dhork@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Dad here. I simply don’t offer, it is far too likely to be misconstrued. Plus, that mom is probably doing all she can to keep it together, and knowing that someone noticed could put her in a worse place mentally. If I’m out with my wife, she has offered out help before, and that is much less likely to be judged. It’s just a fact.
I have sometimes seen little kids wander off while their mom wasn’t looking. I do pay attention to where they go, and try to keep them in sight. Sometimes it might have only looked like they were wandering, only to find they were going toward another trusted adult. But other times you can see that moment of panic on the mom’s face when they realize what happened. It’s enough to be able to point and say “they went that way” and they can go get the kid themselves.
I won’t interfere unless the kid is going into a dangerous situation, like a street or into water. Even then, I won’t touch the kid unless it’s the last possible thing to do to keep them safe, I am more likely to get in their way and ask them where their parents are.
Tramort@programming.dev 3 months ago
I was with you until that last sentence.
dhork@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Like, physically block them from going in the road by walking in front of them and say “Hey, is that your mommy over there? Go to her”.
Tramort@programming.dev 3 months ago
Yeah, it’s totally reasonable. But I’m the current climate I’m not blocking any person’s kid unless they’re going in front of an oncoming train.
Caboose12000@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Can you elaborate why that last sentance makes it bad?
Tramort@programming.dev 3 months ago
I don’t want that to be a narrative that any person can ever tell about me. It could be a totally innocent act, but a sinister framing is easy to assume and impossible to refute.
Hard pass.
dhork@lemmy.world 3 months ago
Well, if the choice is between being perceived as a creep vs watching the kid get hurt, I’ll pick the option that doesn’t end with an injured kid.
HeyThisIsntTheYMCA@lemmy.world 3 months ago
If you’re that worried, figure out your phrasing. “Hey, lets get you back to your parents” probably can’t be misconstrued.
shasta@lemm.ee 3 months ago
Kidnappers like to confirm that parents are not nearby before snatching kids.
jws_shadotak@sh.itjust.works 3 months ago
What is the “right” action here then, in your mind? Would you rather a stranger grab the kid’s hand or pick them up?
Touching someone else’s kid without explicit consent from the parent is likely to get you in some trouble unless you can explain to them that you just saved their kid.