[jalapeno]

Originally Posted by chrisandaaron

Ok, maybe I'm the odd ball. Like you, I have 3 little ones (2 -2 1/2 yo and 1 - 3mo). I appreciate when people jump in and help me out or grab a kid that is running away (even if I don't think they are too far yet). I figure they are just trying to be nice and they mean well. That doesn't mean I take my eyes off them, but at least the kids are occupied for a couple minutes while I finish what I need to do. I dont' think they feel I can't handle things, they just want to be helpful. DH once asked how I managed going places with all the kids and I told him someone almost always offers to help or if I need help I just ask someone. There is almost always someone happy to help me.

P.S. The touching on the face or mouth does bug me.

Well, I'm sure I'm more touchy than average on this issue. I just really wish people would ask first. Unless it's a safety issue, I don't see why they don't think to do that. For me, the problem is that I feel like I have even more to keep track of when someone tries to help. It's just another distraction for me that I don't need. I don't mind people talking to my kids. And I don't normally mind people playing with my kids a little if my kids initiate it. But I don't see why a child should get less respect than an adult. Nobody would walk up to an adult and stick a finger in their mouth. Nobody would walk up to an adult and just start helping them put shoes on without asking. Or ruffle their hair. Or pinch their cheek. It's just common courtesy to ask but so many people seem to forgo that when it's a child. Anyway, I'm over it now that I've had my rant (for the time being )