people with children. Been peering into pranks since getting my bfp!

LHReturns - I saw a lady today who looked too old to be a mum (but would make a young granny) pushing a very posh looking baby pink pram... as she approached closer, I discovered that the occupant was a very pampered and fat pug!

Pug in a pram! I saw my first dog in a pram recently. Pooch was also wearing a tutu.

Hehehehehehehe, well at least the owners of the doggies in prams would feel equally well positioned for the mutual smile of parenting appreciation as they too have their babies!!

I'm glad I'm not alone. I look forward to bumping into one of you in the near future!