Melba had mentioned in a post that people want to touch baby Charlie all the time.
I have to admit that I am dealing with the same problem. People here don't seem to have a concept of personal space. When I am waiting in line at the supermarket for example some people come so close to me that I am getting very uncomfortable. With Lilli it is the same. All the time people come and touch her. Most of them just mean really well and don't know that you shouldn't just touch any child you see. I already joked about putting up a sign on her stroller that says "Don't touch!". I haven't learned how to tell those people to back off, yet.
Particularly when I go with her to the market all those people come and just touch her. Yesterday there was one incident was over the top. Out of nowhere comes this old creepy guy and touches her and kisses her hands. I wanted to move on and told him we needed to go and he just wouldn't stop. I felt very uncomfortable and I don't want to imagine what Lilli felt.
Please, my dear blog friends, tell me how I can tell those people to back off without offending them.
I also get the question "Tu hija?" (your daughter) a lot and when I say proudly "Si. Mi hija!" people shake their heads in disbelieve. I am close to asking people "Why do you want to know? to put them in their place...
1 comment:
The why do you want to know response is a good one, I think...because it makes people consider their own motives in asking such questions.
Yeah, the touching is a tough one...especially once they are a little older and not necessarily right with you all the time. The other night at the game, I simply moved myself if I didn't want them touching Charlie, but I still smiled and was friendly.
I understand not wanting to offend, and I don't either...but sometimes I think you just have to speak up and say what you mean. You are MOM, and what you say goes! For me, the issue really only comes up when I'm in a large place with a lot of strangers. I don't mind gentle touching if I'm in a controlled environment like the library or something...but I guess it all just depends on the situation. Another blogger commented that you could tell them the baby has been sick, b/c no one wants to touch a sick kid...I could definitely see that working too!
Good luck,
Melba
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