A question for parents

[PaulaSB12]

I am a single female. I went to disney world in October 2005 and am going back in September this year. the question I have is this, I find when I am in line to go on rides small children will start chatting, isit ok to talk to them or could parents get the wrong idea about it. I don't want to worry parents but do worry about looking a bit pervy.

 

[LadyZolt]

I wouldn't worry too much. You can make eye contact with the parent to re-assure them, and usually, small kids view young women as "mommy type" people. I think it's more worrisome if a middle-aged man starts chatting with small kids. LOL! In lines at Disney, I think most parents would be happy to have their children be interested in other people in line because it stops that "are we there yet" question. I understand your concern, though, because there is so much weirdness in the world today. But at Disney, it's a "closed environment" and all the Cast Members look out for the kids, so I think parents tend to be a bit less apprehensive there. Just take it one kid at a time and trust your instincts. And enjoy the rides!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[ToTLaugher]

I can't speak for all parents, but for me I will say that as long a the adult talking to my child respects bounderies (doesn't reach out to touch my child or try to stand between my child and myself) and includes me in the conversation I feel secure enough. Please understand if a child hesistates and is looking at their parent they are probably waiting for the parent to OK the conversation. My children do this because we have taught them not to speak to strangers without our permission. HTH

And thanks for being willing to engage the child! So often kids can feel left out.

 

[Stacerita]

I understand your concern, but as long as you keep it within boundries and engage the parents as well I dont see any problem with it. Most kids are so excited being at WDW that they want to chat up with almost anyone. And most young women appeal to kids....they remind them of mommy, teacher, aunt etc. Most parents probably wont mind. MIght help to keep the kids entertained since a lot of parents get restless in line with kids. Just be aware of the parents that make comments or their actions speak of wanting you to stop.

 

[Ava83]

I have never had an issue with it. I am there and with my child.

Now the problem may be Ava would talk your ear off.

 

[AdventurerKat]

As long as I am with my children, I don't mind people chatting with them. My 2 yo says hello to everyone (and everything! Hello dragonfly, hello tree, etc.) so its just become common that people start chatting with him everywhere we go.

 

[BYC]

My kids are older now, so I don't have this to worry about. My son (now 17) would have walked off with anybody! He was a chatterbox,and very friendly, and adults liked him alot! I would have no problem with him speaking with 'strangers" (aren't we all a stranger at one time?) If he is too young to be in a conversation with an unknown, then he is too young to be without a parent. So...as long as I am there....talk away!....not that you would have stopped him anyway!

 

[marshallandcartersmo]

What a great question. I don't have a problem in the world with someone talking to my kids, but I can't stand when people say things like (and I'm not suggesting the OP would), "you're so cute, wouldn't you like to come home with me"?
I was at Walmart with my boys the other day and an older man struck up a conversation with my boys and I in line, and then said just that----"those boys are so cute, I'll just take them home with me!"
I immediately said to the boys, loud enough for the man to hear, "No boys, we'd never go with someone we don't know, would we". The man then realized what he said and said "she's right boys, stick with your mom". But I can't tell you how many countless times people say things like that. I know they mean no harm, but when I try to teach my kids the fine line of not talking to strangers but still being polite, things like that make it hard.

So to answer your question, please yes, talk away. But try to remember not suggesting to take them home.

 

[zachnlucy]

Talk to mine all you want. They'll wind up boring you to tears with their long-winded ... uhh ... jokes (where they usually forget the punchline).

 

[minnie29uk]

I am a single female. I went to disney world in October 2005 and am going back in September this year. the question I have is this, I find when I am in line to go on rides small children will start chatting, isit ok to talk to them or could parents get the wrong idea about it. I don't want to worry parents but do worry about looking a bit pervy.

There are quite a few single riders queues at Universal.Are there any at Disney.As long as Im with my children I dont mind.But I would move in if I saw an adult talking to the children in a free running area eg.Pooh corner

Enjoy your holiday,
Lynn

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

I agree with the other posters. As the parents of a 7 & a 4 year old, my DH & I have taught our children that it's ok to respond to adults they don't know as long as we are with them. Often, this situation arises when it's an adult from church, a business client, etc.. that the children don't know. Both of my kids are very outgoing and "never meet a stranger." I can so see either of them striking up a conversation in line. However, they have both been instructed NEVER to talk to a stranger when they are without DH or me. But, I also know that at their ages, there is no feasible reason for one of them to be without a parent. So that shouldn't ever be an issue. I do appreciate the OP's sensitivity and concern about appearances. It's a gentle reminder to all of us parents that we should always be vigilant, even at the happiest place on Earth.

 

[Daxx]

I am a mom and a teacher, so I'm super used to talking to kids everywhere! At Disney, I found that most kids start conversations w/me! I must have the "teacher" look!

Anyway, as others have stated, I always include parents in the conversation and don't cross any personal boundaries. I ask the parents for restaurant recommendations, etc. Most parents in line seem grateful for another adult to talk to for a change ... and for someone else to talk to their kids! We've had some really great conversations w/families while waiting in line. I'm not a shy person, so I'll easily start a conversation w/anyone!

And, I'm happy when someone will pass some time talking to DS9. It's a great opportunity for him to practice his conversational skills.

~Daxx's Wife

 

[fizz13]

Just wanted to say how lovely it was of you to think to post this question. i certainly don't mind strangers talking to my kids if i am there, and would certainly feel less threatened by a female than a male. I think in my case, it would be more about my child being shy if they were suddenly spoken to. If you respect that they may not want to, then no problem, and thankyou for showing what a considerate person you are with this post,

Claire xx

 

[Goofy4]

Just make some quick eye contact with a parent and generally you're good to go.

 

[singingpixie]

I'm sure we'll be doing the same thing this week, as DBF talks to kids anywhere- they're magnetically attracted to him, I swear. But we do talk to the parents too, so we should be ok- plus I don't know of too many early-twenties, coupled pervs.

 

[mommyintn]

I ditto the other posters. We have 2 sons ages 6 and almost 3 and I've told my 6 year old that as long as me or Daddy are with him it's fine for him to talk to "strangers". If you talk to my 3 year old you'd probebly get something deep like, "knock-knock, who's there? Rabbitt. Rabbitt who? Rabbitt at the door!" followed by hysterical laughing.

 

[PrincessLindy]

Especially at Disney I have no problem with talking to DD in line. We are line talkers anyway, especially DH. Sometimes I can tell they are not chatty people, which is fine, but he doesn't get the hint so I have to drag him away. I would feel a little uncomfortable if someone talked to her when we were not with her. I wouldn't be mad I would just walk over and join the conversation just so that person would know I was there.

DD knows the difference in talking with 'strangers' when mommy and daddy are there and when we are not.

Talk away. If a parent has a problem with it they will probably let you know one way or another.

 

[lsutigger2]

Thanks to everyone sharing their feelings on this subject and to the OP for asking it. It is just Dh and i and he loves talking to children and I sometimes have to remind him that it is not always okay to do so. He NEVER says anything inappropriate, but knowing how some folks are in this day and time, I just try to make him aware. I often go to the parks solo, since DH plays golf at WDW and have had some great conversations with children in line. Usually the parent chimes in. Have met some some really great folks this way.