Would like to hear how to handle this….

I have an increasingly social 6 month old that people everywhere seem to be drawn to…when he was younger and not as animated i could shield him from people and say “oh he hasnt been vaccinated yet…” or “oh he just woke from a nap so he a not necessarily social right now…”….but now that he is laughing and talking with everyone…complete strangers feel like it is their right to hold him…..i never let it happen because i could come up with an excuse…..and after almost passing out after witnessing my mother cave in and hand my baby over to a complete stranger (a hairstylist in a shop where i was get a consult) ….i vowed to never let this happen again….

the problem…?……my little one is now starting to reach out towards people and lean over and people take this as a cue that they are entitled to hold him……it is hard for me to flat out say no because i dont want to alienate people…but i dont feel comfortable inventing little “white lie” excuses….

Thanks for the vote of approval! You’re funny. I approve of your mom’s work, and I’m so glad you could stick up for yourself. Some of us have a hard time with that, even as verbal adults!

(Fortunately, I was a very early speaker, and by 1 1/2, I could shout, “EWW, DON’T TOUCH ME!” at intrusive strangers.)

- Grace

My early years as a father was replete with criticism for the strict manner in which I raised my son. My son has always been a favored person in the lives of everyone who knew him. As he grew and began his transition into a man, he and I butted heads ourselves without the need of outside opinion. Today however he is incredibly accomplished at a very young age. He is happier with himself than I have ever seen, and that is growning as he excels in his person. And those who once criticised me are now patting me on the back for a job well done.

Our children make their own way eventually. My son made his own choices appropriate for each stage of his life, and until he reached each milestone, I made those choices for him. Today he makes all his own choices, he comes to me now only as a sounding board, someone who he learned to trust and would give him honest judgment, whether it be approving or disapproving.

When our children are young we are responsible “for” them, when they mature we are responsible “to” them. I’m glad to have done my job and applaud every other parent who does theirs. And for those who feel intimidated, perhaps they need to look inward rather than outward for an explanation for their feelings.

Great job Janet!

Dealing with our children’s exposure to inappropriate movies will have to be a future post. I’ll never get over hearing one of my children scream in terror while running home from a neighbor’s house…Grrrrrrrrr!