Watching other people with their children

I was just wondering if I'm the only person that does this-

I find myself when I'm shopping or on the train watching other people with their children to make sure that they are not mistreating them....

Before I had my dd I didn't really pay attention...but now I find myself always paying attention....

I would be the first person to say something and get the police if necessary...

Re: Watching other people with their children

Do you worry that people are doing that to you? If you see someone slap DC on their wrist, is that abuse? What if that slap prevented DC from eating something dangerous? Sometimes a glimpse of something isn't exactly what it seems.

Yes, sometimes it's obvious, but I think most times, it's not.

Re: Watching other people with their children

How other people choose to raise their children is not my business .......No, I'm not watching -

IF I happened to notice blatant abuse, that would be different - but who made me judge and jury ???

Re: Watching other people with their children

No, its really none of my concern how other people raise their kids. Someone might be a yeller, someone might be a time out junkie...to each his own...not my concern or place to judge.

Re: Watching other people with their children

Re: Watching other people with their children

I think someone slapping their child's hand to prevent them from putting something in their mouth..is different then someone hitting their child in the face or letting them ran crazy on the train platform....(I've seen this happen before..)

Maybe I worded my post the wrong way..

With all the child abuse going on lately...and me having a child..I'm just more alert...that is all..

You brought up a good point if I'm worried that if someone is watching me...if they are..I'm glad...(not that I would ever mistreat my dd) because at least someone is watching out for her well being...

Re: Watching other people with their children

What I meant was actually "abuse"...by all means I not a watch dog...LOL..

I've just become more aware...

Re: Watching other people with their children

No. I don't watch people to see if they mistreat their kids - it would have to be blatent for me to notice. While it seems to be all over the news lately, I think those are the exceptions to parenting (thankfully).

I do watch people with their kids because I love to see the interactions between parent & child though. Nothing brings a smile to my face quicker than seeing a child feeling loved or looked at with facination.

eta. if I see a child by themselves though - I am all over it, looking for the parent. Not beause I think they're negligent but because I see how easy it is for a kid to take off on someone.

Message edited 4/6/2009 11:32:22 AM.

Re: Watching other people with their children

I do love to see parents to interact with there children too...

Re: Watching other people with their children

Re: Watching other people with their children

I acutally watch people for an entirely different reason.

Being a new mom I am always wondering if I am doing the right thing.

I.e while I was out pushing DS around, I was looking at others in their strollers and how their kids were dressed to make sure mine was dressed warm enough. I will just observe others more so as a comparison.

Re: Watching other people with their children

Re: Watching other people with their children

I wanted to post this today because I was thinking about it on the train this morning..

I'm not a busy body...in everyone's face watching their every move...